PANDY Park has witnessed some classic Gwent derbies between Cross Keys and Newport down the years.

The two old foes have produced many special memories during plenty of epic encounters, with another chapter in the rivalry to be played out tomorrow.

But the sides will go into the game (kick-off 2.30pm) knowing that the fixture is in real doubt unless Keys’ results start improving soon.

Five clubs could go down from the Principality Premiership at the end of this season, and Keys currently occupy one of those places.

They sit 14th, level on points with Bedwas but with a match in hand – five of the bottom six are separated by just 10 points.

A win in their final outing of 2018 would do Morgan Stoddart’s men the world of good, but Craig Warlow’s Newport will have something to say about that.

Sixth in the table, the Rodney Parade outfit are not out of the title race just yet, though it will take something special to catch leading pair Merthyr and Pontypridd.

If recent meetings are anything to go by then Keys can take heart from five victories in the last six league encounters.

“It’s not panic stations at the moment,” said Keys captain Damian Welch.

“We know it’s a massive season, but the spirit is always great here and we believe we can avoid relegation.

“It has been an up and down season so far, but there is a good spirit among the boys and everyone understands what we are trying to achieve. The thing is, we’re not playing that badly, we just need to target our home games and those away against the sides around us, and hopefully have a few decisions go our way.

“It’s a huge game against Newport and we’ve got to start winning our home fixtures to get out of the situation we’re in.

“It’s the small town club against the city team and they will be favourites going into it, but we don’t mind being the underdogs.”

While Keys lost 20-9 to Carmarthen Quins at Pandy Park on Saturday, Newport bagged a bonus point in a 33-23 defeat of Bargoed in the Rhymney Valley.

Head coach Warlow was delighted with the performances of wings Elliot Frewen and Harri Lang as a double over the Bulls was secured.

“It was nice to break up for a few days knowing we had collected a bonus point,” said Warlow.

“The only downside was a knock to the head for Andrew Mann.

“We know what’s coming from Cross Keys so we’ve got to make sure we do things the way we want to and have prepared for.

“Keys are fighting to stay in this league and will see it as an opportunity to pick up points and put us under pressure.”

He added: “I don’t think anyone is looking at us as serious title contenders, which is great from our point of view.

“Anything is possible and we’ve just got to make sure we keep winning and pick up as many points as possible.

“We are capable of achieving anything and it’s nice to see us now winning games when we’re not necessarily at our best, which we haven’t been able to do in the past.”

Elsewhere tomorrow, Bargoed host Merthyr (kick-off 2.30pm), Swansea go to Llanelli and RGC 1404 entertain Bridgend.

Meanwhile, Cross Keys are holding a reunion of their former players’ association before tomorrow’s game at Pandy Park, starting at 12.30pm. Ex-Keys and Newport players are welcome to attend.