Saints see off Chargers at sold out Wembley
This is the second year running that Wembley Stadium has staged an NFL game
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Sunday, 26, Oct 2008 08:59
New Orleans edged the San Diego Chargers 37-32 in the NFL clash at Wembley Stadium.
The Saints boosted their hopes of making the playoffs in the tough NFC South Division after scoring five touchdowns.
San Diego, who are tipped to be Super Bowl contenders, scored three touchdowns but it was not enough to prevent their fifth defeat of the season.
The first quarter was a cagey affair and was tied at 3-3 after Taylor Mehlhaff's field goal for New Orleans was cancelled out by Nate Kaeding's 33-yard effort.
New Orleans exploded out of the blocks in the second quarter and scored three touchdowns. Devery Henderson grabbed the first after collecting Drew Brees' pass from 12 yards before Deuce McAllister scored their second after bulldozing his way into the end zone.
LaDainian Tomlinson hit back for the Chargers for their first touchdown but New Orleans maintained their lead when Lance Moore caught Drew Brees' 30-yard assist to score.
Antonio Gates scored for San Diego with just over a minute remaining to leave them 23-17 behind at half-time.
New Orleans increased their lead three minutes into the third quarter when Mark Campbell collected Brees' short pass to score. Kaeding reduced the deficit with a field goal but the Chargers were still ten points behind going into the final quarter.
Their hopes of victory were dashed by Mike Karney scoring the Saints' fifth touchdown. Despite Vincent Jackson's touchdown and another Kaeding field goal, New Orleans held on for a vital victory.