Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said: “Heartbreaking experiences like this will stand us in good stead in the long run.
"There were times in the first half where we could have turned the screw a bit more. They’re desperate to climb the table as well.
"There’s some elements we can do better and to concede that try so late feels cruel but we need to be better defensively, there’s things we can do better in attack and in the midfield.”
Quins coach Danny Wilson was relieved to see Cassius Cleaves speed in for the winner to keep Quins in the play-off race.
“Cassius is out and out gas....