NEWCASTLE director of rugby John Fletcher lavished praise on match-winner Jonny Wilkinson, whose last-gasp penalty gave the Falcons a 16-14 Guinness Premiership victory over Saracens at Kingston Park.

Wilkinson's relatively straightforward kick went in off the left upright but capped an impressive all-round display, which included 11 points from the England No 10 following international team-mate Toby Flood's fourth try in as many games.

Newcastle led 10-3 at the break but Saracens fought back through a Ben Skirving score as the lead changed hands three times in the second period.

We have absolute confidence in Jonny in those situations because that's what he does best,'' said Fletcher, who hit out at criticism of Wilkinson's performances for England.

He's a great ambassador for sport. He's a great player and obviously there are some other good players out there.

Some of the things that have been written about him are nonsense to be honest.'' Fletcher allayed fears over England centre Jamie Noon, who withdrew from Newcastle's starting line-up with a tight hamstring.

He fully expects Noon to be available for England against France next weekend.

He'll be fine. He was very close to playing," he said.

Fletcher was satisfied with his side's performance, which sees them remain ninth in the table but safe from relegation.

I thought our first-half performance was good and we deserved another try.

"In the second half we had lots of unforced errors. We gave them opportunities and a lot of territory, and in the end we're very pleased to win the game."

Saracens Director of Rugby Alan Gaffney expressed his frustration at seeing victory snatched away at the death.

Away from home it would have been a plus for us. It's a very tight competition now,'' he said. A loss like this bitterly hurts. We had the opportunity to play the game out."