“It was just about getting the four points, and we stuck it out until the end against a very determined Northampton team obviously fighting for their lives.”

Analysing a match which saw the hosts take an early lead, he said: “We had our chances down at Worcester a few weeks ago and didn’t take them, so having got in to the lead early on we were doing everything not to let it go.

“We were relishing the hits and the confrontations, and defending like mad to just close the game out.

“Saints played well and put us under a lot of pressure for extensive periods of both halves, but we managed to hold out apart from their one try and our discipline around the breakdown was superb. Our defence and discipline won the game in the end.”

Despite not fully hitting their straps Woods insisted it was a happy camp, stating: “As Fletch said afterwards we’ve actually played better than that and lost quite a few times this season.

“To get the result is pleasing for us, even though we know we performed nowhere near our potential.”

Woods also revealed the motivation given to his side after the forward battering they received last season at the hands of the Saints.

“We had last season in our minds when they came up here and did a real job on us upfront,” he said.

“Our pack took a lot of stick for that performance, and you don’t forget things like that even though it was over a year ago. They steamrollered us that day, but today was all about putting our hands up and making sure we built a platform.”

With two home games to finish off the season Woods believes the Falcons will not take their foot off the gas one iota as they look to continue their five-month unbeaten home run.

“We’ll still be looking to win our last two games against Gloucester and Bath, whatever it takes, so it’s not a case of going out and just chucking the ball about because we’re safe from relegation,” he said.

“If we need to play a tight game then that’s what we’ll do, but the emphasis is very much on just winning the matches and getting in to good habits. We got close to beating Gloucester at their place a few weeks ago, and we want revenge.

“We’re now safe from the drop, but we want to push on and show people what a good team we can be.”

Woods also took time to thank the 10,200 present at Kingston Park to witness another home victory, saying: “The fans have been excellent all season, and they were again today with a full house backing us to the hilt.

“That gets you excited as players, and on behalf of all the boys I’d like to thank each and everyone of you who cheered us on this afternoon.

“While we know we need to work on our away form, to have such a solid record at home stands us in good stead for next season when we take that next step up and look to get a good run of wins on the road.”