EBBW Vale need to be at their very best tomorrow if they are to inflict yet more misery on champions Neath, says Lyn Jones.

Former Neath and Ospreys coach Jones, working with the Steelmen as a consultant, is wary of the Welsh All Blacks.

Neath have had a poor start to the season by their very high standards, losing three out of their first seven games.

And Jones says he won’t let personal feelings get in the way when he pits his wits against old comrade and Neath coach Rowland Phillips at Eugene Cross Park.

And there is the added spice of former Vale coach Pat Horgan and crowd favourites John Bowd and Neil Edwards returning to their old stamping ground.

Jones doesn’t think the Gnoll outfit are a spent force and said they will take some stopping.

“I still think Neath are up there as one of the best, if not the best team in the league with arguably the best players in the Premiership.

“You have to be at the top of your game to beat them.”

But Jones thinks this could be a make or break game for Neath.

“They are at a cross-roads – another defeat could mean recession but a victory could put them on the path to a fifth league title.

“They will be bouncing after their defeat to Cardiff last week so we know we are in for a rough ride.”

On the prospect of both sides battling against old friends, Jones said: “Players and coaches come and go, that’s the way of the world.

“We just have to concentrate on our own game and see if we can reach a higher level.

“You can’t worry about personalities, you’ve just got to worry about your own performance.”

Jones said he has been delighted by Vale’s last two wins on the road at Cardiff and Llandovery and is relishing his time with the club.

“Ebbw Vale have been very welcoming to me and the enthusiasm is excellent – I’m really enjoying things.

“It’s a real pleasure to work here.”