LLANWERN face a must win home basement battle with Milford tomorrow in a bid to preserve their First Division status.

Kevin Russell, in his first senior managerial role, is experiencing a rather torrid time - but the visit of Milford offers the chance of some relief.

Milford are 10 points adrift of Cardiff side Ely Rangers while Llanwern are in danger of being overhauled by Garden Village, who have three games in hand and are only two points adrift of the Newport side.

Russell said: "We have struggled recently and it is time for players to stand up and be counted. There are experienced players in the squad and it is time for them to show what it's all about.

"It's a game I expect to win and I think we need four wins to stay up. Once we get a win we are capable of winning four - but it is getting that first one."

New signing Daniel Heath, a central defender from Newport YMCA, is in the squad while Lee Stewart, nursing a toe injury sustained in the home defeat by Bettws last week, faces a late fitness test.

Caerleon are at home to Cardiff Civil Service, who are quitting the league at the end of the season because they are losing their ground.

The two clubs have identical records from 24 games, separated by goal difference with Caerleon having the better record.

Denis McCoy, Caerleon player-manager, said: "We always have good games with them, very tight and it's never easy, but hopefully it will be our turn to come out on top."

Midfield players James Dean and Dennis Perrett are expected to return to the squad after injury.

Newport YMCA, who pipped Dinas Powys for the Third Division title, renew their tussles at the Murch Field in Division Two with Dinas Powys looking to make it another promotion season.

Tredegar, still smarting from their shock exit from the Gwent Senior Cup at the hands of Croesyceiliog last week, should put the defeat behind them when they travel to relegation candidates Merthyr Saints.

Caldicot, third in Division Three, travel to top side Skewen with Darren Porretta (ankle) facing a fitness test.

Carl Thorne is ruled out of the Treowen line-up at home to Newcastle Emlyn with an ankle injury, but Simon Evans and Wayne Hatton should return.

Fixtures. Tomorrow: Welsh League, Division One: Bettws v Pontardawe, Caerleon v Cardiff Civil Service, Garw v Briton Ferry, Goytre v Cardiff Corries, Llanwern v Milford, Maesteg Park v Ely Rangers, Penrhiwceiber v Garden Village, UWIC v Neath. Division Two: AFC Llwydcoed v Pontypridd, AFC Rhondda v Fields Park-Pontllanfraith, Ammanford v Bridgend, Blaenrhondda v Aberaman, Dinas Powys v Newport YMCA, Grange Quins v Morriston, Merthyr Saints v Tredegar, Porth Tywyn v Porthcawl. Division Three: Bryntirion v Pentwyn, Chepstow v Albion Rovers, Cwmamman v Troedyrhiw, Pontyclun v Pontlottyn, Seven Sisters v Caerau (Ely), Skewen v Caldicot, Tillery v RTB Ebbw Vale, Treowen v Newcastle Emlyn.

Knauf Alcopor Insulation Gwent Central League, Free Press Cup Group B: Prescoed v Pontypool Town B, Sebastopol B v Gilwern & District B. First Division: Tranch Utd v Goytre, Pontypool Town v Mardy, Clydach Wasps v Sebastopol, Gilwern & District v Little Mill, Llanarth v PILCS. Second Division: Llantilio v Cwmffrwdoer, Race Utd v Blaenavon Blues, New Inn v Crickhowell, PILCS B v Govilon. Welsh League, Division One: Milford v Garw