NEWPORT head coach Ian Hembrow is demanding a refreshed attitude when they host Bridgend this weekend following their meek surrender at Bedwas.

Things had seemed to be going in the right direction after three wins on the bounce but the pressure has piled back on Hembrow and his coaching team after the woeful showing at Bridge Field.

The victories over Llanelli, Carmarthen Athletic and Cross Keys were quickly forgotten after being sent packing by a Bedwas side that adapted far better to the woeful conditions.

"It's a new year and what we need is a new attitude," said Hembrow.

"As a group we have come up with all the excuses that there are and there are no more left in the box.

"They are playing for a huge club with a history that demands that we are higher in the table.

"I agree with all the comments that the performances have been below par and I am realistic enough to realise that we are below the standard expected - I don't need anybody to tell me that.

"But I have always been honest in my appraisal, I'm not a blamer of referees and I know it is up to us to improve the results.

"But I am also confident that we have the squad and the ability to do better and I'm sure that we will."

The loss to Bedwas does not sit comfortably with the head coach, who was annoyed that his players failed to make the most of the wind at their backs and then took too long to force their way back into the game after the break.

He said: "It was a bitterly disappointing performance and we are looking for a reaction. We failed to take control and didn't use the conditions.

"We chose to play with the wind but were hit by an early sucker punch and in fairness to Bedwas they played well and deserved the win.

"We were on the back of three wins, a convincing one over Llanelli, a professional cup win and a hard-fought victory against Cross Keys, and now we need to get back on track.

"We are looking to control this game from the off. Bridgend are on the back of two wins and have Mike Powell and Andrew Bishop back from regional duty. We need to nullify the threat that they bring."

A number of changes are enforced with back rowers Richard Dale (elbow) and Paul Williams (shoulder) ruled out while Lewis Evans and Alex Walker are with the Dragons in Glasgow, though Evans may be on the bench.

Walker's absence means a recall for Matthew Thomas and Hembrow is looking for his fiery scrum half to continue where he left off against Bedwas.

"Matty came on and made a heck of a difference," he said. "They were his sort of conditions and he did well when he came on. It's been a stop-start season for him with getting married and a few knocks but he has been patient and will want to take his chance."

Newport: L Hathaway, W Kershaw-Naylor, N Wakley, S Williams (captain), M Poole, D Griffiths, M Thomas, I Evans, A Brown, G Robinson, M Workman, M Veater and three from D Ford, R Field, L Evans, C Hill and T Organ. Replacements: D Pattison, M Leaman, A Frampton, S Parry, J Dixon, M Hook and one of the five back rows.