Half-Time Report: Carolina Panthers score late to lead Atlanta Falcons

By Barney Corkhill, Editor

Published: December 29 2013 | 19:40

Last updated: December 30 2013 | 12:52

The Carolina Panthers score in the closing stages of the second quarter to take a 14-10 lead into half time of their match against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Carolina Panthers scored a touchdown with less than 30 seconds of the first half remaining to take a 14-10 lead into the halfway stage of their match against the Atlanta Falcons this evening.

Jason Snelling of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a first quarter touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome on December 29, 2013 © Getty Images

The Falcons went ahead on the opening drive of the match as Jason Snelling caught Matt Ryan's nine-yard pass and held on to the ball despite a big hit that took him into the endzone.

The hosts extended this lead in the second quarter when Matt Bryant added another three points to his side's total with a 42-yard field goal.

The Panthers were gifted a way back into the match in the second quarter when Ryan threw an interception to Melvin White, who stumbled forward eight yards to return it for a touchdown.

They then took the lead for the first time in the match as Cam Newton threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Ted Ginn Jr, who was wide open in the endzone.