Bristol overturned a 14-0 deficit to win 20-14 away to Northampton in the English Premiership on Sunday. Victory at Franklin's Gardens left Bristol fourth in the table, a point ahead of southwest rivals Bath and four adrift of their second-placed hosts. The top four teams at the end of the regular season will contest the title-deciding play-offs with English rugby union's top flight assured of a new champion following Saracens' relegation for salary-cap breaches. Northampton were well ahead with half an hour left to play at their home ground. But Bristol caught them cold with two tries in three minutes as the Saints suffered a second straight home defeat following a loss to London Irish. Bristol replacements Henry Purdy and Lewis Thiede both crossed Northampton's goal-line, with Callum Sheedy converting both tries. Sheedy also kicked a penalty, as did Bristol team-mate Ian Madigan. Harry Mallinder scored Northampton's lone try, with the Saints' other points coming via three James Grayson penalties. Saints' first attack led to a try, with former England back-row forward Teimana Harrison making several surges into Bristol's defence before Rory Hutchinson gave Mallinder a simple run-in. Northampton, despite losing lock Alex Moon to injury, extended their lead through the first of Grayson's penalties and he was on target again when Bristol infringed after a strong run by wing Taqele Naiyaravoro. Northampton led 11-0 at half-time, with Purdy and Joe Joyce coming on for Bristol after the break. Grayson still edged Northampton further in front before Bristol at last got on the scoreboard nine minutes into the second half through a Sheedy penalty after Hutchinson was yellow-carded for a high tackle on Joyce. Bristol made their man advantage when Piers O'Conor's break split the Saints defence before Purdy went through another gap for a try. Sheedy landed a difficult, touchline conversion and minutes later Bristol crossed the Saints' line again. Replacement scrum-half Andy Uren burst clear before Thiede forced his way over from close range, with Madigan's last-minute penalty completing Bristol's comeback win. jdg/td