IT'S a case of from one crucial relegation scrap to another for Ebbw Vale when they host Maesteg at Eugene Cross Park tonight (kick off 7.30pm).

Vale were Gwent derby victors on Saturday when they crushed Pontypool 52-25 to climb off the bottom of the Welsh Premier Division, their defeated neighbours taking their place at the basement.

In fact their win coupled with Maesteg's narrow loss at Bridgend meant Alex Codling's charges climbed to 14th place, but there is no let up with the visit of their relegation rivals providing the chance to build a buffer zone.

And while Codling was delighted with his team's weekend showing he is wary of tonight's opponents after they took the second-placed outfit to the wire, only losing to an injury-time try.

"Saturday was pleasing but if anything it means that tonight's game takes on even more importance," he said. "It was a massive win for us but there's no point performing like that and then slipping up against Maesteg.

"It was a 15-man performance and it was the most complete performance we have put in since I have been here.

"But if anything i'm expecting an even tougher battle than on Saturday. Maesteg beat Newport in the cup and pushed Bridgend to the limit on Saturday so we know that it is going to be an extremely tough game.

"I think it's a step up and they are fighting for their lives as much as we are."

Maesteg have been in freefall in the league with only their cup quarter-final win over Newport providing solace from a five-game losing streak.

But they are a streetwise side led by old hands John Devereux, Kevin Ellis and the Boobyer brothers, Ian and Roddy.

Codling said: "The big thing that strikes you with Maesteg is that they have a lot of experience and those players make up the core of their side.

"I think the key aspects of the game will be the same as Saturday - we have to cope with the pressure, be ruthless and come away with points when the opportunity arises.

"It's a great chance to build up some momentum at an important stage of the season. We had some good results a few weeks ago but then slipped up and we can't allow that to happen again."

Cross Keys: (from) A McLaughlan, S Hunt, K Owen, M Griffiths, A Bevan, J Hawker, B Shelbourne, J Cross, M Williams, L Williams, N Edwards, M Griffin, J Bond, J Lydiate, C Cleaver. L Davies, C Thomas, R Morgan, G Jones, R Bowen, D Phillips, A Whiteman.