Injury hit Doncaster finally ended a six-game losing streak with an emphatic 21-6 win at Plymouth Albion at the weekend.

And Howells says his rejuvenated squad is now chomping at the bit ahead of Bristol's visit to Castle Park.

He said: "Getting that first win is a big monkey off our back.

"And I'm pleased we did it with the lads who have been playing regularly.

"It didn't happen because we had lots of players come back into the side from injury.

"These boys have put in a lot of hard work and I'm delighted they got the result.

"It's been coming for a couple of weeks.

"We've been playing better each week and on Saturday we had the rub of the green for a change."

Promotion favourites Bristol arrive at Armthorpe Road having won six and lost just once since being relegated from the Guinness Premiership.

The Knights will be hoping for a repeat of last year's memorable 27-12 home win over Leeds Carnegie - who spent just one season in the second tier before returning to the top flight.

Howells said: "We still need to go up an extra twenty five per cent against Bristol.

"It's one of the games of the season - it always is against the side relegated from the Premiership - and the lads are really looking forward to the challenge.

"The players lift themselves for games like this.

"And it's one we'll go into with a bit of confidence after the win at the weekend."

Doncaster produced a powerful display against Plymouth as a pack that included recalled duo Ngalu Tau and Steve Lawrie dominated proceedings.

Ali Warnock's two penalties were cancelled out by kicks from Keiran Hallett, meaning the sides went in level at 6-6 at the break.

But the Knights got their just rewards for a solid performance when a second half penalty try and a scrappy Andy Boyde score, both converted by Warnock, gave them a precious lead.

The home side applied the pressure in the closing stages but Doncaster held firm and sealed their first league win with a Warnock drop goal three minutes from time.

Howells was forced to include assistant coach Brett Davey at full back on the south coast.

But the former Welsh international, who came out of retirement for the game, is unlikely to feature against Bristol.

Howells said: "I hope Brett does not have to turn out - but that's not because of how he played.

"Brett did a great job for us and had a real calming influence on the lads.

"But he was only playing because we have so many injuries.

"We just didn't have the players - but we can't keep relying on Brett."

Knights' clash with Bristol kicks off at 3pm.