BRIDGWATER & Albion head coach Simon Morrell is hoping his side can turn a run of valiant defeats into victory this weekend as they head to Keynsham.

Last weekend's 15-10 defeat at Thornbury was the Albion's third successive narrow reverse against teams above them in the table, and they will be eager to continue their level of performance against a side two places below them.

Looking ahead to the match, Morrell said: “We can expect a pretty similar game [to last weekend] on a heavy pitch.

“We will have a few players back and we are chomping at the bit to put in a performance and get some points.”

Reflecting on last weekend's defeat, he said: “The biggest compliment we can pay the team is that they were really upset only to get a point from the game at Thornbury. 

“Most teams would be happy to get a point, especially against a side that ran in 50 against Cullompton the previous week.

“We have got seven games remaining so if we can win five of them we will end up in the top third of the table.”

Elsewhere in the division, North Petherton are looking to bounce back from last weekend's convincing 45-0 defeat at Drybrook as they host Thornbury, who conquered Albion last time out.

Pethy's good run of form since the turn of the year has taken them away from relegation danger, and they will be looking to claim a notable scalp this weekend.

Morganians travel to struggling Old Bristolians in Somerset One, with North Petherton 2nds at Wellington 2nds, while Bridgwater & Albion 2nds host Wiveliscombe in Somerset Premier.

Albion's 3rds make the short trip to Burham-on-Sea 2nds in Somerset Two South.