Exeter Chiefs continue to chase a first away win in the Gallagher Premiership this season after the Vertu Motors-backed side slipped to defeat away at Northampton.
Although the Chiefs have been in fine form at Sandy Park with three impressive wins from three, the team headed to Northampton looking to try and secure a first league win on the road since overpowering Bristol back in October 2022.
Things didn t start well at Franklin s Gardens as Northampton took an early lead through a try from Tommy Freeman, with a further score from Curtis Langdon - as well as three goals from Fin Smith - putting the home side into a 17-0 lead shortly after the half-way point of the first half.
Jacques Vermeulen managed to cross from close range to reduce the deficit but the Chiefs went into half time 17-5 down and with work to do in the second half.
However, a fine team try from Alex Mitchell saw Northampton move further clear before Scott Sio replied, with the Chiefs then dropping to 14 men when Niall Armstrong was sent off with little more than ten minutes left to play.
His dismissal came just before Fraser Dingwall moved the home side further clear and although Ethan Roots went over with three minutes to go, Exeter just missed out on a losing bonus point in a 34-19 defeat.
It leaves the Chiefs fifth in the points going into a big game next week at home to Gloucester.