Newcastle mounted a spirited second-half comeback but were plunged deeper into relegation trouble by this loss at Kingston Park.

Early tries from Bath's Andy Williams and Tom Voyce helped give the visitors a 24-6 lead inside the first 30 minutes.

But Newcastle clawed their way back through the boot of Earl Va'a and a Joe Shaw try before running out of time.

The Falcons started as badly as they did at Bristol last weekend and conceded a try after just 106 seconds when Williams cruised through the middle.

Matt Perry added two quick penalties, with Va'a adding one for Newcastle.

Bath lost Mike Catt with a recurrence of his hamstring problem after 15 minutes, but Chris Malone came on to add another penalty before Tom May dropped a goal in the 27th minute.

On the half hour, the Falcons turned over the ball in their own 22 and Bath ran it wide for Voyce to score in the corner.

Malone landed the kick to stretch the lead to 24-6.

Newcastle looked a side bereft of confidence but two penalties from Va'a reduced the deficit.

In the second half, the Falcons suddenly found the spark they needed.

They squandered a golden opportunity when they messed up two line-out drives and had to settle for another Va'a penalty.

But after May nearly forced his way over, the ball was fired wide for Epi Taione and Liam Botham to send in Shaw for a try.

Newcastle had their chances in the closing stages with Hall Charlton, Michael Stephenson and Shaw all going close but Bath's tackling remained firm.

Newcastle: Shaw, Botham, Noon, May, Stephenson, Va'a, Charlton, Ward, Makin, Hurter, Vyvyan, Hamilton, Taione, Devonshire, Dunbar.
Replacements: Grindal, Godman, Peel, Springgay, Dowson, Thompson, Otuvaka.

Bath: Perry, Danielli, Davy, Crockett, Voyce, Catt, A. Williams, Barnes, Humphries, Mallett, Borthwick, Lyle, Scaysbrook, Beattie, N. Thomas.
Replacements: Blake, Mears, Galasso, Malone, Thirlby, Grewcock, Lloyd.

Referee: Ashley Rowden (RFU)