Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder was pleased to see his side retain their unbeaten home record in the Guinness Premiership.
Northampton move up to second thanks to Ashton score
Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder was pleased to see his side retain their unbeaten home record in the Guinness Premiership this season.
Saints claimed a 24-22 victory over London Irish courtesy of a late try from winger Chris Ashton, with Shane Geraghty converting to give his side the win.
In was what always going to be a tough game with second taking on third, Mallinder reflected on a job well done.
"That was a big win for us, it keeps us moving in the right direction," he said. "We want this to be a difficult place to win for visitors, and nobody has won here in the league this season.
"Chris is a natural finisher whose game is improving at this level with every outing. He got one chance and scored in front of the England coaches.
"Personally, the intercept try we conceded was disappointing, although I won't criticise the decision-making that went before it.
"It was always going to be a tight game and a tough one so I am very pleased to come away with four points."
Similarities
Toby Booth questioned Ashton's try but the Exiles coach lamented the winger's try-scoring talents that ultimately proved the difference between the sides.
"It is always a cruel way to lose, and I feel we did not get the rub of the green in the 50-50 decisions, but then that's not unusual away from home," he said.
"We came to win the game and, while fortunate to be in command, were leading with seconds left on the clock. We got a break with Peter Hewat's intercept try, but Chris Malone kicked his goals superbly and overall we played well.
"The last scrum interests me since we drove them five yards yet they got the put-in. I'll be looking closely at that one. I'll also study the try, but in reality, it was scored and it's history.
"There are a lot of similarities between the teams, both like to play positively, with width and tempo. And when you have a lad like Ashton you can always turn things round.
"We kept him quiet until the last 20 seconds, but that is the sign of a genuine finisher, one chance, one try."
Initial doubts that Ashton had not touched the ball down correctly were dispelled by the player.
"I definitely grounded it. I wasn't going to let that ball go, although it bounced upwards off my chest and not forwards," he said.
"Scoring tries means everything to me. I'm working on my all-round game including my kicking, but wings must score tries."