NEWPORT are determined to finish the season on a high at Aberavon tonight even though the result will not affect their second place finish in the Welsh Premier Division.

In many ways the game is a match too far, coming as it does 13 days after their superb 31-14 success over new champions Neath at Rodney Parade.

But coach Dai Rees (pictured) wants his side to go out with a win and will make sure they are fully focused. "The result won't affect our league position or our overall success this season, but our superb display against Neath would obviously have been a great way to finish the season," said Rees.

"It has been difficult getting the players back up for one more game and we have only had one training session this week.

"But the fact remains that the season isn't finished and we have to go in against Aberavon with the right attitude because I want us to finish on a high with a victory (which would be their 13th in a row in the league).

"And it would be nice to do that to show that our cup defeat there (back in March) really was a blip and not a true reflection of our ability.

"We will continue to play in the same expansive way that brought us some superb results in the final few months, but Aberavon will want to bow out with a win against us too and won't make it easy."

Newport field a strong squad, but have one concern as Wales Under-19s international Alex Walker is the only scrum half available. James Ireland has a dead leg sustained in the club's tour game against Midlands Division One side Luctonians in Leominster last weekend and Gareth Crothers is involved in a Dragons League semi-final.

Newport won the tour game comfortably with coach Rees playing a full part at outside half, "though I am still suffering for it," he admitted.

Newport: R Williams, G Chapman, R Shorney, J Ireland, C Thomas, D Griffiths, A Walker, G Mason, A Brown, G Robinson, M Veater, B Thomson, P Williams, R Jones, W Waldron. Replacements: S Waldron, R Dale, N Edwards, S Cronk, I Evans, R Payne. Kick-off 7.15pm.