CROSS Keys head coach Greg Woods says sorting out their "patchy" home form is vital if they are to make a late charge for the Principality Premiership playoffs, writes Chris Kirwan.

Sixth-placed Keys, runners up to Pontypridd last season, have no margin for error when they welcome struggling Aberavon to Pandy Park on Saturday afternoon.

They are 13 points back on Carmarthen Quins but could still reel in the west Walians with a strong finish to the campaign.

If they are to do that then they will need to ensure that Pandy Park is a fortress and they have lost five of ten games on their own turf this term, albeit three of those losses were to strong English opposition in the British and Irish Cup.

"Third place is still gettable if we go on a run but our home form has been patchy this season and we have to do the double on Aberavon after beating them down there," said Woods.

"They are scrapping for their life at the bottom of the table but we also have to make sure we keep well clear of that.

"It's a big game for us and we have got to make sure that we are ready for a strong pack because it's going to be a heavy pitch after the weather that we have had this week.

"Aberavon have got a really good set piece and cause sides plenty of trouble at the scrum and lineout."

Keys head into the game on the back of a superb 52-24 Swalec Cup win at Llanelli, a success that earned an away tie at RGC 1404.

"We have to get some consistency of performance because we have enjoyed some good weeks and then the next week we have been terrible," said Woods.

"We have enjoyed good wins against Newport and Llanelli and will try and keep a bit of consistency in selection."