AFTER embarrassingly finishing bottom of the pile last season, Newport head west to Llanelli tomorrow evening knowing that victory will put them to the top of the Principality Premiership.

The Black and Ambers racked up a sixth league victory of the campaign when they beat Ebbw Vale at the start of the month, a tally that already betters their total for 2014/15.

They sit fifth in the table, level on points with Llandovery and Aberavon with Cross Keys and Pontypridd a further two points ahead.

Victory at Parc y Scarlets, where they haven't won since a 36-10 triumph in 2009, would see Newport sitting pretty ahead of the weekend action.

However, their progress has been stalled by the break while the Newport Gwent Dragons Premiership Select took part in the British and Irish Cup.

The Black and Ambers saw their home Foster's Challenge Cup tie with Bedwas postponed and then their experimental side was hammered 48-6 at Ebbw Vale.

"It's been a little bit of a disruption to be honest but now we have two big games against Llanelli and Neath before the Premiership has another break," said forwards coach Ty Morris.

"We know it's going to be a tough task at Llanelli, who started the season strongly and were scoring points very easily.

"To go top would be great and things are going well but we are just going to keep going from game to game as we have all season, trying to improve each week.

"We've been delighted with the attitude of the boys, they have dug in and worked hard. They've got the rewards for that and I know that it can be hard to shake off a losing streak but when you start winning little things tend to go your way."

Newport hope to be boosted by the return from injury of utility back Llywarch Ap Myrddin while Joe Cullimore could feature on permit from Caldicot.

The flanker impressed in the win against the Steelmen at Rodney Parade and the Black and Ambers hope to tie up a deal to bring him on board regularly.