Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder has paid tribute to his side's defensive display after they narrowly beat Bath at The Rec.

A late drop goal from former Munster stand-off JJ Hanrahan helped the visitors win 13-11. However, Mallinder has also suggested that pressure on Bath's set-piece ultimately led to their defeat.

"We've got mainly young English lads, as well as a couple of senior lads in there helping and it's great to see," he told reporters. "Over the past few weeks they have been the dominant forwards in the games we've played and we're delighted.

"We thought we were playing into a bit of a breeze in the first half so we were pleased to go in at half-time 3-0 up. Our forwards were in control, we were scrummaging very well and putting pressure on their lineout.

"Second half, credit to Bath, they came out and played as they can do, but we defended pretty well and came back in the end to take our opportunity. You feel the momentum has shifted a little bit, but you're always in the game and a lot of credit to our lads."

Saints are now just four points outside the playoff places.