NEWPORT will aim to end any lingering fears of becoming embroiled in a relegation dogfight when they head to Bridgend tomorrow afternoon.

The Black and Ambers are not sweating on their Premiership status just yet but could do with easing further away from cellar dwellers Swansea.

Newport sit in ninth, one place below tomorrow’s hosts, and have an 11-point buffer over the Whites.

Given that Swansea have won just once all season it won’t take a huge effort to secure top-flight status but the Rodney Parade side want to get the job done as soon as possible.

“This is a big one for us,” said team manager Mark Workman. “We want to put it to bed as soon as we can and a win at Bridgend would help do that.

“We’ve got (one-from-bottom) Neath coming up next week at Rodney Parade as well, so it’s in our own hands to avoid getting dragged into a relegation scrap.”

Securing a place in mid-table is all that Newport have to play for following last weekend’s Swalec Cup 34-10 defeat at Pontypridd.

“I don’t think that the scoreline did us justice,” said Workman. “We had plenty of good possession and territory but lacked patience in attack.

“We just need to stay calm and build at Bridgend while we also need to tighten up in defence because they have been scoring a lot of tries of late.”

Newport will be bolstered by the return of their Wales Under-20s contingent along with Dragons fly-half/centre Lewis Robling and openside flanker Darren Waters.

The Black and Ambers have also agreed with Swansea to play the league clash at St Helen’s on Saturday, March 22 (kick-off 2.30pm).