Ready for the big one! (From Free Press Series)

Ready for the big one!

PONTYPOOL are hoping their luck will change as they prepare for Friday night's big clash with Newport at the Park.

The team feels hard done by following their defeat against Bridgend at the Brewery Field last weekend and they believe they deserve a change in fortunes when they take on their big Gwent rivals.

Lock Darryl Cox was controversially sent off before half-time on Saturday for allegedly stamping on an opponent and it was a decision that probably cost Pooler the points.

Pooler faced Newport, the reigning Premier Division champions, in the first game of the season and so nearly produced a big shock before losing 20-16.

And coach Steve Jones says he is looking for a similar performance in the return fixture at the Park.

"We have lost so many games this season by just a few points, including the game at Bridgend last weekend so it is about time that Lady Luck starts shining on us.

"With the amount of effort the players are putting in, they deserve something to go right for them."

Jones also called on local supporters to come out in force on Friday to support their team.

"We have fantastic supporters and we really need them to give us that extra edge. With the Park full, it would be like having an extra man on the field."

Newport can expect an early onslaught from Pooler as Jones' men plan to get into the faces of their rivals from the first minute.

"We need to get in their faces and that's what we'll do. The players don't need to be motivated for this one. It's a big local derby and everyone knows what is at stake."

The match kicks off at 7.15pm on Friday.