BRETT Davey insists the Knights’ progress was not hit by the derby defeat at Rotherham.
And the director of rugby has tipped his side to demonstrate their improvement is continuing when they welcome Bedford to Castle Park on Friday night – providing they can cut out ‘silly errors.’
Davey said: “We were the better side for a long time at Rotherham, particularly in the first half but we didn’t make it count.
“We shouldn’t have been behind at half time especially having been camped in their 22 for a good ten minute spell.
“Being behind at the break meant we were chasing the game in the second half.
“In the end a couple of silly errors have cost us dearly.
“The improvement has been great over the last few weeks and we showed that by competing with a very physical side at Rotherham – our forwards were excellent.
“But it’s the small things that are costing us and we must cut that out if we’re going to move up the table.
“We didn’t do the simple things right and I think there were one or two players out there who weren’t at their best.”
The Knights dropped to the bottom of the Championship after the 38-20 defeat at Clifton Lane, coupled with a second straight win for Jersey.
Davey says confidence remains on the up among his squad, despite the position in the table.
He said: “Confidence has been low at times this season but that isn’t the case now.
“We’ve managed to build that up with some good performances.
“There was only frustration after the Rotherham game because we knew we had a real good opportunity to win that match.”
Chris Hallam has been struggling with a knee problem but should be fit to play at scrum half against Bedford who currently sit third in the Championship.
Dual registration prop Kieran Brookes was recalled to parent club Leicester Tigers and named their 23rd man for the Premiership clash with Northampton Saints.
Davey revealed the Castle Park faithful may not have seen the last of Brookes with the door left open for a return in the future.