HEAD coach Greg Woods has hammered home to his Ebbw Vale players that there are no dead rubbers as they enter the final stretch of the Principality Premiership.

The ninth-placed Steelmen entertain Bedwas at Eugene Cross Park tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm), a fixture that is followed by a home encounter with Merthyr and trips to Cardiff and Cross Keys.

There is no relegation from the Premiership this season but that doesn't mean Woods is relaxed for the run-in.

After taking the hotseat at the start of the year, the former Cross Keys boss wants his charges to start building for 2018/19.

And Woods has demanded a response after Ebbw were beaten 30-26 by Aberavon last time out when they trailed 27-0 only to fight back for a pair of points thanks to tries by Lewis Young, Stefan Tomas (2) and a penalty try.

"We were disappointed with our first half performance against Aberavon, we rallied really well to pull something out of it but we have to start better," said Woods.

"I've made it clear to the guys that that first half wasn't acceptable and we will be looking to come out firing against Bedwas.

"I expect us to be really switched on and put in a big performance.

"This is the perfect time for me, it gives me a lot of games to look at the guys and get our principles in place because next season is so important (with the return of relegation).

"There are no dead rubbers by any stretch, it's about building for next year and getting our attitude right.

"It's a big thing for us to put in a big home performance and get Eugene Cross Park back to being a fortress."

Bedwas drubbed Ebbw 54-5 at Bridge Field in October before the Steelmen got revenge 33-17 on December 23.

Tomorrow's visitors head north in fine form thanks to wins against Cross Keys, Bargoed and Newport.

Ian Gardner's men have scored 27 tries in their last five outings, meaning the Ebbw defence will have to be on their game.

"It's a big challenge because Bedwas are on a good run," he said.

"The weather is going to be good and they like to throw it around, so we will be tested."

"Bedwas have expanded their game and play. They have a solid pack but with Steffan Jones at fly-half they do move the ball around.

"Aberavon did that very well against us and at first we didn't cope. Once we got to grips with it we were better. We can't play to other teams strengths, we have to play to our own and dictate the tempo."

A strong end to the campaign can earn Vale a top-half finish and that bid has been boosted by the Welsh Rugby Union allowing the result to stand from their trip to Bargoed.

The game was abandoned at half-time when a supporter suffered a medical emergency with the Steelmen leading 15-3.

"It's a sensible decision," said Woods. "We were comfortable in that game so are happy it's a win and that there is another fixture gone.

"I never chase bonus points anyway, if they come then they come, so we are just happy with the four points after being dominant up the hill.

"We are struggling to get four games in so five would have been crazy."

Dai Langdon is out so Dom Franchi comes in inside centre with Lewis Dennett having extra playmaking responsibility from 10.