AIRONI V DRAGONS (Sunday. KO 3.30pm)

ON Sunday Newport Gwent Dragons head to the venue where they last tasted away success in the league.

A hard-fought 18-6 success against Aironi at the Stadio Zaffanella on February 20, 2011 has been followed by 11 losses and one draw on their travels.

But a repeat of last year’s success is a must this weekend as the Dragons look to put together a late season charge up the table.

Last weekend’s 21-10 victory against Edinburgh at Rodney Parade not only built up a seven-point gap above bottom club Aironi but it means they have the Scottish side, Treviso and even the Scarlets in their sights.

“We really want, and need, to put this away hoodoo to bed,” said scrum-half Joe Bedford.

“Last week’s win against Edinburgh means that Aironi can’t go above us this weekend but we are not thinking about that – we want to pick up points and reel in the teams above us.

“If we can get that away win and back up last weekend’s victory then we would be in really good spirits and it would set us up for the rest of the season.

“That Edinburgh result was just what we needed, it would have been nice to get the bonus point but at this stage we just need the wins.

“Just two of our remaining seven fixtures are away from home after this weekend so we are definitely looking to finish the season strongly.”

But before thoughts turn to securing victories at Rodney Parade the Dragons must ensure they don’t slip up in northern Italy.

All three of Aironi’s league successes this season have come at home – Edinburgh, Treviso and Connacht have come a cropper at the Stadio Zaffanella – and Rowland Phillips’ side will be scenting blood.

“Given our away record they will see us as a real chance,” admitted Bedford. “They will be targeting this as a must-win in their bid to climb off the bottom.

“Aironi will be a big challenge physically, Italian teams always are. They might be struggling in the table but it is never an easy trip and they will definitely not give anything to us on a plate.”

Bedford heads into the game on the back of an excellent performance against Edinburgh where he played the full 80 minutes and scored his first try in Dragons colours.

“I have had to wait for my opportunities but I am really feeling comfortable here now,” said the 28-year-old, in his first season with the Dragons after signing from Rotherham.

“As a former scrum-half Darren (Edwards, head coach) is always driving the need to play with tempo and get the ball away quickly from the breakdown.

“My job is to just get to the ruck, fire the ball away and get to the next one as quickly as possible.

“I have had to adapt my game from England where teams tend to have more of a big physical forwards-orientated game but I really feel settled here now.”

- Aironi back row forward Mauro Bergamasco has been banned for four weeks for striking an Ospreys player during the teams’ clash on February 17. He can resume playing on march 21.