NOBODY likes losing but very few teacups are thrown against changing room walls following defeats in the LV= Cup.

And the Earl Grey is unlikely to be sent flying in the home camp at Rodney Parade on Sunday, even though Newport Gwent Dragons are likely to lose despite being in desperate need of a victory.

The reason? Television scheduling that means that the region are unlikely to go full steam at Northampton.

They are unable to play on Friday night as the Welsh Rugby Union wouldn’t be too chuffed with a fixture going up against the Test versus Samoa, leaving Sky to say it must be Sunday.

Far from ideal given that the Dragons have now equalled a regional record with six defeats on the spin and there is a monumental clash with Connacht looming.

Lose to the Irish province in the RaboDirect Pro12 and a disastrous start to the season will have become a humiliating one.

Given that the Dragons have a five-day turnaround from the Saints fixture to the Connacht clash it is understandable that they have one eye on the Irishmen.

But winning can’t be turned on like a tap and there has been a seven-week drought since Edinburgh were sent packing.

An encouraging performance against powerful English opponents would at least mean that the Dragons can work towards Connacht in high spirits.

But it would be even better if can avoid setting a new regional record before the men from Galway head to town, because the pressure will be intense even without having to worry about a losing streak.

Unfortunately, the odds on achieving an unlikely victory against Northampton, who are set to send over a strong line-up have got even longer courtesy of the quick turnaround.