NEWPORT head coach Craig Warlow says losing home advantage against RGC 1404 because of a Rodney Parade fixture clash will not be an excuse if they fall at the first hurdle in their bid to go one better in the WRU National Cup.

The Black and Ambers, runners-up to Merthyr last season, will head to the ground of fierce rivals Cardiff for the round one meeting with the north Walians on Saturday, January 5.

They are unable to use their historic Rodney Parade home because Newport County host Leicester in the FA Cup the following day.

With that clash live on BBC One, the logistics of setting up for television and desire to protect the pitch meant Friday and Saturday were unavailable to Newport.

The WRU insist that the cup encounter must be played on the Saturday so the Black and Ambers will instead be the 'hosts' at Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 6.30pm).

"As players and coaches we've just got to get on with it," said Warlow. "It's the same shaped field, it's not as though a synthetic field is unique and we have played there plenty of times before.

"I don't get involved in the politics and we just have to play in Cardiff and get on with it. It won't be an excuse and after last year's run we are keen to make another mark in the competition."

First Newport concentrate on league matters with a pair of Premiership derbies at Bargoed tomorrow and at Cross Keys seven days later.

The Black and Ambers sit sixth in the table after last week's 22-15 win against Carmarthen Quins at Rodney Parade.

The Bulls are one from bottom and are in a relegation dogfight despite a heavy summer recruitment drive but Warlow knows it will be a tough test at Bargoed Park.

"There is a huge difference between Bargoed's good and bad performances, a little like us," he said.

"Aberavon came unstuck there recently and that shows that they are capable of beating anybody in the league on their day.

"They are strong on their own ground and we know what is coming at us, so it is down to our mental approach."