PONTYPOOL know they cannot afford a sluggish start against Glynneath in the WRU Championship this afternoon thanks to their last trip to Abernant Park, writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler head west with three wins from three after enjoying a 50-17 home win against Gwent rivals Newbridge last weekend.

The title favourites, who have also beaten Narberth and Beddau to sit second, still haven't hit their straps and will need to be on song against a Glynneath side wounded by a 57-0 hammering at early pacesetters Tata Steel.

"They had a difficult time last weekend but on their own patch will be a different side and I expect a reaction from them," said Pooler coach Leighton Jones.

"We were lucky last season to come away with a 19-15 win there last season so we know what Glynneath are all about.

"It will be similar to our game against Beddau (a 26-16 win in week two), Glynneath will be just as hostile and will throw everything at us early on. We've been slightly slow starters in the last couple of weeks so need to change that.

"There were certain aspects of last week that were pleased – obviously the driving lineout with six tries from it – but there were still a few too many individual errors and wrong choices.

"We've made one or two forced changes but there are also some more opportunities with Josh Hayward at number eight and Kieran Meek moving to 12 and Tom Hancock getting a chance at 15."

Newbridge will attempt to build on their spirited showing at Pooler by getting off the mark against a Bedlinog side who have won one, drawn one and lost one since being promoted from Division One East.

It was been a summer of change at the Welfare Ground but Pooler coach Jones believes their derby display gives them reason for optimism.

"Newbridge were very committed and never gave up," he said. "I was impressed with their spirit so hopefully they can keep building."

After losing 23-0 at Dunvant on opening weekend then 42-7 at the Welfare against Tata Steel, 'Bridge will aim to be as feisty as they were at Pooler when they entertain the Foxes, who also won the Swalec Plate at Principality Stadium last season.

Championship fixtures: Beddau v Newcastle Emlyn, Dunvant v Tata Steel, Glynneath v Pontypool, Narberth v Cardiff Met, Newbridge v Bedlinog, Skewen v Glamorgan Wanderers