NEWPORT head coach was relieved that his side had edged their clash with Bridgend but is urging his charges to show a ruthless streak to avoid similar nervous conclusions.

The Black and Ambers were good value for their 16-12 win at Rodney Parade, but they were still made to work hard in the dying stages to secure the points.

Hembrow said: "I think the tempo we put into the game should have had us in a far more positive position, it was just that final quality of the ball presented at ruck and maul when we were on the front foot that let us down.

"Fair play to Bridgend, they interfered with the ball and slowed it down, but perhaps we need to be a bit more ruthless with the soles of our boots when clearing the ball out.

"At the end of the day we are not wearing slippers and instead of digging with the hands we should be using our feet and attracting the referee to the fact that there is a hand across the ball."

Hembrow believed his side were good value for their win and paid credit to his midfield partnership.

He said: "We had the better scrum and line-out and played positively. We played some decent rugby and Nick Wakley was excellent on the outside.

"I think that is as strong a centre partnership as there is in the league, Scotty (Williams) and Nick cut the line well and are good in both attack and defence.

"We had a very honest, frank exchange of views in the past week and full credit to the boys, their attitude on the field got us the result. We showed good character to keep them pinned back at the end."

But the head coach remained puzzled as to how his side blew a number of gilt-edged chances in the Bridgend 22.

"Frustration is a very polite word for it but it was down to the top two inches," he said. "We worked hard to get the ball but then we need to be a little bit sharper to use it well."