Sutton & Epsom head coach Martin Knights has promised that his injury-ravaged side will bounce back after slipping to a first defeat in six matches at Old Albanians.

Knights was without eight first choice regulars, including long-term absentee James Gibson at the weekend, leaving him with the bare bones of a senior squad as they went down 32-10.

But the Rugby Lane chief, whose side are without a game this weekend, is hoping the experience will stand his side in good stead as they hunt a London One top-four finish this season.

"It was awful, but we will be better for the experience," he said.

"The balance of the side was affected and players who had been playing well were off their game.

"There are no excuses, though, and credit to them - they were awesome and executed a basic game plan very well.

"We have not played anyone in the top six recently and those games are starting to come round again.

"We will soon have a realistic idea of how far we have come.

"Hopefully, this will give some of the players the kick up the backside they need."

The result means Sutton stay fifth in the table and, despite the setback, Knights has revealed he is already looking towards next season with an air of confidence.

"I am already looking at players for next season. The position we find ourselves in means we can look to next year knowing which division we will be in," he added.

"We don't have to worry about relegation so we can plan well in advance, which gives us an advantage."