CROSS Keys face a swift return to the scene of their Swalec Cup anguish when they attempt to keep their Principality Premiership play-off hopes alive against fellow title contenders Aberavon this evening (kick-off 7.15pm).

The men from Pandy Park must conquer their demons when they head back to the Talbot Athletic Ground three days after being edged out by Carmarthen Quins 21-20 in the semi-finals.

Had Ethan Davies' penalty from the last play gone between the posts then they would have been heading to take on the Wizards buoyed by a return to Principality Stadium.

Instead they have been licking their wounds ahead of another massive game as Keys bid for a place in the play-offs for the third season on the bounce.

They currently sit in fifth place with games remaining against the sixth-placed Wizards, bottom club Neath on Saturday and Gwent rivals Bedwas next Tuesday.

With Pontypridd and Newport meeting and Llandovery taking on the Quins, it promises to be a vital evening in the race for the top three and Keys head coach Greg Woods admits it will be a challenge to get his charges up from the canvas.

"There was pure devastation afterwards but we will still are staying tight and I'm proud of the boys because they gave it a real shot," he said.

"As players and coaches we were gutted for our supporters because they really backed us and helped create a great atmosphere.

"It's going to be tough going back there – it's probably the last place that I want to be going – but we've got a job to do.

"We have to make sure we leave Aberavon with something and need to make sure we take it down to our last game against Bedwas next Tuesday.

"We want to finish the season strongly, whether that ends in a place in the play-offs or not. As gutted as we were at the weekend, we still have a lot to play for.

"And as coaches we were pleased with how the team played on Saturday but we have to execute better and take our chances against Aberavon."

Keys will tinker with the side that was beaten by the Quins with several of their replacements likely to swap places with the starters.

The Pandy Park meeting with the Wizards in October was a thriller with the spoils shared 32-32 and both teams bagging four-try bonus points.