Wilko sends Saints to the brink

Northampton's relegation fears have deepened after a tense 16-7 away defeat.

Northampton Saints' relegation fears have deepened after they crashed to a tense 16-7 defeat at Newcastle Falcons on Sunday.

The Heineken Cup semi-finalists have just two games left to lift themselves out of the top flight drop zone, but had looked set to secure a bonus point with time ticking away in the second half.

Jonny Wilkinson's late penalty, however, ensured they took nothing from Kingston Park, as the Falcons ensured their Premiership status for next season.

Despite the 7-6 victory in San Sebastien against Biarritz last time out, and dominating much of the possession in the North East, Saints struggled to break down the heavily-backed Falcons defence.

Newcastle got off to a dream start, forcing the Saints pack into the corner rather than taking three points, and their decision was soon vindicated.

The maul collapsed just short of the line and Lee Dickson fed Toby Flood to go over for a valuable seventh-minute try, converted by Wilkinson.

Under pressure particularly because of the Falcons' pace, Saints gifted Wilkinson two successive penalties 40 metres out in the 11th and 18th minutes. And the inspirational England international made no mistake despite a swirling wind to put Newcastle into a commanding 13-0 lead.

Saints then crucially opted to kick for the corner in an effort to score a try, but failed to convert a driving maul.

A quick penalty from Ben Cohen was also stopped short of the line thanks to some fine cover tackling, as Saints were left to rue their finishing going in 13-0 down at half-time.

The second half was all a bit messy, as Newcastle wasted a great chance to extend their lead by losing their line-out in the corner, and then Wilkinson twice kicked the ball dead when going for position.

Flood also saw a drop-goal effort go way off target to give Northampton hope, as they rebuilt with a series of driving mauls.

Recent signing Christian Labit finished the move - diving over the line, even though he appeared to lose the ball.

Referee Chris White awarded the score though, and Carlos Spencer kicked the conversion for the Saints to get right back into the match at 13-7.

John Rudd and Jamie Noon both went close to grabbing further tries as the Falcons responded by attacking, which saw Wilkinson kick a crucial 65th minute penalty.

With the time ticking away, Northampton spilled the ball from a driving maul after going for the corner and then Matt Burke made a mistake by trying to run the ball out of his own 22 rather than clearing his lines.

And the game ended frustratingly for Saints with a series of driving rucks and mauls in midfield, as the Falcons survived.