LONDON Irish lost at home to Northampton Saints for the second time in two weeks, going down 39-18 in the LV= Cup at the Madejski Stadium yesterday afternoon.

A trio of Glenn Dickson penalties put the visitors ahead 9-0, while a fumble in midfield proved costly for the Exiles as Tom Stephenson made ground before offloading for the supporting Howard Packman to score under the posts.

Dickson’s conversion, and a further penalty, made it 19-0 before Irish got on the board, Myles Dorrian kicking their first points of the game.

However, Northampton were soon back on top, with Alex Waller running in for a try, with Dickson again adding the extras. Dorrian slotted his second penalty of the day just before the break, but Irish trailed 26-6 at half-time.

The hosts made a fine start to the second half, Danny Kenny touching down after a lineout drive, with Dorrian’s conversion reducing the deficit to 13 points.

Dickson kicked another penalty to increase the lead again but Irish soon got their second try, Kieran Low forcing his way over following another lineout drive to make it 29-18.

Dickson’s sixth penalty of the day extended the lead once more and Ben Nutley’s try made the game safe.

Irish return to Premiership action on Saturday, travelling to Welford Road to take on Leicester Tigers (kick-off 3pm).