Plymouth Albion can ruffle some feathers, says Tim Bowen

TOM BOWEN is relishing his first trip to Nottingham's Meadow Lane stadium.

Whereas many of this Albion team-mates have bad memories of games at Meadow Lane, Bowen has never played there before and so heads there in a positive frame of mind.

He believes it is a ground that will suit him and the type of game Albion want to play this weekend and he can't see any reason why Plymouth can't 'ruffle some feathers' on Sunday.

Nottingham sit third in the table and have lost just once at home in the league this season – against Rotherham in September.

Four times this term the Green and Whites have run in 48 points or more in front of their own fans.

Albion, by contrast, have not won in the league since November 9 and have only claimed one regular away league in two seasons.

But speedy winger Bowen firmly believes an upset is possible this weekend following Albion's good displays against second-placed Bedford last time out.

"I'm excited about the game," he said.

"It's a good pitch up there, so it should be good open running rugby and that suits out style.

"Hopefully, it will be a good game."

He added: "I have not played there, but I have watched a game up there, and I know it is a nice big stadium and it should be a good experience.

"They (Nottingham) have got a good home record, but we have been playing really, really well recently. We just need that win."

Albion have lost their last three matches by three points or less. Bowen said: "It is frustrating, but that's sport.

"The last couple of games we have come away with two bonus points, so we are not leaving empty-handed, which is key.

"It is just a case of being patient and waiting for that win to come."

Bowen would love that victory to come this weekend.

"Nottingham are a big team and they are up there at the top, so we could ruffle a few feathers," he said.

Bowen, a summer signing from Leicester, has been a regular starter for Albion since November.

In recent matches he has impressed with some great breaks and the 20-year-old is happy with how things are currently going for him at Brickfields.

"Recently I have been very pleased as I have got a lot of game-time," he said.

"I have struggled with a few knocks and had to come off in a few games but after a week off hopefully everything will be good."

Bowen has scored five league and cup tries for Albion this season, but, despite great breaks against Leeds and Rotherham, he has not touched down in 2013.

"I have made a few good breaks recently but just come up a bit short," he said.

"If I'd made a few different decisions made I'd have been able to get on the scoresheet.

"Before Christmas I had a bit of a run with some tries.

"Getting on the scoresheet is obviously key if you are a winger and I've just got to take any opportunity I get."