Gloucester still remain in contention to book a place in the Zurich Premiership play-offs after an important win over London Irish at Kingsholm.

Despite third place rivals Northampton beating Bath at Franklin's Gardens, Gloucester sit just two points adrift of the guaranteed play-off spot which they could secure with wins against London Wasps and Bath, though that will be no easy task.

The defeat leaves London Irish with much work to do if they are to achieve their aim of qualifying for the Zurich Premiership wild card play-offs.

The Kingsholm defeat leaves them seventh in the table with Sale are hot on their heels.

With their egos still bruised from last week's crushing Heineken Cup semi-final exit Gloucester made a blistering start, going 5-0 up after just one minute.

An accurate kick into touch set up a lineout just five minutes from the Exiles' try line. Flanker Mark Cornwell swiftly took Chris Fortey's throw and Gloucester immediately drove forward.

Unable to break through the visitors' defence scrum-half Andy Gomarsall recycled from the ruck to Duncan McRae whose clever grubber kick set up Henry Paul.

He converted before Gloucester established a 10-point cushion with a drop goal just 17 minutes into the game.

But London Irish clawed their way back into contention with fly-half Barry Everitt kicking a penalty and then full-back Michael Horak searing through Gloucester's defence to break loose and score. Everitt converted to tie the scores level after 23 minutes.

Paul and Everitt then exchanged penalties but the home side had the final word before the break with Fortey driving over the try line from a lineout.

Centre Paul added a 54th minute penalty but this time Irishman Everitt could not match his efforts, leaving Gloucester 21-13 up.

Gloucester replacement Robert Todd came close to putting the game firmly out of the Exiles' reach after a kick from Marcel Garvey but a try-saving tackle from winger Paul Sackey prevented the score.

It did not matter though as winger James Simpson-Daniel crashed over the try line on the 89th minute to ensure the home side's victory.