NEWPORT’S recent woes have been compounded with the news two players could be out for a while after suffering serious injuries in last week’s 21-11 derby defeat to Cardiff, writes Iwan Gabe Davies.

Promising wing Elliot Frewen broke his ankle in that reverse while experienced front row forward Jamie Jeune dislocated an elbow in another poor team performance at Rodney Parade.

It saw the Blue and Blacks complete a Principality Premiership double over their old rivals for the season and it was their first defeat to Cardiff at home in the semi-professional era which started ten years ago.

The Black and Ambers are desperate to get a win this weekend after losing three of their last four league encounters and they will also look to ensure they don’t get embroiled in a relegation dogfight.

One team is likely to be relegated from the league this season with Ebbw Vale, storming into a 19-point lead in the Swalec Championship, having met the criteria needed to be promoted.

Newport are 11 points clear of bottom side Neath currently but the Welsh All Blacks have two games in hand over them.

The Black and Ambers are away to Bedwas and they will be out to avenge their 31-20 defeat at home to Steve Law’s men earlier this month when they travel to face their Gwent rivals this weekend.

The Bridge Field side are enjoying contrasting fortunes to them at the moment after they endured a difficult start to the season.

Victory over Newport tomorrow would see them record their fourth triumph on the bounce in the league.

A win for captain Lee Beach’s men would be a huge shot in the arm for Newport ahead of their crunch derby at home to Cross Keys on Saturday, December 28 before they host Bonymaen in the Swalec Cup on the first weekend of January on a date and at a time yet to be confirmed.