The accuracy of David Walder helped Newcastle edge victory as the Falcons again left it late to secure a 18-16 Zurich Premiership win and keep up their challenge in second place.

They owed everything to Walder who scored all 18 points with some accurate kicking.

Walder grabbed the opportunity once more to shine in the absence of Jonny Wilkinson and, after putting over six successful penalties, was denied a 100 record in the 81st minute when he struck an upright.

Walder's opposite number Ludovic Mercier had enough opportunities to have clinched it for Gloucester but was off target three times in quick succession in the first half, whilst recent rugby league convert Henry Paul was also wide with his only attempt.

Gloucester deservedly led 13-9 at the interval after repeatedly snuffing out the Newcastle attacks and scored the only try of the game in the 18th minute.

Paul, who generally had a quiet game, made the initial half break for Italian prop forward Frederico Pucciariello to take it on.

With a neat dummy he put Jake Boer clear and the flanker punched a massive hole in the Newcastle defence for the quick-thinking Andy Gomarsall to slip a tackle and stroll in, Mercier converting the try.

The start of the second period brought more trouble for the Falcons who for 10 minutes were penned inside their own 22.

Gloucester were held up time and time again from short scrums and rolling mauls but eventually Trevor Woodman was driven over, only for the try to be disallowed.

Newcastle were out of jail and Walder struck three more penalties to put them in front.

In the final quarter, when Gary Armstrong and Epeli Taione were brought on as replacements, Newcastle finished much the stronger and could have extended their lead.