AFTER being the victims of high-flying Merthyr, Newport will aim to take a leaf out of the Ironmen's book when they travel to Pontypridd in the Principality Premiership.

The Black and Ambers have had a tough start to the season and were condemned to their fourth defeat from five when beaten by Merthyr 50-26 at Rodney Parade last week.

Newport showed enterprise in attack to at least earn a four-try bonus point but know that they need to improve dramatically in defence after their own line was crossed seven times.

A trip to Sardis Road to play Ponty wouldn't be high up on their list of desired next fixtures but their hosts have already been beaten on their new plastic pitch by Merthyr.

"We are looking to kick-start our season and Merthyr showed the way," said team manager Mark Workman. "Ponty are a quality side but that result shows they are beatable at Sardis.

"I know that Craig (Warlow, head coach) will be looking for a reaction because while we played some nice stuff it was massively disappointing to concede 50 points at home.

"After this we can take stock (during a break for the British and Irish Cup and Foster's Challenge Cup) to see where we need to be at to make the top eight because we are up against it after a slow start but hopefully we will be doing that after a win."

Newport haven't won at Sardis Road since October, 2006 when Gethin Robinson, Nathan Williams and Jason Tovey were try scorers in a 22-14 success but this is a first meeting on plastic.

"It's going to be different because we usually go there and play on a heavy pitch," said the former lock, who was inducted into the Newport hall of fame in 2013.

"We've already played Cardiff away (on a 3G surface) and that was a good game so I'd expect it will be fast and furious, which should suit us with the likes of Rhodri Jones and Kyle Tayler in the pack and some dangerous runners behind."

Newport have been dealt a blow with wing Owen Williams set for a lengthy spell out after suffering ankle ligament damage against Merthyr while prop Garin Harris has a broken thumb.