Marshall hoping Saints have started to rebuild their fortress

The black, green and gold have had a largely torrid time at home since the end of 2019, winning just two Premiership games at the Gardens since then.

They beat Worcester Warriors on Boxing Day and defeated Sale Sharks 17-14 with a spirited showing last Saturday.

And Marshall, who started at hooker, said: "At home against Bath a couple of weeks ago, we didn't manage to get the win and it was good to finally get that victory at home.

"It's the type of win we needed at home, not one where we played fancy rugby, one where we built that fortress again.

"Hopefully we can go on from here."

Saints welcome league leaders Bristol Bears to Northampton on Sunday and will take a huge amount of belief from the resilience they showed against Sale.

Marshall said: "They're massive boys and we knew that was going to come our way on Saturday.

"We stepped up.

"Discipline wasn't amazing but it was due to a lot of intent to go out there and smash them up.

"The key for us was having men on our feet in defence because we needed to make two-man shots.

"One on one with these boys, they look for offloads and they look to get on the front foot.

"As soon as they get on the front foot and they've got a nine like Faf (de Klerk), who can pick either side, it can be difficult for your defence.

"So we stayed on our feet, stayed organised and made them make mistakes."