NEWPORT head to Port Talbot this weekend knowing that there is only so much they can do to maintain pressure at the top of the South Wales Premier League.

Michael Clayden’s men are enjoying a fine season, second in the league when some might have been tipping a relegation battle, but they are finding league leaders Bridgend an irresistible force, having remained unbeaten in nine clashes this season.

Newport are heading to Port Talbot on the back of an encouraging draw with Neath at Spytty Park, Newport unable to overcome a fine batting track as they fell three wickets short of another victory.

Newport set Neath an imposing 282-3, with Imran Hassan top scoring with a superb 105, ably supported by youngster Scott Thornton, who added 69.

However, inspired by Gareth Rees who scored 104, the visitors held on, finishing 253-7 as Newport failed to get the ten wickets they needed.

However, the positive cricket being played by his side has pleased captain Michael Clayden.

“We were happy with the total we set on a very good batting track,” he explained.

“We might have even scored 300, but it was always going to be a tough ask to take ten wickets.

“Before I really knew what was going on, they had already scored 40 runs and you’re thinking ‘this will be tough.’

“But we played positively throughout and that’s all you can ask.

“We shouldn’t be looking over our shoulders after the start we’ve had to the season, so we can keep playing positive cricket and see where it takes us.”

Clayden believes all-rounder Hassan could yet make an impact in the professional game.

In 2007, he was voted the outstanding young cricketer in England and Wales, winning the John Hobbs Memorial Award ahead of current internationals Joe Root and Jos Buttler.

Hassan was offered a deal by Glamorgan when he was 16 but could not sign it as he did not hold a British passport. He took his case to the Home Office but is still awaiting his documentation.

“Obviously Imran has had the interest from Glamorgan before,” Clayden explained.

“If he gets his passport documentation situation sorted, I have no doubt they’d still be keen to sign him up.

“He’s 23 now and definitely has the talent to play professionally. He could still have ten to twelve years in the professional game if he’s given the chance. He has the ability.”

In Division Two, Panteg will look to make it half-a-dozen games without defeat when they entertain Ynystawe.

This could well be a season defining contest for Panteg whose fine run has seen them rise to third in the table; because the visitors are second, just two points ahead of skipper Ian Bird’s boys.

League leaders Swansea are well clear, holding their own at the top of the division, but a victory for Panteg would earmark them as the most likely challengers to the title.

They were helped last time out by the batting of Lloyd Smith, who struck 12 fours on his way to 95 at Panteg set the visitors 253-9.

However, they fell two wickets short of victory as Pentrych closed on 207-8.