Bedford Blues boss Mike Rayer works on discipline

Rayer's men have won two out of three this season

Bedford Blues boss Mike Rayer has told his side to keep their discipline in check ahead of their trip to Doncaster.

The Blues' last away day ended in defeat at Rotherham, prompting a host of changes.

Rayer told BBC Three Counties Radio: "The week before's performance was based on ill-discipline, which we've got to get out of our game.

"We have been giving far too many penalties away, especially when we go on the road."

Doncaster secured their first win of the National One campaign at Bristol on Sunday, a victory earned by their ability to win penalties in the Bristol half.

"It seems to be a common trend, we're keeping an eye on the stats in terms of the penalties per-game," Rayer added.

I think the key thing in all of this is to get a bit smart and play the referee, that hasn't changed for many a year now

Bedford Blues boss Mike Rayer

"It's a lot more than it was last year, for varying reasons. Certainly the scrum and the contact areas are hot topics at the moment.

"But ultimately it will come down to whether we're good enough to hold on to the ball and whether we can sustain the pressure the opposition exert, especially away from home."

This season is proving to be a campaign of discovery for rugby sides, as they learn how best to deal with the decision to allow referees more discretion at the breakdown of the scrum.

Rayer admits it is something they are working on: "It is a bit of a lottery at scrum time and there are some inconsistent calls on the breakdown.

"We're experimenting with a few things around the breakdown, but at times I think you're just unlucky.

"I think the key thing in all of this is to get a bit smart and play the referee, that hasn't changed for many a year now."

In terms of Saturday's visit to South Yorkshire the Blues may have to make some more changes.

Sacha Harding has a knock, so will miss out, while Duncan Taylor's fractured shoulder will keep him out for up to six weeks and a knee injury could sideline Mike Howard for up to four weeks.

Laurence Ovens, Ollie Dodge and Edd Thrower are likely to be in contention.