EBBW Vale’s Principality Premiership ambitions have been given a major boost after leaders Pontypridd had four points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.

The Steelmen were four points behind the champions from Sardis Road, but this reduction means the two teams are now equal on points.

Ponty still head the table by virtue of having won more matches than their opponents and have a game in hand on Ebbw.

But tomorrow gives Vale a golden chance to pile the pressure on the league and Swalec Cup holders when they entertain third-placed Carmarthen Quins at Eugene Cross Park, eight points behind the hosts.

Even a point of course would see last year’s runaway promoted Swalec Championship top dogs continue their remarkable season back in the big time and go to the summit with Ponty in Swalec Cup action at home this weekend against Bargoed.

Somewhat ironically, Pontypridd have lost the four points they had once gained in what was a hard-fought 27-19 victory over Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park in November.

Although the Welsh Rugby Union refused to name the ineligible player involved, it is understood it was a Mountain Ash player on permit with the Sardis Road club and that he didn’t even come on to the field of play after being part of Ponty’s matchday squad among the replacements bench.

A WRU spokeswoman said this afternoon: “Pontypridd RFC have received a deduction of four league points for the inclusion of an ineligible player in their matchday squad at Ebbw Vale on November 14.

“The cumulative league score will be adjusted accordingly.”

The Steelmen are in smoking hot form and look for their fifth league win in a row this weekend and aim to follow up last weekend’s impressive 36-18 bonus point demolition of Cardiff.

They haven’t lost in fact since that mid November game against Ponty.

Ebbw Vale: Dan Haymond, Owen Williams, Tom Hiscock, Carl Meyer, Nathan Preece; Iain Smerdon, Rhys Downes; Ross Jones, Rhys Francis, Robert Sevenoaks; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Cameron Regan, Ronny Kynes, Spencer Gibson.

Replacements: To be confirmed