CROSS Keys will be going all out to end Aberavon’s unblemished Principality Premiership record tomorrow – but they must do it without skipper Scott Matthews.

Keys captain Matthews remains on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury in the last minute of his side’s 26-17 loss to Llandovery on October 8.

Being without the openside for the Pandy Park clash with the league leading Wizards is a huge blow to Keys’ hopes of recording a third Premiership triumph of the season.

However, Matthews is backing his teammates to make it a difficult afternoon for Jason Hyatt’s troops, who have won all six of their league fixtures so far this term.

“Aberavon are flying and we know we have got to be on our game to win,” he said. “Unfortunately I won’t be playing but I’m confident in the boys.

“We are trying to get our season back on track by being the underdogs and beating one of the high-fliers.

“We enjoy playing at home and we’ve been in situations like this many times in the past.

“Hopefully we can play well and get something out of the game.”

Matthews is in his first season as captain after taking over from Leon Andrews in the summer.

And while the results so far haven’t quite been what he wanted, Matthews, 22, is enjoying the role.

“It was a no-brainer for me to take it on because there are so many leaders in the team that it makes my job easier,” he added.

“Sometimes it can be tough being one of the pups in the group but the guys are really supportive and I’ve got Leon Andrews there if I need a bit of advice.

“We are a tight group and do a lot of things together off the pitch.”

The corresponding fixture between the sides last season turned out to be an absolute thriller.

James Leadbeater, Nathan Trowbridge, Danny Hodge and Andrews scored Keys’ tries in a 32-32 draw.