Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Davies believes that his side's victory at Newcastle Falcons on Sunday will help them psychologically in the future.

The Cherry and Whites recovered from a half-time deficit to earn a 22-16 victory at Kingston Park - the first time they have triumphed at the stadium in seven years.

Davies feels that his side now have a better chance of reaching the Aviva Premiership playoffs after winning on the road for the first time since February.

"Grinding out this result is vitally important for our season," Davies told reporters. "We have to come away to difficult venues like Newcastle and get results if we've got any ambition to be in the playoffs.

"We certainly have that ambition, and that was a big result coming here off the back of that losing streak at Kingston Park. A psychological profile develops within the players and the team as a result of that, and it's a day that's a big stride forward for this group to come away with a result.

"Some teams have a DNA which is in-built in them, that they don't fare well against certain clubs, and this is the first time we've won up here in seven years. That's hugely psychologically significant, and a big step forward that we've been able to alter that."

Gloucester host Exeter Chiefs at Kingsholm on Sunday.