A controversial penalty awarded against Northampton Saints in the dying seconds has handed Gloucester Rugby their first win of the Aviva Premiership season.

Jamie Elliott's try on 78 minutes had seemingly put Northampton on course to earn four points, which would have sent them to the top of the table.

However, the visitors were forced to settle for just one losing bonus point following Billy Twelvetrees's added-time winner, which came from a questionable penalty conceded at a scrum.

Northampton twice led by seven points during a first half that saw Ben Foden and Charlie Sharples cross the try line for their respective sides.

Both teams then traded tries early in the second half, as Twelvetrees and Samu Manoa touched down.

Elliot Stooke powered over to put Gloucester 23-17 ahead with 15 minutes remaining.

However, a fine move by George North then set up Elliott, whose late try was followed by Stephen Myler's third conversion of the match.

Kingsholm fell silent, but it was soon rocking again moments later when Greg Garner blew up for the decisive penalty.

In the absence of Freddie Burns, who had earlier kicked eight points before being replaced by Mike Tindall, Myler stepped up and kept his nerve.