San Diego charge on

An unanswered 17-point haul seals sets up Colts clash

Last updated: 7th January 2008

LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego - winning touchdown v Tennessee Titans

On the charge: LaDainian Tomlinson leaps over the Titans defence to score the winning touchdown

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A thrilling final half-hour secured the San Diego Chargers a 17-6 victory over Tennessee Titans in the NFL's wild-card play-offs.

The Chargers were left frustrated after trailing 6-0 at the break - however San Diego came fighting back with 17 unanswered points for their first play-off win in 13 years.

Rob Bironas had landed two field goals for the Titans, however it was their defence that was to the fore in the opening two quarters as LaDainian Tomlinson was shut out.

Nate Kaeding landed a 20-yard field goal to bring San Diego back into the game - and from there on it, it was all about the Chargers.

A change of tactic from quarterback Philip Rivers paid dividends as his 25-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson late in the third quarter lifted San Diego to a 10-6 lead.

Bironas missed a 38-yard field goal attempt to cut the deficit and it was the Chargers who made sure of the win in the final quarter.

With San Diego in fourth-and-goal from inside the one, Rivers passed to Tomlinson, who despite jumping into a line Titans, somehow managed to touch the ball down.

Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher was proud of his side despite the narrow defeat. He said: "Our defense played their hearts out.

"Obviously, it's disappointing to lose this ball game but we have nothing to be ashamed of.

"Missed opportunities, the missed field goal, and a fumble... Just an inability to get in the end zone. That's the difference in the ball game."

San Diego will now face Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.