Northampton bounced back to winning ways as they condemned the Warriors to their seventh league defeat of the season.

Bottom side Worcester never let their heads drop and battled through to the final whistle but their only reward was a third losing bonus point of the season.

Northampton, who lost 34-19 to struggling Harlequins last weekend, missed an early opportunity to take the lead when fly-half Carlos Spencer's penalty attempt from long range was wide of the uprights.

The home side took the lead with a try in the right corner started from a catch and drive on the other side of the field with wing Aisea Havili getting the touchdown, but the conversion was missed and Spencer replied with two penalties to nudge the visitors in front.

Saints increased their lead on the half hour as scrum-half Mark Robinson scampered over the line after a break from flanker Paul Tupai. Spencer added the conversion before Shane Drahm landed a 35-metre penalty.

Trailing 13-8 at the interval, Worcester started the second half with some urgency with Drahm kicking his second penalty from 15 metres out in front of the posts after Saints strayed offside.

But the Warriors were then on the back foot when lock Craig Gillies was shown a yellow card by referee Martin Fox for pulling down at the line-out.

Saints took advantage of the extra man with ex-England hooker Steve Thompson scoring in the corner from a catch and drive.

Just after the hour Worcester were back on level terms with flanker Tom Harding crossing the whitewash after a catch and drive and Drahm adding the touchline conversion.

Referee Fox appeared to struggle to control the game with a number of tussles breaking out among the forwards but he only resorted to lecturing the two captains.

Warriors defence was then again called into question as Thompson cruised through after a short line-out to score his second try of the game but Spencer failed to add the extras.