Ben Foden: Getting back to his best

Northampton coach Alan Dickens says Ben Foden will soon be back to his best after seeing the full-back score the winning try against Bath.

Saints won an enthralling Aviva Premiership game 25-23 with Foden scoring the crucial try, and Dickens is confident Foden will soon be back in England reckoning.

Foden has struggled to regain his top form since needing an operation on an ankle injury earlier in the season.

Dickens, acting backs coach, said: "Ben is better, he is looking after himself during the week and was good today.

"The backs looked better today, the pitch was hard, it was a good surface and that is what backs like.

"Ben is training, but he is looking after his ankle as well. He is looking good, but I think it is one of those injuries that has needed managing along the way.

"We scored two good tries in the outside channels, so I am pleased," said Dickens. "But I was pleased with all the team.

"The crowd were immense and got behind us and I am sure it was a real lift to the lads on the pitch. It was a pivotal game, we identified that during the week, so it was great to win."

Bath defence coach Mike Ford was pleased with how his side came back from 20-9 down to lead with 10 minutes to and felt the spirit was tremendous in an exciting finish.

"We were 20-9 down but the lads never gave up," said Ford. "We knew the players wouldn't stop fighting and we got two tries to go in front.

"It was pretty disappointing to concede a second, but it was a great game, the breakdown was a real contest and it is small margins in the end."