London Welsh hooker Koree Britton could not hide his disappointment after the Exiles slipped to a fourth consecutive Aviva Premiership defeat of the season, at the hands of his former club Gloucester.

Briton, who made 17 first-team appearances for the Cherry and Whites after joining in 2009, before joining Welsh in the summer, was left frustrated as the exiles’ vulnerability in the final quarter resurfaced, having been more than competitive up until then.

Gloucester scored 31 points in the last 15 minutes to pull clear of the exiles, picking up a bonus point with five tries and a penalty try.

Mark Atkinson with two, Henry Purdy, Charlie Sharples and Jonny May crossed, with Ben Pienaar replying for Welsh.

Greig Laidlaw landed four conversions and a penalty for Gloucester.

Billy Twelvetrees' penalty and a James Hook conversion added to the visitors tally, while Olly Barkley notched a conversion and a penalty for his side.

“Those final 20 minutes are just killing us. I’d love to be able to put my finger on it,” said Britton.

“It’s so difficult when you work so hard in the first half and early second half, and then the last 15-20 minutes something clicks and we just drop off. It’s so frustrating. I don’t know the reasons why.

“We were in the game throughout. We didn’t panic when they scored a breakaway try. We stayed composed and kept to what we did best and the scores came.

“We need to be wise on the field and not try anything silly and panicking. We must stay calm, that’s crucial. If that goes then everything comes tumbling down.”

Welsh now face an unenviable trip to the Twickenham Stoop next Saturday and a meeting with Harlequins, as they continue their search for a first Premiership win of the season.

“It’s heart-breaking when you’re in the game for so long. Just five minutes off the pedal is all it takes. We’ve got Quins next week and it’s going to be exactly the same,” added Britton.

“I’ve no doubt in my mind that we’ll be there or thereabouts competing with them, but we’ve got to hold out for the whole 80 minutes.”