So, that's the festive fixtures up and running with Northampton sending their fans home happy. They'll be Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree tonight with their first win in five matches.

But for Sale, they'll be a bit Lonely this Christmas as their losing run, which stretches back to 11 November, now stands at seven matches.

Have a read of Tom Garry's match report to reflect on the action. 

Thanks for joining us this evening and remember, we will be back tomorrow with three fixtures on Christmas Eve.

Good night to you all. 

Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond told BT Sport: 

"Everytime Northampton got into our 22 they took something out of it

"But I felt we panicked. It is a difficult place to come and I am a bit disappointed.

"I have no doubt that Denny Solomona will be a star, we just need to get him the ball."

Despite Denny Solomona scoring the try of the night on his Premiership debut, he ends on the losing side,

But Sale supporters will be buoyed by his contribution and they'll hope he will be the spark that can lift them up the table.  

Image source, Rex Features

The festive Premiership action continues on Saturday afternoon, with leaders Saracens hosting Newcastle from 13:30 GMT.

Then high-flying Wasps and Bath meet at the Ricoh Arena from 14:00, before Exeter Chiefs welcome Leicester Tigers to Sandy Park for a 15:00 kick-off.

You can follow live text and radio coverage of all three games right here, on the BBC Sport website and mobile app., throughout the afternoon.

And the same applies for Boxing Day's key clash down at the bottom of the table, when winless Bristol host Worcester from 15:00.

Northampton's Tom Wood told BT Sport: 

"The most frustrating thing over recent weeks is we've known we can do better.

"We owed everyone a performance tonight, the fans, everyone at the club and ourselves.

"Thankfully we put it out on the pitch tonight."

The Saints end their four-game losing streak and move up to sixth in the Premiership table, but the misery continues for Sale who have now lost seven in a row. 

The Saints are yet to score three tries at Franklin's Gardens this season and they may have to settle for two here. 

Sale are in possession in the closing stages but not really hurting Northampton. Saints are going to end their four-game losing streak here. 

The hosts have hustled all night and they turn over possession just when Sale were setting up for a drive. Now Northampton build up towards the 22 and you suspect if they score here, it's all over. 

Sale have men over on the left-hand side but they make a mess of it again. The ball is like a hot potato for the visitors today.

A routine pass sees the ball go through Josh Charnley's hands and they miss a golden opportunity to close the gap. 

No such problems for Stephen Myler this time as Sale concede a penalty for not rolling away and Northampton's lead is 17 points.

Remarkably, Sale have had 70% of the ball in the last 20 minutes and the Saints just 30%, but it seems there's only going to be one winner in this one. 

Image source, Getty Images

Nic Groom is denied for the second time tonight as the TMO rules out his effort under the post. He let the ball out his hands at the vital moment and Sale breath a sigh of relief. 

Stephen Myler, with a bandage around his head, misses a kick at Franklin's Gardens for the first time in three months.

And he doesn't look a happy man. It appeared he wanted to kick for touch until the message came onto the field that he should take the penalty attempt. 

Ten minutes of solid Sale pressure leads to nothing. It's a turnover again and Northampton clear their lines and then win the penalty. Yet another missed opportunity for the visitors. 

Mike Phillips comes back on for Sale after his yellow card and the visitors are back to full strength and still within metres of the try-line. 

Sale, down to 14 men, start the second half on the front foot and they are now within touching distance of the try-line. Can they finally get on the board? 

John McEnerney on Twitter: Being in the spotlight for the wrong reasons makes you knuckle down & get back to doing what you do best, Saints doing it!

A win certainly would be very welcome for Saints, who have had a tough few weeks, on and off the field.

We are back under way at Franklin's Gardens in the second half. The good news for Northampton is Stephen Myler has returned to the field after his blood injury. 

Image source, Getty Images

He doesn't look happy but Jim Mallinder's side should be making him smile. The Saints have kept their opponents scoreless at the break for the first time this season. 

Mariah Carey is blasting out at half-time at Franklin's Gardens. All Sale want for Christmas is a decent second-half fightback.