VICTORY over Llanelli would leave Ponty-pool on the brink of Premiership safety this evening (kick-off 7.15pm).

Pooler not only recorded a crucial win when they hosted Glamorgan Wanderers on Saturday but they notched an all-important four-try bonus point. They have built a seven-point lead over Ebbw Vale before Saturday’s monumental clash between the sides at Eugene Cross Park.

So victory over the west Walians tonight in their game in hand would put Pooler close to safety given the Steelmen’s poor record at crossing the whitewash – they have not bagged a four-try bonus point all season and have managed just 13 tries (24 worse than the second lowest Wanderers).

But a Llanelli win would give Ebbw Vale hope of a great escape that would rival Pontypool’s of 2008-9 and would ensure that the winners of the weekend’s clash would be favourites to avoid the drop to Division One East.

However, Pooler have won their last four games to be second in the form league behind champions-elect Neath and will fancy their chances on a pitch that is bound to be heavy given recent rain and the way it cut up at the weekend.

It’s a crucial night at the bottom and it is just as important in the battle to finish in the top four with Glamorgan Wanderers heading to Rodney Parade to take on Newport (kick-off 7.15pm).

The Black and Ambers have faltered over the last week – going down to last-gasp defeats at both Cardiff and Llanelli – and desperately need a five-point haul against the struggling Wanderers.

Neath are certainties for yet another title while Swansea are looking good for second place, leaving two slots in the top four up for grabs. The prize is automatic qualification for next season’s British and Irish Cup and just three points separate third-placed Newport and Llanelli, Cardiff and Pontypridd.

But tonight represents a perfect opportunity for a pick-me-up for Newport, who host their final home game of the campaign when Neath visit on Saturday.

The Wanderers have lost their last nine league encounters and were appalling when beaten by Pontypool on Saturday with coach Richard Hodges admitting they are in “a pretty dark place”.

Newport have a patched-up squad but still have more than enough quality to make it a comfortable evening at the Parade as long as the attitude and application is spot-on.