Dragons take a Six Nations break while pondering what might have been.
They picked up losing bonuses after late drama against Munster and Ospreys but will feel they should have had two wins, which would have put them joint ninth.
Add in early home draws against Sharks and Ospreys and this season could have looked even more promising.
The early loss of injured props Wyn Jones and Rob Hunt proved to crucial at the Brewery Field, despite an impressive effort by novice loose-head Jordan Morris.
A yellow card for tight-head Cebo Dlamini and uncontested scrums meant they finished with 13 men, creating space for Keelan Giles' winner.
But Dragons are undoubtedly improving under Filo Tiatia after just one win all last season.
"We are heading in the right direction and we are a team that is scrapping for each other with a tougher edge," said Tiatia.
In time, he might be able to take comfort from the words of relieved Ospreys.
"That is probably one of the best Dragons teams that I have seen for years," said Wales prop Gareth Thomas.
Head coach Jones added: "The Dragons have been incredible. They beat Scarlets with a bonus and went to Munster and could have won.
"They smashed Connacht at Rodney Parade and have had some good results in Europe. That's a good side that we beat."
Dragons have successfully changed their perception in the middle block but will be frustrated that their URC away drought continues.
They have not won on the road since victory at Scarlets in April 2022 and their remaining fixtures pit them against Stormers and Lions in South Africa, bottom club Zebre in Parma and a final fixture in Llanelli.