GREG Woods returns to Pandy Park with Ebbw Vale tomorrow for the first time since leaving Cross Keys earlier this year – but it won’t be his old club standing in the way of the Steelmen, writes David Williams.

That’s because Keys are the hosts for Ebbw’s National Cup semi-final clash with reigning Principality Premiership champions and current leaders Merthyr (kick-off 5.15pm).

Ebbw knocked cup holders RGC 1404 out of this season’s competition at the start of January before dispatching Bridgend and then Bargoed in the last eight.

However, Merthyr, who hold an eight-point advantage over second-placed Carmarthen Quins in the league, will be expected to give them the toughest test of their 2017-18 knockout campaign to date.

But Woods is a man with a cup pedigree to rival any of the head coaches employed by Premiership clubs at the moment.

Under Woods, Keys won the final in 2012, were runners-up two years later and also reached the semis in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“This is a big game and there has been a real buzz around the club this week,” said Woods.

“I’ve got some fantastic memories of Pandy Park and I’m hoping to create some more this weekend.

“It will be a great day for Ebbw Vale because they haven’t been in the semi- finals for a long time.

“We’ve got to go there with confidence and believe we can win, and if we play well we can cause them trouble.”

When asked if he was surprised that the Steelmen had never won the cup, he added: “It just proves how difficult it is to win.

“I’ve said to the guys throughout the rounds that this is a chance for them to do something special.

“Our cup performances so far have been really positive and we’ve got a core group of players who won the league and know what it’s like to win big games.

“We’ve got to make sure we are disciplined, accurate and start the game well.

“The thing about semi-finals is that no-one remembers the side that lost, so we’ve got to do something special for those people who follow us down there.

“It’s not about me going back to Cross Keys, it’s about Ebbw Vale’s first semi-final for a long time.”

Merthyr start the tie as favourites having established a healthy points cushion in the league and easily seen off Newcastle Emlyn, Cardiff and Pontypool in the cup.

“Merthyr have got so many threats across the park,” said Woods. “They’ve got a huge pack and fantastic backs.

“We know this is the hardest draw, there’s no getting away from that, but it’s a challenge we will relish.”