Gloucester boss Bryan Redpath hailed Nicky Robinson's nerve after the former Wales international delivered a dramatic match-winning performance against London Wasps at Kingsholm.

Robinson, who was dropped to replacement duty following last weekend's tame defeat against London Irish, kicked two late 53-metre penalties under immense pressure as Gloucester prevailed 22-20. And it kick-started Gloucester's season after losses to Irish and Exeter either side of a one-point victory over Aviva Premiership strugglers Leeds Carnegie.

"Nicky was confident with his kicking and he had the range," said Redpath. "All credit to him, I am delighted for him. He and Tim Taylor did very well."

Taylor booted 11 points before he was forced off nursing a knee injury at half-time, while Samoan centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu scored a try during a game in which the lead changed hands seven times.

"We conceded 19 penalties against Irish and never got a chance to get in the game, but we had a bit more fire about us," Redpath said. "A lot of players performed well."It wasn't a complete performance, although parts of it were good, and it was a huge win for us.

"The Gloucester fans are hugely passionate about the game, and it was key that we showed them some passion. The expectation is massive every time we play here, and we are aware of that pressure, but you can't shrink from it."

Gloucester skipper Rory Lawson said: "The boys really put it in, and fair play to Nicky for stepping up and banging over those penalties at the end. It's hats off to both the 10s. Nicky and Tim were outstanding."

Wasps replied with touchdowns by Dan Ward-Smith and Joe Simpson, with Dave Walder slotting two penalties and two conversions before he missed a late, long-range penalty that would have clinched victory for his team. But the Londoners must now reflect on a below-par opening month that has realised one victory, one draw and two defeats.

"We got ourselves right back into the game, so there was no lack of effort, but we need to be more clinical," Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks said. "We conceded a soft first-half try and our turnover rate was too high, but we put ourselves in a position to win the game and then we conceded it.

"We didn't manage the last couple of minutes well once we had gone into the lead. But you have got to make sure that you take something from your away games, and we managed that with the losing bonus point."