London Scottish director of rugby Terry O'Connor has refused to blast his players, despite seeing them toss away the chance of promotion on Saturday.

Scottish surrendered 34-5 to fast-improving Barking to extinguish any lingering hopes of overhauling National Division Three South leaders Mounts Bay.

O'Connor's men are now 14 points adrift of the top two and, with just pride to play for, he has prioritised repairing his side's shattered defence.

"In fairness to Barking, they are a pretty good side and have obviously strengthened, but our players should still have been good enough to deal with it," he said.

"We did not play very well but we won't dwell on it because there is still plenty to play for because it is a proud old club.

"Our defence in the first half of the season was excellent but that has changed dramatically since Christmas, and it is something we must work on."

Saturday's defeat was the Exiles' third in a rown, the first time the club have suffered that ignomy since 1999, when they were in the Zurich Premiership.

And it could be extended when Mounts Bay visit this weekend.

Scottish's rapidly declining season could take another turn for the worse on Monday should an RFU disciplinary hearing decide to ban Colm Hannon.

The former London Welsh forward was cited by Clifton after the two teams met on January 19 at the Athletic Ground and subsequently charged with striking.