EBBW Vale head coach Greg Woods has called on his experienced charges to “front up” at Llandovery tonight (kick-off 7.15pm) with several key players unavailable through injury.

With no fixture last Saturday, the Steelmen were able to shake of some of the bumps and bruises they picked up during their 20-0 reverse at the hands of Merthyr the previous Friday.

However, while things are looking better in the backs, Woods is still missing the likes of second rows Ashley Sweet and Lance Randall and back rowers Cameron Regan and Rhys Clarke.

“It was nice to have a weekend off, we really needed it,” said Woods, whose side sit third in the Principality Premiership, one point ahead of Llandovery.

“We had a few bumps during the Merthyr game, so the timing of the free Saturday was great.

“Things behind the scrum are a bit better, in the pack we are still missing some of the lads.

“But there are no excuses, we’ve just got to get on with it, and it’s a good opportunity for other players in the squad.”

Woods added: “We weren’t happy with being nilled by Merthyr but they deserved their win.

“We showed some really dogged determination to make it really competitive and Merthyr had to work hard for their points.

“Llandovery will be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it, and our experienced players have really got to front up.

“They are very similar to previous years with dangerous runners and the ability to score a lot of points.”

Llandovery, bidding for a third consecutive win after victories over Swansea and Neath, have won the last three meetings between the teams.

They beat Ebbw 17-6 at Church Bank in March.