LV= Cup: Glenn Dickson helps Northampton ease past London Irish
Glenn Dickson kicked 24 points to guide Northampton to a 39-18 victory over London Irish in the LV= Cup.
Last Updated: 17/11/13 6:01pm
Northampton were decisive winners for a second straight week, being 26-6 ahead at half-time as tries from Howard Packman and Ethan Waller coupled with Dickson's kicking built a substantial advantage.
Irish improved greatly after the interval to score two tries through Danny Kenny and Kieran Low but Dickson's boot kept the visitors well ahead at the Madejski Stadium.
Northampton took a fifth-minute lead with a penalty from Dickson, although it was otherwise a tame opening from both sides.
After missing his second kick, Dickson took his next two opportunities as the visitors continued to have the majority of possession and territory and were close to being rewarded with the opening try.
Ben Nutley ran strongly along the flank to send Dom Waldouck deep into the opposition 22 but Saints were penalised just as Tom Collins looked a likely scorer.
Pressure
However Northampton maintained the pressure to win a penalty which Dickson sent over, before Nutley picked up a loose ball and ran 60 metres to present Packman with an easy run in for a converted score.
Dickson then added another three points before the hosts got on the scoreboard with a Myles Dorrian penalty after Alex Day was penalised and yellow carded for impeding an opponent.
Northampton made light of the one-man disadvantage, immediately responding with a try from Waller - converted by Dickson - before a second Dorrian penalty was kicked on the stroke of half-time.
Early in the second half Northampton, still without Day, conceded a try to Irish replacement Kenny, who finished off a line-out drive.
Day returned with no further damage done and the Saints extended their lead with Dickson's fifth penalty.
Irish had improved and Low finished off another good forward drive but the Saints hit back again, Dickson knocking over another goal and then converting a try from the impressive Nutley.
There was a late yellow card for Irish replacement Ben Lonergan, but Northampton could not take advantage and so were denied a bonus point.