Soper expects a reaction from beaten Banbridge

They host Skerries on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm), keen to get back to winning ways after defeat to Naas ended their five game unbeaten run.

“We’ve lost before and bounced back. I know this will make the lads more determined to put things right,” said Soper.

With Skerries down in eighth place, Bann will be the fancied favourites.

“Of course, the bonus point would be nice but we will just go about getting the win and take things from there,” said a reserved Soper.

“They beat us down there earlier in the season and they’ll be dangerous. They’re down near the bottom of the table but in some ways at this stage of the season, that’s worse because they are really fighting to avoid relegation.

“We need to make sure we get things right and get back on track. We will set out to win the game and if the opportunity arrives, the bonus point would be great.”

Skerries underlined their danger last Saturday when they ended a run of five straight defeats with a storming 21-0 win over basement side Galway.