HEAD coach Greg Woods says Cross Keys 'rattled' Pontypridd in a cup thriller but has stressed the need to get over a mental barrier by beating the champions this weekend, writes Chris Kirwan.

The men from Pandy Park were on the wrong end of a 33-27 classic against Ponty in the semi-finals of the Swalec Cup on Saturday.

It was a familiar tale for Keys, who were runners-up to the Sardis Road side in both the Principality Premiership and cup last year.

They haven't had long to lick their wounds and have a swift reunion with their conquerors in a vital league game at Pandy Park on Saturday.

Keys need just four points from their three remaining fixtures to secure a top-three berth and Woods wants to get the job done before they travel to Bridgend on Tuesday and host the Ravens next Saturday.

"We are still pretty low after last Saturday but I said after the game that we couldn't have asked for any more of the boys," he said.

"That performance would have been enough against anyone else in the Premiership but unfortunately Pontypridd aren't just any other team.

"We gave a much better account of ourselves than we did in the two finals last season and have to go one step further.

"It's more of a mental game for us and a win would give us the belief that we can beat them if we make it through to the playoffs.

"We rattled them last week but haven't beaten Pontypridd since last season (an incredible 38-17 away win in December, 2013) and this weekend would be the perfect time to get over the line.

"There are three games left to earn a place in the playoffs and we'd like to get it done as soon as possible rather than going to the last Saturday needing to get a win."

Ponty have already secured top spot and home advantage for the Premiership final. They lost just one game to Welsh opposition this season – to cup final opponents Bridgend – but if Keys can win they will not only secure a spot in the playoffs but will be in pole position for a home semi-final.