CWMBRAN Town have nothing to play for as far as progressing in the FAW Premier Cup is concerned, but against Gwent rivals Newport County at Newport Stadium tonight (7:30pm) there is pride at stake.

The Crows are bottom of Group B whereas the Exiles need just one point to progress to the quarter-finals where league clubs Cardiff City, Wrexham and Swansea City enter the competition.

"We were disappointed at Saturday's defeat at Rhyl," said Cwmbran manager Tony Willcox. "And I thought we gave a good account of ourselves in the first gam against County at Jenner Park even though we lost 3-2.

"We cannot progress, but there is pride at stake for the players and the management.There is no pressure on us because we are out, so we can relax. "We know it will be even more difficult at their ground, but there is nothing like getting a defeat out of your system quickly, we are going to try and win."

County boss Tim Harris knows Town will not lie down easily. "I am sure Tony and Roger (Gibbins, Cwmbran coach) are not just going to tell their players to go through the motions," said Harris.

"Pride is at stake and that is important when local clubs meet. We needone point to qualify and we're going for victory."

Newport captain Darren Robison (knee ligaments), defender/midfielder Jason Perry (foot) and left-midfielder Scott Walker (ankle) are out.

Midfielder Matt Rose and striker Garry Shephard suffered knocks against King's Lynn on Saturday and face late fitness tests. New signing Alfie Carter can't play because he was not registered seven days before the game while Darren Ryan is suspended after being sent off in last week's clash.

Cwmbran have huge injury worries. Willcox is without midfielders Adam Moore (knee ligaments), Nathan Cotterrell (thigh) and Sean Mainwairing ('flu) and defenders Richard David (ankle) and Michael Pattimore (calf). Striker Craig Hughes is suspended and captain Sean Wharton and keeper Pat O'Hagan face late fitness tests.

County are holding a carol service on Thursday night. The service will be at St John's Church in Maindee (7.30pm).

Newport County (from) : P Mountain, A Thomas, J Eckhardt, B Clark, S Benton, S James, M Rose, N Davies, M Paul, S Cowe, G Shephard, R Souter, R Edwards, R Jones, R Plant, M Taylor.

Cwmbran Town (from) : P O'Hagan, G Wager, R Carter, P James, S Wharton, N Wigg, A Wright, C Watkins, R Griffiths, J Welsh, R Blatchford, R Fahey, D Beckett, M Hennessey, R Shugar.