BOSS Kingsley Jones says Newport Gwent Dragons have to stick to the script in the Scarlets 22 next weekend if they are to avoid yet more attacking frustration.

The Dragons suffered a fourth defeat out of five Guinness Pro12 games when beaten 26-17 by Glasgow at Rodney Parade last Friday.

They briefly led in the second half after quickfire tries by prop Sam Hobbs and centre Jack Dixon but didn’t even have a bonus point to show for their toil after conceding a penalty in the 79th minute.

The loss means the Dragons head to Llanelli with a league record of played 17, won 2 in 2016 and in desperate need of a pick-me-up before the start of the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

“There are so many good things there and I don’t think that we are far away,” said head coach Jones. “The way that we are trying to play the game shone through at times.

“But our patience in the ‘A zone’ (the Glasgow 22) is an area we have to be better at. We need to learn quickly and have more composure there.

“We drill it in training and everybody knows what we are trying to do but it’s just someone going off script, panicking or rushing things.”

He continued: “I don’t think Glasgow were a level above us – it was two tries apiece – but ultimately we are just not smart enough in the right areas.

“The momentum lost in the ‘A zone’ (is a blow) psychologically to your own team and support and lifts the defending team. We’ve let teams off the hook quite a lot and have to be better.”

The Dragons head to Llanelli looking to end a long losing streak on their travels in the Pro12 that stretches back to March 2015 while they suffered a Welsh derby whitewash last season.

Jones, however, believes there is light at the end of the tunnel with just a few minor tweaks needed to go along with the players’ unquestionable effort and endeavour.

“We have to be positive, we are not far away and if we play with that application and put a couple of things right then we’ll get on the right road,” he said.

“I can’t fault the attitude of the players. They weren’t pointing the finger or making excuses in the changing room, they know the crack and they know that they have to get better.

“They are an honest group and really want to work hard for each other, it’s just unfortunate that we have been a little bit naïve and are not getting the wins because I think we have deserved a bit more.

“But nobody gives you anything, you’ve got to graft for it.”

The Scarlets face Treviso in Italy today.