RELEGATION-HAUNTED Newcastle Emlyn of the Swalec Championship are unlikely to be in generous mood over the festive period as the Red and Whites strive for victory in two away games that could have a huge bearing on their fate.

The Teifisiders were expected to pick up a bonus point win against league whipping boys Llanharan at Ddol Wyber on Saturday and climb the table. But after the game was postponed due to the weather Alex Williams and co remain in the relegation zone before the vital holiday games.

Third from bottom Glynneath are next up on Saturday with the Red and Blacks attempting to complete a double over Emlyn having come out on top 22-20 in the Teifi Valley on the second weekend of the season.

On that occasion the Teifisiders were guilty of a string of unforced errors in a game they could and should have won comfortably having laid siege to the Glynneath try line during the final quarter.

It will obviously be a big task for Emlyn at Abernant Park but with a sizeable travelling contingent behind them there is quiet optimism within the camp of a return west with a fourth victory in the bag.

On Bank Holiday Monday (December 28) the Teifisiders take on Bridgend Athletic at the Brewery Field and again Emlyn will be trying to avoid their opponents completing a double after a 23-18 triumph in September.

The game at Ddol Wyber was there for the taking but as was the case against Glynneath the home side threw away a win that was within their grasp.

At around 4pm on Monday the Red and Whites could be celebrating a second win in just over a week but two defeats and they would inevitably have a mountain to climb to stave off relegation.