ALBION head coach Simon Morrell was pleased with the way his team played at Newent last Saturday, despite their narrow defeat, as they prepare to take on neighbours North Petherton tomorrow.

Morrell said: “I’m very disappointed for the boys, and I am sure they are really frustrated at the result because they put in a really encouraging performance at Newent.

“Over the last few weeks we have worked really hard on certain aspects of our game, one being set-pieces and another the re-start and the boys were exceptional at both on Saturday.”

Newent play on a notoriously sloping pitch and are unbeaten at home this season.

“We went to a really tough place and scored three tries, which always gives you a great opportunity to win the game.

“Newent then got three of their tries in rather odd circumstances but were made to work incredibly hard for their fourth.

“Anybody watching the game will say that up until Sam Adcock’s yellow card we were comfortably in control of that game.

“That ended our purple patch in the game and they then scored a try from a maul when there appeared to be a blatant obstruction.”

Regarding the way his side have played on the road this season, Morrell said: “Our away form has been pretty good and I am chuffed with that, given this performance and how we played at Launceston.”

Tomorrow, Albion host neighbours North Petherton in what is always an eagerly-awaited fixture.

Morrell said: “This is a great opportunity for the boys to go out and enjoy a game against Pethy which is always competitive and good fun for everyone.

“The boys have had a really tough November so this week we will be trying to freshen them up so they can go out and enjoy the match to the full.

“There is always a good crowd for the local derby and it’s one of the big occasions on the local sporting calendar.

“I am expecting a big performance from us and also from Pethy, but we’re at home and feeling confident.”

Pethy are on good form, having recorded their third straight win last weekend (24-22 against Bideford), to move two points behind Albion in the South West 1 West table.

The kick-off for the big match is 2.15pm and the advice for anybody going along to College Way on Saturday is to arrive in plenty of time.

You will also be able to follow the match online as it happens, with our live blog on bridgwatermercury.co.uk/sport.