Jim Mallinder reserved special praise for Stephen Myler after his performance earned the Saints a win at Leeds.
Saints boss relieved to return to winning ways
Northampton head coach Jim Mallinder reserved special praise for fly-half Stephen Myler after his superb performance earned the Saints a 23-13 win at Leeds Carnegie.
The fly-half scored 18 points, including a try, to help end Northampton's six-match losing streak at Headingley and propel them back into the top four of the Aviva Premiership.
Speaking after the match, Mallinder said: "There were lots of questions asked of him particularly over the last few weeks and he played well.
"He scored a try, kicked his points, not easy penalties, and you need somebody who will keep the scoreboard ticking over."
Energy
The Saints were also boosted by the return of scrum-half Lee Dixon from injury, and Mallinder was pleased to see his partnership with Myler.
"When Lee Dixon plays he gives real energy and tempo to the side and I think he did that today," he added.
"I think that some of our attacking play looked a lot sharper and we got on the front foot and created quite a lot of opportunities."
Northampton will also see the return of their international players from the Six Nations in time for their next league game as they push for a play-off place.
Mallinder added: "We have lost a couple of games before with internationals so it wasn't all about them being here or not being here.
"We knew we'd got a good enough side to win today, we worked really hard in the week.
"We're pleased that we've got through this little part of our season and what we need to do now is build on it with gusto."
Leeds remain rooted to the foot of the table having played a game more than their nearest challengers the Newcastle Falcons.
Interesting
A try from Danny Paul and eight points from the boot of fly-half Adrian Jarvis were not enough to prevent yet another defeat.
During his post-match analysis, Leeds head coach Neil Back voiced his frustration at the refereeing performance from Chris White.
"The tackle contest was very interesting in the interpretation and it negated either side having quick ball so it was a problem," he said.
"The law states the tackler must release and not stay on the ball and that didn't happen but it slowed the ball down for both sides and made it fragmented and difficult.
"Also, the scrum was an issue as well when the scrum goes round 90 degrees it's either a penalty or it's opposition ball and it was a reset."
