A NEW feature of this season’s Premiership is that not only will there be battles at the top and bottom of the league but also a mid-table skirmish for the last play-off berth.

The top eight will enter an end of season tournament that will decide who takes part in next season’s British and Irish Cup.

Seven clubs, six of whom are in the current campaign’s cross-border competition, appear well set to cement their places.

But two sides with play-off hopes clash at Pandy Park this afternoon when Cross Keys host Glamorgan Wanderers.

Keys have made a solid start to the season with Gwent derby wins over Newport, Pontypool and Ebbw Vale backed up with a hard-earned draw away at champions Cardiff.

However, they are currently in 10th place and need to beat the eighth-placed Wanderers to stop them building on their six-point advantage and getting away.

Keys have made just one change to the side that comprehensively beat Ebbw with Dragons academy flanker Toby Faletau making a welcome return.

The 18-year-old has been in tremendous form and has played his part in not only making the Keys pack a rugged one but also a mobile one.

They have provided half-backs Owen Jones and Dai Langdon with a steady stream of possession on the front foot but they must also prevent former Keys fly-half Scott Sneddon from being able to dominate.

It could well be a nervy afternoon at Pandy Park and the home support may again be grateful for the summer arrival of Gareth David and his trusty right boot.

It is only an inferior try count that is keeping Pontypridd off top spot and they will expect to send Newport packing this afternoon.

The Black and Ambers beat Ponty in a poor game at Rodney Parade earlier this season but they will be huge underdogs in the return fixture.

They have a 100 per cent record at the Parade but have lost all three away games while no visiting side has left Sardis Road with the points for nearly two years.

But Newport nearly toppled Ponty last season and have been showing signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Former Blackwood fly-half Chris Wannell has made an impact since getting the number 10 jersey but it is the battle up front that will be key.

Newport will need a big display from their back row of Richard Dale, Paul Williams and Andrew Coombs if they are to cause an upset.

It is still desperately tight at the bottom of the table where winless Pontypool trail Ebbw Vale, who have recorded just one win, by two points.

Pooler need to get up and running and have a great chance this afternoon with a home clash against Llandovery.

They did the double over the Drovers last season and while the side from out west are a tougher proposition this term, home games against those in the bottom half have to be won.

Newport Gwent Dragons Grant Webb and Will Harries provide a welcome boost at number eight and full-back with the latter looking to trigger the form that made him a potent weapon for Bedford last season.

Ebbw Vale’s need for points is just as badly and today they head to fellow strugglers Bedwas.

The Steelmen were very poor against Cross Keys and their supporters will hope to see more drive and determination at Bridge Field.

Wales Under-20 hopefuls James Thomas and Rhys Jenkins will bring some vim and vigour, as will prop Kristian Gay who has returned on permit from Cardiff.

If they can at least match the Bedwas pack then the powerful running of Shaun Powell and Matthew Lewis in midfield could be a crucial factor.

Other fixtures: Aberavon v Llanelli, Carmarthen Q v Swansea, Neath v Cardiff (Sunday, 5.05pm on S4C)