Saints were 7-3 up at the break, having managed to force errors from their hosts on a wet and windy afternoon at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

But the black, green and gold were unable to add to James Pater's first-half try after the break as Tigers took control.

And Saints boss Dowson said: "It's a very bitter pill, and difficult to come to terms with that second half in particular.

"A lot of those high balls, we didn't necessarily control that kicking game as well as we had been, the set piece penalty count was very high, we didn't manage to produce enough ball so we gave them loads of opportunities to score in our 22 - and they're very good at that.

"It's integral (to limit the opposition's chances in the 22) on any day, but particularly on a day like today.

"We play a winter sport so we have to get used to that, not worry about that and get over that and work out what it means for us. We didn't work that out very quickly today so we need to be better at it.

"They certainly had the momentum throughout the second half and our actions were neither accurate or aggressive enough so that's cost us."

Saints play one more Gallagher PREM game before they take a break from league matters as they welcome in-form Gloucester to DPD Stadium at Franklin's Gardens next Saturday.

The Cherry and Whites claimed an impressive win against Bath at Kingsholm on Friday night.

And Dowson said: "They're flying!

"I watched them last night and they're full of confidence.

"They're a very good side and they'll be carrying some momentum so we need to make sure we pick ourselves up from this disappointment and get ready for that."