NEC Harlequins director of coaching Dean Richards has refused to hit the panic button despite his side failing to record a single win in five Premiership encounters.

The Stoop chief blamed a poor display from his front five for the West Country mauling in a 33-20 reverse at shock league leaders Bristol.

It leaves the club second bottom in the table and Richards' pre-season target of a top-six finish in tatters, unless his side produce a dramatic turn-around.

"We have said all season about the tough start we have had against the sides at the top of the table and those in last year's top five," he said.

"But there comes a point when we have to get on with it and conjure up ways of kick-starting our season.

"Our little run against those top sides is beginning to come to an end and now is where we have to learn from our early season experiences and turn them into points.

"I am not worried yet but, unless we start picking up points in our next three or four games, that could change."

The excuses for defeat at the Memorial Ground had a similar ring to the six losses preceding it, with problems securing first-phase ball proving Quins' downfall.

Former England scrum-half Andy Gomarsall, who is determined to regain his place in Andy Robinson's national team, had earlier thrown down the gauntlet to international rival Shaun Perry.

But the Bristol number nine, widely tipped to feature in the upcoming autumn internationals, drew first blood when he crossed inside the first 10 minutes to open the scoring.

Quins fly-half Adrian Jarvis put last week's heartbreaking last-gasp miss against Sale Sharks behind him to slot a penalty before Bristol prop Alex Clarke touch down to extend the lead to 14-3.

Tries from Ugo Monye, the returning Tani Fuga and Andre Vos were little more than consolations as two second-half scores from Bristol winger David Lemi - adding to a penalty try just before the break - sealed the win for the home side.

Richards men travel to Connacht in the European Challenge Cup on Friday, evoking fond memories of 2004 at the Galway Sportsground.

Quins held on for an aggregate semi-final win in Ireland before going on to lift the Parker Pen Cup and Connacht coach Michael Bradley has promised a hot reception.

"It was a great day and we are looking forward to another great challenge and an occasion with plenty of atmosphere," he said this week.

"Our supporters have been fantastic in getting behind the team this season. Moving home matches to Friday nights has been a huge success.

"The place has been really buzzing on match days and Harlequins will be a huge challenge."