Two mistakes by full-back Josh Lewsey enabled the Saints to finish the first half level at 14-14 before the home team upped the ante after the interval and ran out 24-20 winners.

McGeechan said: "Obviously it was one we wanted to win and we came here with that intention,"

The Londoners, who are traditionally slow starters, have now lost their opening three games of the season and the two losing bonus points they have to show for their efforts were of scant consolation to Lions boss McGeechan.

He added: "Probably with out execution in the second half we were trying to play a bit too much rugby.

"Northampton got the ball in the right places and we didn't do it as well or as often.

"It's disappointing for us but we'll just keep our heads down and keep working. Last week I was annoyed because it was unacceptable to loose that game when we had won it.

"We didn't get ourselves into a strong enough position in the second half and some of our decision making at the moment isn't as astute as it should be.

"You give seven points away and then the opposition have got the fillip that they want.

"We played good rugby to get it back but we're giving ourselves mountain to climb when we've no need to sometimes."