A THIRD win of the season over Swansea tomorrow would see Newport take another step closer to a place in the Principality Premiership tier two end-of-term play-offs.

Craig Warlow’s Black and Ambers have won all three of their bottom-eight matches since the league split in early January.

They currently sit second in the table, four points behind Gwent rivals Cross Keys, who are also unbeaten after four straight victories.

Swansea’s chances of making the top four for the play-offs were all but ended by a 32-15 loss to Llanelli last weekend – the All Whites only have six points from five outings.

The two previous meetings between Newport and tomorrow’s visitors to Rodney Parade (kick-off 2.30pm) went the way of Warlow’s charges.

They won 25-12 at St Helen’s in the league last November, before a 21-18 triumph on home soil in the first round of the WRU National Cup in January.

“We put in a professional display down there in really difficult conditions,” said head coach Warlow.

“We played some controlled rugby but just missed out on a bonus point.

“They scored a late try and the result probably didn’t ref-lect our control of the game.

“The cup game was slightly different, as they got their noses in front and we had to reel them in, but I always felt comfortable we would do it.

“I expect Swansea to come out all guns blazing this time and we’ve got to be ready for that.”

On securing one of those top four berths, Warlow added: “It’s about maintaining momentum when you’re going into the part of the season when the silverware will be decided.

“We’re hoping to be involved in that, and I’ve got every faith in the boys to keep our winning run going.”

Matt O’Brien is back in training and could give the hosts another option at fly-half with Arwel Robson.

Hooker Will Evans is fit again and will be eager to get some game time.