EBBW Vale’s hopes of winning silverware may be slim but coach Lewis Roberts insists playing for the badge is more than enough motivation for the squad ahead of tonight’s trip to Swansea, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Steelmen’s WRU National Cup dream was ended by a last-gasp Merthyr try a fortnight ago and the odds of them repeating their 2016 title success are long.

They trail the Ironmen by 10 points with 11 games left and would need to have a near-perfect run-in and for the champions, second-placed Cardiff and third-placed Pontypridd to all stumble.

Nonetheless, there is no danger of Greg Woods’ men ambling toward May with the players keen to get cup frustration out of their system at St Helen’s (kick-off 7.15pm) after last week’s home clash with Neath was postponed.

“After the loss to Merthyr it’s really important that we get back on the horse and build from the performance,” said assistant Roberts.

“Results are still important and we will hopefully get a win at Swansea that allows us to kick on for the rest of the season.

“We pride ourselves on performing for the badge and for the town.”

The Whites were in the relegation dogfight at the start of the season but have steered clear of that scrap thanks to seven wins from eight, while they are also in the cup quarter-finals.

“They are a team in form and we are taking nothing for granted, it will be a tough challenge,” said Roberts.

“Swansea have a lot of exciting backs and have really come together after the start they had to climb the table convincingly.

“We go there with our eyes wide open and will have to be tight in defence and strong in the set piece, which are areas that we pride ourselves on.”

Ebbw won 28-14 when the teams met at Eugene Cross Park in October.