HEAD coach Louie Tonkin says the spirit of his Pontypool side is priceless but has demanded they maintain their high standards after toppling big-spending SSE Swalec Championship favourites Merthyr, writes Chris Kirwan.

Fourth-placed Pooler host struggling Llanharan tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 1.30pm) with spirits high after a stunning 20-13 away win against the Ironmen.

It has been a tricky start to the season but away wins at Narberth, Newbridge and Merthyr have kept the promotion hopefuls in touch at the top.

Now they need to marry that with form on their own turf after suffering a loss to leaders Swansea and draw against champions Bargoed.

"Technically and tactically we were very good at Merthyr but more important was our desire," said Tonkin, who took over the reins this summer.

"We've got guys in our side who are born and bred Pontypool. They want the club to do well and you can't buy their desire and spirit.

"It was such an important win and after a really hard first five games against the top teams in the league we now have to be ruthless.

"It's all well and good getting up for a game against Merthyr, Swansea or Bargoed but we have to do the same against Llanharan and Newcastle Emlyn next week or we will come unstuck.

"We have to consistently hit the heights and what is good on that front is that we have some key guys dripping back in from injury."

Newbridge will attempt to upset the odds when they travel to high-flying Swansea (kick-off 1.30pm).

The Whites are in red-hot form with five wins from five to lead the way but 'Bridge have enjoyed an encouraging start to the season themselves after a summer of change on and off the field.

They sit sixth with three wins but head into the game on the back of a frustrating 19-18 loss to Narberth at the Welfare Ground when they conceded a try at the death.

Last season Newbridge were thumped 57-14 at St Helen's but things were tighter in Gwent, the Whites sneaking home 20-18.

Other fixtures: Beddau v Glynneath, Cardiff Met v Newcastle Emlyn, Narberth v Bargoed, RGC 1404 v Bridgend Athletic, Tata Steel v Merthyr