NEWPORT will go to the top of the Welsh/Scottish League if they beat Pontypridd at Sardis Road tomorrow night (7.05pm).

Newport's 35-25 victory over Ebbw Vale on Boxing day coupled with Llanelli's shock 35-9 defeat at struggling Swansea leaves Newport trailing Llanelli by just three points. But Newport have two games in hand over their West Wales rivals and if they achieve a rare victory at Pontypridd they will go top.

Newport and Llanelli went into their Boxing day clashes level on tries at 26 each, but whereas Llanelli failed to score any at St Helen's Newport managed four against Ebbw Vale.

Newport captain Simon Raiwalui, who has experienced the highs and lows at Sardis Road, warns his team ahead of tomorrow.

"Pontypridd will be targeting this match, they will be up for it and they will come out with all guns blazing," he said.

"But we can improve on our performance against Ebbw Vale, we'll work on a few things." Newport coach Ian McIntosh admitted, "It's been tough since I arrived here and Pontypridd will be no different."

He will finalise the side after training today and will probably make three or four changes. Pontypridd have revived in recent weeks, with a stirring win at Swansea, victory over Ebbw Vale and a close call against Cardiff yesterday, losing 28-20 at the Arms Park.

*PICTURED: Newport captain Simon Raiwalui is caught by the Ebbw Vale defence as Ateelmen Kevin Ellis (left) and Dai Weatherley (right) muscle in during the Gwent derby as the Black and Ambers ran out 35-25 winners at Rodney Parade yesterday.