MATCH DETAILS London Irish (12) 12 Pens: Everitt (4) Gloucester (10) 13 Try: Garvey Con: Davies Pen: Davies (2)

Marcel Garvey scored the sole try in the first half, which was converted by Brad Davies.

Davies also scored a penalty in that half but was outbooted by opposite number Barry Everitt, who kicked four penalties in the first 40 minutes.

Davies's second penalty in the 50th minute gave Gloucester the lead and Everitt then missed two late kicks.

Gloucester coach Dean Ryan would not be drawn on what lay ahead for his team this season, despite moving up to fifth with their victory over the Exiles.

"To talk about what we want to achieve this season is nothing but a distraction," he insisted.

"Every week we are asked about qualifying for the Heineken Cup, the play-offs and even relegation but all we want to do is win the next game.

"We want to have a solid work ethic, that's the key to our performance."

Meanwhile London irish counterpart Gary Gold was left to rue his team's luck after their narrow defeat left them in a precarious position.

The Exiles have slumped to 10th in the table, level on points with second from bottom Worcester.

"I don't mind the pressure but I hate the frustration," he said.

"We try so hard and I can't question the commitment of the players, but we don't seem to be able to manage to secure the win."

London Irish: Horak; Staniforth; Appleford; Catt; Bishop; Everitt, Edwards; Hatley, Russell, Hardwick; Strudwick (capt), Casey; Gustard, Dawson, Reid.
Replacements: Mordt for Bishop (35), Hodgson for Edwards (62), Wheatley for Hardwick (49), Kennedy for Casey (80), Danaher for Gustard (62).
Not Used: Flavin, Mapletoft.