Chris Mayor (left) scored Northampton's opening try
Northampton opened up a four-point lead in Pool Four of the LV Cup and moved closer to a place in the semi-finals after a dominant win over Sale.
Chris Mayor's try, converted by Stephen Myler who also kicked a penalty, gave Saints a 10-0 lead, extended to 17-0 by Paul Diggin's try, also converted.
Sale's revival began when Charlie Hodgson twisted over to score a try.
Myler added another penalty but Sisa Koyamaibole's try ensured the home side had the final say on the night.
Sale coach Kingsley Jones:
"I lost my cool with the team at half-time although I was pleased with the way we fought back.
"I don't think we were there mentally from the start. The first try we conceded was very soft and gave them a 10-0 lead.
"There are no excuses. We started poorly, it was a game we could have won and it's not as if we were smashed off the park in every department. We had the better of territory and possession.
"But fair play to Northampton, they took their chances."
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder:
"I was very pleased. We talked about making sure we were good in defence. There is a narrow pitch here which means attacking opportunities are limited so you have to keep your discipline and we did that well.
"We were glad to get our two tries and Stephen Myler's kicks gave us that little bit of leeway that we needed.
"We were disappointed that we conceded that late try to give Sale an exciting finish, but we held out."
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