CROSS Keys head coach Greg Woods saluted his side for securing their second Principality Premiership play-off place in successive seasons but concedes they will in all probability face an away clash with Ebbw Vale for a chance of a place in the Grand Final.

Tuesday's 66-5 hammering of Bridgend away at the Brewery Field means the Pandy Park side have chalked up a top three league finish once again, ensuring

Cardiff, who play Ebbw this evening, are now out of the equation.

Last year Keys came unstuck at Pontypridd 38-17 in the Grand Final at Sardis Road.

This time around they are battling with Vale to face a side chasing a treble double-chasing Ponty team who have qualified for yet another opportunity to retain their Premiership and Swalec Cup titles.

With Keys needing Vale to slip up tonight by losing away at Cardiff as well as Woods' men winning against Bridgend at home tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm), he believes the Steelmen will force them to travel for the play-off showdown on Saturday, May 9.

"Ebbw Vale should see off a Cardiff side who have nothing to play for now," he said.

"If they do, I think they will then be strong favourites with home advantage to beat us at Eugene Cross Park in the play-off."

But Woods thinks the burden of hosting a tie could weigh heavily on their Gwent rivals.

"Sometimes the pressure of being at home can work against you, but whatever happens, it is going to be a big, exciting challenge against them," he said.

Keys had to travel for their play-off last year against Carmarthen Quins and emerged as convincing 30-21 winners.

Looking ahead to tomorrow's visit of Bridgend, he added: "It was a great achievement to qualify for the play-offs with a ten-try victory away from home.

"But we remain focussed on playing them again knowing there is bound to be a reaction from Bridgend after such a big defeat."

Keys and Vale have met three times this season with Woods' men holding a 2-1 advantage.

Keys won a home British and Irish qualifier in August 16-13 before Ebbw got their revenge with an emphatic 34-20 league victory at Pandy Park before losing 10-0 to them in the returning Premiership match at Eugene Cross Park.