CAPTAIN Chris Cockton believes North One West survival remains achievable but admits Saturday's crushing defeat against fellow strugglers Eccles has dented their hopes.

The Cherry and Whites lost 27-15 on the road to slip into the bottom three with just four games of the season remaining.

Cockton says the dressing room after the Eccles loss was awash with disappointment.

But with no scheduled fixture this weekend, he believes it gives the side time to regroup for four huge games.

The skipper told The Bolton News: "It was a really disappointing result for us.

"We had targeted that Eccles game for a few weeks and knew it would be huge for us if we could win.

"But we just didn't get going on the day.

"The dressing room was silent afterwards – everyone knew the enormity of what had happened.

"It is still achievable for us to stay up but it has certainly dented our hopes.

"We have made life harder for ourselves."

Cockton conceded Eccles had a far better game-plan on the day and that his side were on the back foot in the first half hour.

Strong running and switching play from wing to wing saw the hosts score three tries after an early penalty for Bolton.

The visitors rallied in the second half, though, and Jack Robinson scored two tries but a fourth for Eccles had already sealed the five points.

A tenth away defeat leaves Bolton level with Eccles on 35 points but below them on points difference.

And Cockton says not picking up bonus points in defeat has been something that has been costly following their step up this season.

He said: "That has been a big learning curve for us.

"You need to pick up bonus points whenever you can.

"We have been on a sticky run but we always knew this was a big step up for us.

"It has been a big ask of the lads physically but I cannot fault their efforts all season.

"It is just not clicking for us at the moment."

After a blank weekend, the Cherry and Whites host league leaders Birkenhead Park at Avenue Street – the first of three home games in the last four for Bolton.

And Cockton believes home advantage could be the key to survival.

He added: "We have three home games and need some big performances.

"There is still a chance for us with other teams around us having some tough games yet.

"We face the leaders next but can take heart from our performance there when we got one of those bonus points despite conceding more than 50 points.

"I think we are the only team to score four tries at their place and that was a great feeling.

"It will be tough but we will regroup and be ready for that.

"We are masters of our own destiny."