BEDWAS and Newbridge battles of recent seasons have usually been close and hard-fought, but never of the importance of Satur-day's clash at the Bridge Field.

Newbridge are bottom of the Welsh Premier Division and after defeats at Caerphilly and at Division Two West Banwen in the cup are favourites for the drop.

But Bedwas are only just above the bottom three and a home loss on Saturday would drag them back into the relegation dogfight.

"It's a very, very important game," said Bedwas coach Steve Law, "and one which we have got to win. I'm confident we can do that.

"Newbridge are going through a bad time and are at a low ebb, but they have some very good players and are renowned for playing with physicality and aggression.

"I don't know the ins and outs of what has gone on at Newbridge but I do know that past results will mean nothing and that it won't be a walk in the park. We will certainly be taking nothing for granted.

"Newbridge have had the same nucleus of players for three or four seasons and they have always put up a physical challenge and we are expecting a very tough game.

"We have not been firing on all cylinders this season. It has not been through a lack of endeavour or a lack of application, it's just that we have been making so many unforced errors it's untrue.

"It's the most frustrating thing when you work on things on the training paddock and then go out and perform them on the park and create chances, but because of poor decision making or poor application and skills you don't take those chances.

"Our finishing is very poor at the moment and that is something we have been trying to address."

New Newbridge backs coach Steve Cross has suffered a baptism of fire with a home defeat by Cross Keys in addition to the two mentioned previously since his arrival.

He says a lack of numbers at training has handicapped the club's ability to implement changes but says that is something that has been addressed with management.

"I didn't expect there to be a change overnight," said the former Abertillery and Pontypool wing, "but we need to do things more quickly than we are.

"We have had problems with injuries (the club did not have a full complement of replacements at Banwen) but basically, in our last two games, I can only put our failings down to mental attitude.

"But I can assure you there is no question of throwing in the towel. I am still optimistic we can turn things around.

"But we do need to strengthen the squad in certain areas, though it's not easy to bring people in at this stage of the season.

"Against Bedwas or against anyone else from now on we can't go out with the wrong mental attitude. Every game has to be treated like a cup final and the players have to perform with desire.

"Other Gwent clubs (such as Abertillery and Tredegar) have slipped down the divisions in recent seasons and the last thing we need is for another to go the same way. If we can change attitudes we are still in with a fighting chance."

Newbridge last night signed Dragons Academy under-21 player Gavin Ferguson but have still to appoint a forwards coach.

Bedwas: N Gittins, M Pizey, D Jones, A Harrison, N Hill, A James, R Phillips, J Tilley, P McGhee, J Salter, R Edwards, A Evans, B Cole, C Hill, D Mattravers. Replacements: K Jama, M Pettit, A Edwards, P Wheeler, M Lewis, S Jones, T Price.

Newbridge: J Williams, C Arnolds, G Bowen, C Wills, M Addis, R Watts, C Miller, R Davies, D Williams, C Fitzpatrick, W Sims, P Watkins, J Powell, T Lampard, J Bowd. Replacements: L Davies, A Oliver, P Taylor, M Peard, N Coles, M Taylor, P Jones. Kick-off 2.30pm.