NEWPORT host old rivals Cardiff knowing that there can be no more slip-ups if they are to be in the reckoning at the head of the Swalec Premier League come the end of August.

The Spytty Park side dropped down from third to fifth after an afternoon to forget in Ammanford last Saturday.

They decided to bat but could not push on after an encouraging start and were limited to 176-9, with Glamorgan spinner Dean Cosker taking two wickets and going for just 24 runs from his 12 overs.

Newport were never looked likely to defend such a modest total and the hosts cruised home for the loss of just three wickets.

“It was a bad day at the office,” admitted captain Michael Clayden. “We didn’t score enough runs and then they batted well, though we didn’t put them under any real pressure.

“With Sully slipping up at St Fagans it was a missed opportunity to close the gap. I’d say we have to win all of our remaining games if we are to stand a chance now.

“We are confident we can get back to winning ways against Cardiff. It should be a good game, they are a good side that we know plenty about so we will have to play much better.”

It isn’t only the first that will be desperate for bragging rights against Cardiff - the seconds clash at the Diamond Ground with the hosts narrowly ahead of Newport at the top of the table.

The Spytty Park outfit will be desperate to turn the tables after being pipped by three runs when the sides met earlier in the campaign.

They will be well set to finish at the top of the pile if they can get their revenge in the capital.

Back in the first XI competition, Usk will be hoping to strike a blow in their bid to beat the drop when they host Port Talbot Town.

They had to settle for a nine-point haul against Cardiff at the Diamond Ground last weekend after the hosts smashed 295-6 from their 50.

Excellent knocks by Ollie James (82) and Travis Townsend (80) ensured that Usk left with something to show for their efforts.

They are bottom of the table but hope their good home form can help them escape the drop.

It was Port Talbot who took the spoils when the sides met in May after posting a total of 209-8 and then bowling Usk out for 161.

Tomorrow’s visitors will not be able to rely on Abergavenny’s Mark Wallace this week. The wicket-keeper plundered 216 runs from 145 balls against Swansea last time out but will be on Glamorgan duty against Leicestershire at St Helen’s.

Wallace joined forces with his former county teammate Dan Cherry to put on 323 for the third wicket, his fellow left-hander ending on an unbeaten 115.