NEWPORT’S bitter rivals Cardiff will be hoping the Black and Ambers can do them a huge favour tomorrow (2.30pm) by derailing Merthyr’s Principality Premiership title hopes – all Rodney Parade chief Craig Warlow wants is to walk away from the game a happy man after last weekend’s horror show.

Everything that might have gone wrong for Warlow’s men against Pontypridd did, with the side from Sardis Road running out emphatic 46-7 winners on Newport soil.

And while Warlow knows his charges have it in them to play a massive part in the destiny of the league crown, an improvement on their previous showing is his top priority.

“It was poor from start to finish,” said Warlow on the Pontypridd nightmare. “We had quick ball, but whenever we created an opportunity, we couldn’t keep hold of it.

“As good as Pontypridd were, we made them look like world-beaters. We conceded six penalties at set-pieces, and that doesn’t help in terms of building pressure.”

Merthyr lead Cardiff, who go to Swansea, by two points with six matches left.

“It will be tough against Merthyr,” added the Newport head coach. “They are going for the double again.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on keeping the ball and doing the basics really well.

“Merthyr have the advantage in the title race and must be favourites, but we could have a say on who wins the league. I just want to walk away from the ground after the game a happy man.”

Fly-half Matt O’Brien is unavailable for the hosts, however, lock Joe Bartlett returns following injury.

“With five games to go, if we wanted to finish in the top five then we were going to have to win all of them,” added Warlow.

“We put ourselves in a position to do that, but losing the last three has seen us give that up.”