PONTYPOOL cannot afford to lose another game, according to their manager Tony Clarke.

Speaking ahead of his side's Gwent derby with Newbridge at Pontypool Park tomorrow (2:30pm), Clarke said: "The top six teams, including ourselves, cannot afford to lose another game.

"One loss can drop you so many places. Newbridge have improved since we beat them at the start of the season and are strong up front."

Coach Steve Jones, who is frustrated at his team's lack of discipline in recent matches and his side's poor lineout display in last week's defeat at Division One title-chasing rivals Aberavon, said he was confident of getting back on a winning run.

"It will be a good, tough local derby - but we will have to pick ourselves up and be on top form to win," he warned.

But Jones is frustrated adding: "Our discipline has been a major problem this season. The amount of penalties we are giving away in a game is costing us dearly - the discipline problem is nagging me.

"We are playing most of our rugby with 14 men because of sin binnings which you cannot do at this level."

The sin-binning of forward Mike Powell against Aberavon just minutes from half-time was a key factor in Pontypool leaking the game's only try - one that arguably cost them the match.

"Our lineout against Aberavon was also very disappointing," added Jones. "It had been coming good in recent weeks, but it fell apart and I accept some responsibility for that as coach."

Full-back Stuart Lawrence, who makes his first appearance for Pontypool tomorrow after a ten week transfer wrangle with Premier club Caerphilly, replace injured David Smith (hamstring).

Lawrence signed for Caerphilly at the start of the season - but then changed his mind and re-signed for Pontypool.

However, Caerphilly refused to sign his transfer form.

The case went to the Welsh Rugby Union who this week ruled he could start playing for his home town club.

Pontypool have also re-arranged an outstanding match with Cross Keys at home for February 17.

Pontypool: S Lawrence, J Griffin, C Landry, J Hawker, S John, B Hayward, G Jenkins, G Gunter/A Phillips, L Jones, U Moa, G Taylor, K Faletau/M Powell (from): M Jones, A Howarth, C Treherne, M Tuipulotu, A Lloyd. Replacements (from): rest of squad. Meet ground 12.45pm.