CROSS Keys head coach Greg Woods has declared this evening's clash with Cardiff in the capital (kick-off 7.30pm) as a shootout to stay in contention for the top half of the Principality Premiership.

Both teams currently sit outside the top eight with five rounds to go until the controversial January split to the league.

Tonight's hosts are ninth and Keys are tenth but the congested table means Keys and the Blue and Blacks retain hope of being in the title mix rather than playing for pride in the run-in.

"It's a big game and we've had similar seasons – this match probably decides who stays in the race for the top eight," said Woods. "Whoever loses has a bit of work to do and probably can't drop any more games.

"We have dug ourselves out of a bit of a hole with three wins on the trot, two away, so November has been excellent and the boys need to continue what they have been doing.

"They've played to the final whistle in some tight games. We haven't had that flow to our game yet but the spirit and fitness has been superb when things are going to the wire.

"We've been pragmatic with rock-solid defence, good set piece and we've clawed our way to three wins that we can build from. If we can get four out of four in November that would be fantastic."

Keys, who won at the death at Llanelli last Friday thanks to a try by Dragons centre Barney Nightingale, are without flankers Scott Matthews (ankle) and Josh Skinner (hand).

They still boast plenty of experience and quality in the back row in the form of Tom Lampard, Ieuan Jones and Adam Powell while Woods was impressed by one of the next generation at Parc y Scarlets.

He said: "I've been pleased with the whole squad effort and we had young Rhys Fitzgerald from Penaltta coming off the bench replacing Josh and he topped the tackle count. That's exactly what you need.

"Our back row has been outstanding on this little run while Barney has taken his British and Irish Cup form into November and his newish partnership with Lewis Barnett in the centres has been excellent.

"There's a new feel to our side this season but we want to be competitive in the transition and wins are building confidence."