BRISTOL lost for the sixth successive time this season – but head coach Richard Hill was given plenty of food for thought in this EDF Energy Cup opener at Franklin's Gardens.

The match was decided when lock Robert Sidoli and centre Kevin Maggs were in the sin bin just after the break, the Saints scoring two tries during this period.

But Hill will be delighted with new winger Mathew Turner, who scored a brace of tries on his debut either side of a Paul Diggin try. Lee Dickson also crossed for Saints in the first half, with Barry Everitt's penalty giving them the lead.

Prop Peter Bracken had his best game in a Bristol shirt while No 8 Iain Grieve delivered a strong case for a permanent spell in the back row.

Bristol were reduced to 13 men shortly after the restart.

Maggs made a try-saving tackle on Saints skipper Alex Rae but he came from an offside position and referee Nigel Owens showed no hesitation to show the yellow card again.

But with Sidoli pacing the touchline waiting to come back on, Northampton scored their third try when wing Chris Ashton stepped inside Vunga Lilo then Turner to dive over. Everitt converted to take the score to 20-10.

And before Bristol were back to their full compliment of 15 players, centre Chris Mayor went over on 55 minutes to claim the bonus point for Saints.

Owens went into his pocket again on 62 minutes when yellow-carding Saints replacement hooker Joe Gray for not rolling away at the tackle.

But Owens was not taking any prisoners, dispatching Bristol prop Mark Irish and, the player opposite in the scrum, Ben Broster to the sin bin on 65 minutes.

Bristol scored their third try on 75 minutes when Sidoli looped a long pass to Lilo on the left wing to score. Chris Ashwin hit the conversion to make it 27-17.

Everitt extended the lead with a penalty in injury-time and Bristol were fortunate not concede another late try and an Everitt drop goal before the end.