A late comeback from Newcastle Falcons came up just short as they lost 20-18 to London Irish in the Aviva Premiership this afternoon.

Josh Furno scored his first try for the Falcons inside the opening 10 minutes of the match as Newcastle made an attacking start to the tie, but two penalties from Shane Geraghty put the visitors a point ahead at the break.

Fergus Mulchrone and Andy Fenby both crossed the line early in the second half to open up a 10-point advantage for the Exiles.

Juan Socino kicked a penalty to leave the hosts needing a converted try to draw level, and they had a chance to get back on level terms when Sinoti Sinoti powered over with three minutes to play, but Socino sliced the conversion wide.

The result gives Irish their first win of the season, moving them up to seventh in the table, while Newcastle stay 10th.