NEWPORT are desperate for victory against Llandovery at Rodney Parade on Thursday evening as they attempt to keep alive their slim hopes of avoiding Principality Premiership bottom spot.

The Black and Ambers trail Bridgend by seven points and Neath by 11 so need to win at least two of their remaining fixtures against the Drovers, Pontypridd at Sardis Road on Tuesday and Aberavon at Rodney Parade a week on Sunday.

It is likely that their place in the 2015/16 Premiership will be rubber-stamped on Saturday when unbeaten Bargoed, who do not have the criteria for promotion, head to the Welfare Ground in Newbridge needing a solitary point to win the Swalec Championship.

However, Newport would love to avoid having their top flight status secured by others' shortcomings and coach Craig Warlow wants to finish a miserable campaign, which has featured just six victories in 24 games in all competitions, with a bit of cheer.

"Although we haven't had a great season the boys have been incredibly committed in training and I want them to finish with something to show for that effort," he said.

"Everyone involved appreciates that it's been a difficult year but there is still plenty to play for as we look towards building for next season."

Newport are boosted by the return of hooker Will Evans, who will come off the bench after six months out with a shoulder injury, but are hit hard by the absence of Ollie Griffiths.

The captain, who will be a key figure for Wales Under-20s at the Junior World Championship in June, limped off with a dead leg against Cross Keys.

Pontypool's Matt Prosser, son of club physiotherapist Steve, and Meurig Davies of Treorchy are on permit to provide front row cover.

Geraint O'Driscoll continues at fly-half and the 27-year-old needs 51 points to reach the 600 milestone for Newport. Last season's Premiership top scorer has already passed the double century this term.

Llandovery sit eighth in the table but have found their form towards the end of the campaign against playoff contenders, beating Cardiff, Bedwas and Carmarthen Quins and being edged out by both Cross Keys and Ebbw Vale.

"If you allow them to get go-forward, win the collisions and get their offload game going then it will turn into a lung-buster," said Warlow.

"We have to disrupt their set piece, put them off their stride and get off the line quickly in defence. Llandovery won at a canter against Carmarthen Quins (46-10) but Ebbw Vale did exactly what we need to do (to win 22-13)."

Newport: L ap Myrddin, L Morgan, B Nightingale, D Franchi, E Frewen, G O'Driscoll, J Lewis, J Greenfield, E Whitson, A Jeffries. Adam Brown (captain), A Frampton, B Lampitt, R Jenkins, S Feehan. Replacements: W Evans, Matthew Prosser (Pontypool), Meurig Davies (Treorchy), D Partridge, R Gibbon, N Edwards, J Mogg, A Quick