Live Commentary: New England Patriots 28-24 Seattle Seahawks - as it happened

Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for one of the biggest sporting events of the year as the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX (that's 49 for those not well versed in Roman numerals). It is one of the most intriguing clashes in recent years, so we should have a cracking night of action ahead of us. We have a bumper build-up for you, so let's waste no time in getting started! First things first, the inactives for both sides...

PATRIOTS INACTIVES: Moore, Boyce, Tyms, Vellano, Devey, Gray, White

SEAHAWKS INACTIVES: Daniels, Burley, Lewis, Milton, King, Gilliam, Norwood

No surprises there, then, but there will be a few sighs of relief from fans of both sides there. For the Patriots, there had been question marks over the fitness of Stork, Jones, Hightower and Siliga going into this match, but it was always unlikely that any of them would miss the game. Tom Brady also revealed that he had been suffering from a cold this week, but there was never any question over his availability for this one.

As for the Seahawks, a few key players have been struggling a little with injuries of late, most notably Lynch, Sherman and Chancellor. The latter was the biggest concern after he picked up a knee problem in the last few days, but it was nothing serious enough to cast major doubt over his appearance tonight. Whether it ends up having an impact on his performance, we will find out a bit later tonight.

There is so much intrigue surrounding this match, with no clear favourite on either side and a big number of variants that could make this match an all-time classic. It pits the league's most successful team of recent years against a side looking to build a similar dynasty following their first championship success last season. It is a big ask for the Seahawks to replicate the sort of success that the Patriots have achieved in the Robert Kraft era, but they have certainly built a sturdy base and so far things are looking very promising for a sustained period of dominance.

The microcosm of all that is the battle between the two quarterbacks. Both are looking to make history tonight, with Brady appearing in a sixth Super Bowl - more than any other quarterback - and Wilson looking to become the first QB to lead his side to two titles in his first three seasons. Many have compared Wilson to a young Brady, and he certainly has the clutch element that has helped the now 37-year-old Patriots legend become so successful. One very interesting fact about Wilson is that he has a perfect 10-0 record against a fellow Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and he will be looking to extend that incredible streak tonight.

As for Brady, victory tonight would see him claim a record-equaling fourth Super Bowl title, but defeat would see him lose in the showpiece event for the third time in a row following the defeats to the New York Giants in 2008 and 2012. His six Super Bowl appearances isn't quite an overall all-time record, but it does equal the mark set by Mike Lodish. What's more, Brady has twice been named as an MVP in the Super Bowl, so he has left an indelible mark of this occasion already during his illustrious career. At 37, this could well be his final big chance to get another winner's ring, and it is hard to deny that victory tonight would be a fitting way to go out.

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Brady has been hurt by four-man pressure over the years, however, particularly in the losing Super Bowls against the Giants. The Seahawks have their only style of defence that has served them incredibly well in recent seasons, but it will be interesting to see whether they employ that tactic more often than usual in an attempt to unsettle Brady. Conversely, it will be interesting to see whether Brady opts to take on Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman very often, with the two players having history following a match in 2012.

On that occasion, the Seahawks edged to a 24-23 victory after Brady had attempted 58 passes against a Seahawks defence that was beginning to evolve into the formidable unit that we see now. After the match, Sherman infamously mouthed off to Brady, saying 'You mad, bro?' having got the better of the Patriots quarterback. It is unlikely that Brady will throw anywhere near that often tonight given how strong the Seahawks' secondary is, but he may be tempted to take on Sherman, if only because the cornerback has been struggling with an elbow injury of late.

Incidentally, Sherman was targeted just seven times on 76 passing snaps during the post-season, which goes to show how much opposing quarterbacks like to avoid throwing towards the cornerback. There is good reason for that, of course, but Seattle will be expecting Brady to keep the ball away from him so a couple of early throws to that side - risk-dependent - could be worthwhile to keep the defending champions guessing.

Sherman is the voice of Seattle's secondary, but as an entire unit they are very impressive. One of the key battles tonight could be between Chancellor and Gronkowski. The Seattle safety is one of very few players who can match the Patriots tight end for strength, size and athleticism, and whoever comes out on top in that battle could well be key in which way this match goes. It will be a fascinating clash between two beasts of the game and is arguably the most intriguing factor of an all-round mouth-watering clash.

Seattle's defence rightly takes a lot of the plaudits for their recent success, but their offense also contains some formidable players, mainly on the ground. Marshawn Lynch is the most potent weapon, and stopping him could be key for the Patriots' chances tonight. In three of the four games Seattle have lost this season, Lynch has rushed for 61 yards or fewer, so if New England can stop the running back then it will take away a large part of Seattle's attack. Lynch has, of course, made the headlines this week for refusing to talk to the press, but he has always been a player who does his talking on the field and, if he is on top form tonight, he could be the difference.

The Patriots can't afford to focus too heavily on stopping Lynch, however, as that could open up gaps for other attackers to exploit. Russell Wilson has been an effective rusher so far this season and has actually carried the ball more often than any Patriots running back. It is usually his last option to run with the ball, but his decision-making has improved to such a level that he can now judge the best course of action very quickly and, if that means running himself, he is not shy to do so.

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Speaking of the running game, that could well be the best course of action for the Patriots today given the strengths on the other side of the ball. New England have done a good job of focusing on the part of the game most suited to beat their opponents so far this season, and never was that more evident than in the playoffs. Brady threw 51 passes against the Ravens as the Patriots edged into the AFC championship game, with that tactic proving more effective than rushing against a stern Ravens running defence. Their running backs combined for 14 yards off seven carries in that match, which speaks volumes as to where their priorities lay.

In contrast, the AFC championship game saw LeGarrette Blount steal the show on the ground, rushing for three touchdowns to help the Patriots to an emphatic victory. In all, their running backs made 177 yards against the Indianapolis Colts as they showcased their ability to win in a different way to that of their previous outing. Blount could well be a key figure again tonight and, if he can get joy against the Seahawks' front eight then it will be a major advantage for the Patriots. The Seahawks didn't look entirely comfortable against the rush when playing the Packers and the Panthers, while they went into the playoffs having allowed 81.5 rushing yards per game.

Another reason for targeting the running game would be Seattle's recent record when it comes to touchdown passes. They have allowed just two touchdown passes in the second halves of their last 10 games, including only one in their last five outings. That solitary score was a meaningless one too, as the Carolina Panthers scored late in the fourth quarter of their divisional round defeat. The Seahawks tend to come into their own as the match progresses and have a fine record in the fourth quarter, so that statistic could end up being an important one in this match.

The Patriots do, however, have the greater experience on this grand stage. This is their record-equalling eighth appearance in a Super Bowl, while they are looking to become only the sixth team to win the top prize four times, after the 49ers, Steelers, Cowboys, Giants and Packers. By contrast, the Seahawks won the title for the first time last season, albeit in style, and have a quarterback who is only in his third season in the league. Brady and Bill Belichick's experience could well prove to be key in the end tonight, although try telling that to a Seahawks side who humiliated the great Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos last season.

Speaking of Belichick, this is also a day of history for the Patriots coach as he ties the legendary Don Shula for most appearances in a Super Bowl, with six. He also broke the record for most post-season victories as a coach by picking up his 21st against the Indianapolis Colts, and his partnership with Brady will be well and truly saved in the history books should they clinch a fourth Super Bowl together tonight. It is fair to say that they won't be together for too much longer, so this could be their best chance at a big last hurrah.

Belichick's reign has not been without controversy, though, and the latest scandal to hit the Patriots under his tenure is the 'deflategate' incident from the AFC championship game. The NFL found that 11 of the 12 balls used by New England were under-inflated, while none of those used by the Colts were. Both Belichick and Brady deny knowledge of the controversy, but the NFL are conducting an investigation and the Patriots could be in line for a penalty after the Super Bowl should they be found guilty. Of course, the controversy has been magnified by the fact that it is the Patriots, but it is still an issue that could be weighing on their minds tonight.

Before Belichick, a certain Pete Carroll was the head coach at the Patriots. New England owner Robert Kraft has since admitted that he didn't give Carroll the best chance to succeed at the club during his three years at the helm, but he has done well for himself since leaving nonetheless. He goes into tonight looking for his second consecutive winner's ring, and in what is expected to be a very tight battle it could be the tactics from the sidelines that make the difference tonight. It is yet another sub-plot to a fascinating encounter, but you can be sure that Carroll will be desperate to get one over on his former employers.

We have around half an hour until we start at the University of Phoenix Stadium, so let's take a look at how both sides got to the showpiece event of the NFL season. Things did not start well for the Patriots, who lose to the Miami Dolphins in their opening match of the campaign. Wins over the Vikings and Raiders seemed to have restored normality, but alarm bells really began to ring when they were hammered 14-41 by the Kansas City Chiefs in week four, dropping to 2-2.

If anything, that defeat inspired the Patriots more than it did demoralise them, and they responded in superb fashion. They went on to win their next seven games in a row to move back into a commanding position in the AFC East, but that streak come to an end at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. That left Belichick's side at 9-3, but three straight victories sealed their place as the number one seed in the AFC before they lost their final match of the regular season at home to the Bills, ending their unbeaten home record in the process.

A match against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium awaited them, and the Patriots only just progressed by the skin of their teeth. They eventually won by four points, running out 35-31 victors, but they were forced to recover from 14-point deficits on two occasions throughout the game - the first time any side has managed to do that and win in playoff history.

That put them into a fourth consecutive AFC championship game, and this time it was much more straightforward for the Patriots. They thrashed the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 to cruise into their eight Super Bowl, recording the most lopsided victory in an AFC championship game since 1990. Blount was the standout performer for New England as they carved the Colts up on the ground, and they will be looking for a similar performance from their running back this evening.

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The Seahawks also got off to something of a shaky start in the regular season, although you wouldn't have predicted that being the case after week one when they eased to victory over the Packers. They were beaten by the Chargers in week two, though, leaving them 1-1 and not quite looking as formidable as they had the year before. Victories over the Broncos and the Redskins lifted spirits somewhat, but back-to-back defeats to the Cowboys and the Rams left their season hanging in the balance at 3-3.

The trade of Percy Harvin was a surprising move from the Seahawks, but it seemed to help galvanise them and they soon began to improve, returning to what made them so successful in the 2013 season and grinding out results. They lost just one of their remaining 10 regular season matches, with that defeat coming against the Chiefs, and ended the campaign on a six-match winning streak that now stands at eight courtesy of their two playoff victories. The first of those saw them ease to a fairly comfortable victory over the Carolina Panthers, winning 31-17 to become the first defending champions to win a playoff game in the next season since the Patriots in 2005.

There was nothing simple about their NFC championship match, however, as the Seahawks played out one of the best playoff matches in recent memory against the Green Bay Packers. Seattle overturned a 16-0 half-time deficit - the biggest comeback in a championship match ever - while they still trailed 19-7 with just three minutes left on the clock. However, despite throwing four interceptions, Wilson produced the clutch play in overtime to clinch a 28-22 victory courtesy of a Jermaine Kearse touchdown. That result made them the first team since 2004 to win back-to-back conference championships and the first team since 1997 to do so in the NFC. They also became the first team since 1990-91 to reach consecutive Super Bowls as the number one seed and the first team from the NFC to manage that feat since 1982-83.

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Both sides have had up-and-down seasons, then, including tricky playoff games that they have only just come through. It all adds to the intrigue surrounding this game, which so many experts are finding difficult to call. One thing that is unlikely is a repeat of the blowout we saw in last season's Super Bowl as the Seahawks nullified Peyton Manning and ran out convincing 43-8 victors. I don't expect a very high scoring game here, and it could well come down to one score.

PREDICTION: We're edging ever closer to kickoff now, so it is about time I made a prediction as the American national anthem rings around the stadium! It really is a tough one to call here, and either side could quite easily emerge victorious from this one, which makes it a relatively unique occasion in the Super Bowl. For me, though, the Seahawks just about have the edge in this one and I'm going to go for a tight 21-17 victory for the defending champions.

Seattle could well look to make this a scrappy affair as they have a much better record in such games than the Patriots. Since 2009, New England have been held under 21 points 24 times and have a pretty poor 6-18 record in those matches. In contrast, the Seahawks have an 11-6 record in games when they have scored 21 or fewer since Russell Wilson arrived at the club. When you consider that the Seahawks averaged just 6.5 points against in their final six matches of the regular season, that could be key.

COIN TOSS: The Seahawks win the coin toss and will kick the ball to the Patriots to start this game off. We will see Tom Brady nice and early in this clash.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Super Bowl XLIX is underway and the Patriots return the kickoff to their own 18-yard line. On come Brady and co.

Two quick completions from Brady to Gronkowski and Amendola respectively. The Patriots move to third and two and have made a good, solid start to this match.

...and a first first down swiftly follows for New England. Blount goes for his first run of the night on the next play but is quickly stopped in his tracks.

The first incomplete pass of the day sees Brady fire one too low for his receiver. The Patriots will have to punt as a result, and the chase is good to stop the return early. However, a flag is thrown and the Patriots get a five-yard penalty which they decline, giving the ball back to the Seahawks deep in their own half.

Lynch is given the ball on the Seahawks' first play and he makes a small gain before about half of the Patriots defence swarm on him and finally bring him down at second and seven.

Lynch gets the ball for all three of the Seahawk's plays, but the Patriots defence holds firm to force a punt without a first down. Edelman collects the kick and the New England offense comes back onto the field.

Another first down for the Patriots as Brady fires a quick pass to Edelman on the left side of the field. He doesn't make it far after the catch, but Brady has got the ball away quickly so far and Seattle haven't been able to get to him.

Blount gets the ball for the next two plays but is stopped short on both occasions. The Patriots have mixed it up quite well so far, but Blount hasn't made much ground when running the ball yet.

Brady goes back to passing the ball and this time finds Gronkowski, who catches the short pass on the right before just about making it over for another first down.

Blount almost breaks the first-down line but falls just a yard short, leaving the Patriots on third and one. However, Blount does make ground on his next run and claims a first down as the Patriots continue to edged their way up the field. They are on the 25-yard line now.

Another first down for the Patriots as Brady fires a quick ball out to find Amendola on the flat. This is a very professional drive from the Patriots, nullifying the Seattle defence.

INTERCEPTION! A big Patriots drive ends as Brady looks for a touchdown pass into the endzone. It is straight to Jeremy Lane on the edge, however, and the Seattle defence has their first interception of the match. Lane can't return it too far, but the Seahawks survive a Patriots trip to their red zone and now have the ball.

What a time that was for Lane to get his first career interception. However, it looks like it came at a cost - the cornerback departs with a cast on his arm and he may not be able to play any further part in this one.

The Seahawks have their opening first down of the game, and predictably is comes through Lynch. He looks to have been stopped by somehow manages to steal a few more yards to make the first down.

A quick opening quarter comes to an end without any points on the board so far. Wilson was forced to rush in the final play of that quarter, but couldn't make much ground as he was quickly caught. The big talking point of that opening 15 minutes was Brady's mistake as he threw a poor interception when looking for Edelman in the endzone.

We're back underway for the second quarter and the first play sees Lynch stopped early by a Patriots defensive who have done a decent job of quelling the running back's influence on the game so far.

Good defence from the Patriots forces another punt from Seattle. Wilson kept the ball for a while as he dropped deep looking for a receiver, but no-one was open and his eventual pass was incomplete.

Brady collects an errant snap and fires it out short to Edelman, who makes a big gain for a first down on the Patriots' first play back in possession of the ball.

Another first down for the Patriots. This time it is Vereen who collects Brady's pass for a seventh first down of the match, compared to just one for the Seahawks. They are controlling their drives well so far.

Almost a big play as Brady attempts by far his longest pass of the night so far. Gronkowski very nearly gets the better of Chancellor on the edge of the endzone but, despite getting a hand to the ball, he can't haul it in. It would have been an incredible catch by the tight end.

Another big play from Edelman as he takes the ball to around the Seattle 10-yard line, collecting Brady's pass before making a few yards after the catch. Another chance for New England here as they move to within striking distance of the endzone.

First blood goes to the Patriots! They get the first score the first touchdown of the game as Brady fires a pass to LaFell, who squeezes into the endzone just before a mixture of two defenders can stop him. That was another well-worked drive from New England, and this time Brady was able to add the finishing touch.

Brady is now the first QB in @NFL history with 50 postseason touchdowns. #NEvsSEA #SB49 — New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 2, 2015

The kickoff goes out the back of the endzone and the Seahawks will start from the 20-yard line as they look for an immediate response. Wilson and co haven't had much joy on offense so far.

Wilson attempts to run himself on the first play with no other options available to him, and he is sacked for the second time tonight for a loss of three. Wilson still hasn't completed a pass tonight.

Wilson looks to finally get his first pass of the match under his belt, but a long throw towards Kearse is broken up by Ryan for another quick three and out. The Seahawks will punt again.

Edelman collects the punt and returns it to the 27-yard line. New England have the ball once again and they will be happy with their performance on both offense and defence so far tonight, with the exception of that Brady interception.

The Patriots have outscored the Seahawks on total yardage 140-22 so far, and that figure grows even further as once again Brady finds Edelman for a seven-yard gain.

The Patriots are forced into a punt and Wilson will have another chance to get his offense moving upfield from the 29-yard line now. We are more than halfway through the second quarter and still he has not completed a pass.

The Seahawks are penalised for a false start to take them from a third and one to a third and six. Wilson fires his pass to Kearse, who just about gets it over for a first down for a big play. Wilson finally has a completion!

Huge play for the Seahawks! Wilson finally looks to be coming to life as he fires a long pass downfield for Matthews, who makes a fine catch on the 11-yard line to put Seattle within striking distance. That is the biggest completion of the night so far.

Lynch looks to burst through but is brought down a few yards short of the endzone. They are third and two now, but just three yards away from a score.

Finally Seattle get their offense moving, and it results in a score to level things up here. Matthews contributed with a great catch from Wilson's long pass, but it was Lynch who got the score in the end, reaching over the line from three yards to get his side on the scoreboard.

Seattle get us back underway and on comes Brady again. They will restart from the 20-yard line as they look to manufacture a second scoring drive.

They immediately get the first down as Brady fires his pass over to Amendola on the left and he makes the 10-yard gain before running out of bounds.

TWO-MINUTE WARNING! The two-minute sounds as we near the end of what has been a very quick first half. It is still hanging in the balance despite the Patriots having the better of things on the whole so far. Can Brady make the most of this current possession to give his side the lead going into the break?

Good run from Blount as he bursts through a couple of tackles and drives his legs before finally being brought down inches short of the first down. Brady throws a quick pass to Vereen on the next play to complete the first down, however.

Big mistake from Avril as he goes far too early on third and three, gifting the Patriots a third down courtesy of a five-yard penalty. How costly could that prove to be with 49 seconds left in this first half?

Vereen collects a low pass from Brady before getting another first down and moving up to the 27-yard line. The Patriots take their first time-out of the match and will resume their drive within striking distance.

The Patriots get their score as Gronkowski beats Wright down the sideline to collect Brady's looping catch over his shoulder in the endzone. Avril's error proves very costly in the end and, unless Seattle can come up with a quick response, the Patriots will go into half time ahead here.

That was Brady's 11th career touchdown pass in a Super Bowl, which draws him level with Joe Montana at the top of the all-time list. Yet another record to add to Brady's long list.

Big play from Turbin as he makes a 19-yard gain on the rush to pick up a first down. Seattle use a time-out immediately afterwards with 24 seconds left in this first half.

Another run, this time from Wilson as he steps away from Collins and races down the left touchline for a first down. They are just inside the Patriots' half now with 17 seconds on the clock.

Lockette makes the catch for a third consecutive first down following a pass from Wilson. They are now well within field goal range, and a penalty edges them even closer to the endzone. Do they risk going for a touchdown or will they settle for a field goal?

Seattle are going to risk it here! With six seconds left they are going for the endzone from 11 yards out instead of settling for a three-point field goal. It is a risky move from the defending champions...

Seattle's risk pays off! They level things up with just two seconds left of the first half thanks to a risky play, with Matthews collecting Wilson's pass at the front of the endzone. Matthews had not had a career catch before today, but he has picked up a 44-yard reception and a touchdown in the Super Bowl now. Incredible.

The first half of Super Bowl XLIX comes to a close and, as expected, it is proving to be an incredibly tight contest. Nothing separates the two sides at the halfway stage, with a late Seahawks score levelling things up at 14-14. The defending champions took a while to get going on offense, but they managed to hang in their despite the slow start and it is still all to play for right now.

The opening touchdown came through Brandon LaFell in the second quarter as he collected Brady's pass before falling over the line into the endzone. It took Wilson almost 20 minutes to come up with his first completion of the night, but he finally got the wheels moving in the latter stages of the second quarter. A big completion to Matthews set up a scoring drive that ultimately saw Lynch reach over to level things up.

The Patriots restored their advantage as Brady threw a record-equalling 11th Super Bowl touchdown pass, looping the ball into the endzone for Gronkowski to collect over his shoulder with just 31 seconds remaining in the half. There was still time for the Seahawks to get their second touchdown of the night, though, with Matthews again proving to be a surprise difference-maker by hauling in Wilson's pass. Seattle took a risk in going for the endzone with six seconds left when they could have settled for a field goal, but it proved to be a good decision.

The Patriots are winning on first downs, total plays, totals yards and a number of other statistics at the break, but the crucial stat is level. The Seahawks are so good in the latter stages of matches too so, as long as they can stay in touch then they will be confidence of coming up with the clutch plays when it matters.

It's time for the Super Bowl half-time show, and Katy Perry kicks it off by riding a huge metallic tiger onto the field! As you do.

And after a small dose of 'Dark Horse' Katy Perry is joined by Lenny Kravitz, complete with flamethrowers going off in the background.

Forget the flamethrowers, we've got a load of blokes dressed up as palm trees, beach balls, sharks and surf boards now! Katy Perry makes a suspiciously quick wardrobe change and appears back on the stage sans Kravitz.

Another cameo for a friend of Ms Perry in the shape of Missy Elliott! Sir Paul McCartney is in the stadium for this match, does no-one fancy getting him down for a few songs?

Katy Perry emerges in a fourth different costume before being lifted up into the air on a mechanical shooting star for the latest hit in her repertoire, this time 'Firework' (I believe it's called). My hunch is backed up by a number of fireworks going off around the Phoenix of Arizona Stadium. Save some for the Super Bowl winners Katy!

The half-time show goes by without a hitch and finishes with a bang, quite literally, after that impressive firework show. Right, time to focus back on the game once again, and we have a perfectly-poised second half ahead of us here.

I have mentioned the Seahawks' good record in the latter stages of matches, but the Patriots also boast their own impressive statistics in that respect. They have allowed just one second-half touchdown against them in their last eight outings, with that coming in the playoff victory over the Baltimore Ravens. This one is still so hard to call.

KICKOFF: The Seahawks get us back underway for the second half as Lynch makes the first play but is swiftly stopped in his tracks by a crowd of Patriots defenders.

Lynch finally breaks through the line, making a third down before being brought down having made his biggest gain of the night so far.

Incredible start to this second half for the Seahawks! Wilson lofts a long pass over the top and Matthews is there again to make the catch. He was a virtual unknown before the playoffs but is enjoying a spectacular night tonight.

Despite a quick drive to the red zone at the start of this second half, the Seahawks can't make it into the endzone and they will have the first field-goal attempt of the night.

Steven Hauschka makes no mistake with the kick, splitting the posts to give the Seahawks their first lead of the night. It has been a confident start to the second half, and Seattle look like they're beginning to get into their stride here.

Hauschka's restart results in a touchback and the Patriots will start from their 20-yard line as they look to respond to falling behind for the first time.

The Seahawks stop the Patriots quickly on two consecutive plays to leave them on third and six. On the next play he gets the ball away quickly to Gronkowski, however, and the tight end picks up another first down.

Brady goes to ground on two consecutive plays as the Seahawks begin to get to the Patriots quarterback quicker. He has released the ball fast so far but there are signs of him coming under a little more pressure now.

INTERCEPTION! Brady looks for Gronkowski down the middle, but Wagner is there to steal the ball and make a big interception. Sherman is penalised for an illegal block, but the infringement came after the interception so Seattle will keep the ball.

Another completion from Matthews as he shrugs off Browner before catching the pass and being brought down just short of first down. Lynch runs over the first-down line on the next play, however.

More quick feet from Wilson as he skips away from the defence before racing in for another first down, while a penalty takes the Seahawks to the 18-yard line. This is looking ominous for the Patriots.

Another big play from Lynch as he drives to the four-yard line before just about being brought down. The Seahawks are second and goal as they look to extend their lead here.

The Seahawks open up a 10-point lead courtesy of their third touchdown of the night! Wilson floats a pass into the endzone where a wide-open Baldwin is waiting to make a simple catch. He is penalised for his celebration, but the touchdown stands and the Seahawks are in control of this one now.

Amendola returns the restart around 10 yards before being shepherded out of play, bringing Brady back onto the field. This is the biggest deficit that he has faced in any of his six Super Bowls, so it will be interesting to see how he responds to the challenge.

Brady looks to have made a first down to Amendola, only for a penalty to force the Patriots back 10 yards. On the next play the quarterback tries to loop a long pass down the left sideline, but it lands out of bounds and New England are second and 20.

The Patriots are forced into another punt and the Seahawks will start again on their 20-yard line. Their 10-point lead remains intact as we head towards the closing stages of the third quarter, and another score on this possession would leave the Patriots with a mountain to climb.

Wilson is really starting to run this game now. He fires one to Lockette down the middle for a big gain, taking his side up to the halfway line.

Doug Baldwin was the man who got the score to extend Seattle's lead to 10 points, collecting a pass when wide-open in the endzone. Here is a shot of him making that catch, which could prove crucial in this match:

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Almost another big play from Wilson as he looks for Kearse down the left touchline, but the ball just gets away from the receiver and Seattle are forced to punt. They would have been in scoring range had Kearse held on to that one.

The third quarter comes to an end and the Patriots have just 15 minutes left to get themselves back into this match. They trail by 10 points at the end of the third and, while that is far from an unassailable lead, the Seahawks are growing in confidence while New England have not really threatened to break through yet in this second half.

The Patriots start the quarter on third and one but Blount is hauled back a few yards short of first down and New England are once again forced to punt the ball back to Seattle.

Wilson collects the snap and takes his time looking downfield until Ninkovich bursts through from nowhere to sack the quarterback. It is Seattle's turn to punt the ball back to the Patriots now.

Brady takes too long looking for a receiver and Bruce Irvin breaks through to sack the quarterback for an eight-yard loss. That is the Seahawks' first sack of the game.

Brady fires a pass to Edelman, who catches the ball but is then on the end of a huge hit from Chancellor. He shakes it off in fairness, getting up and making a few more yards, but he was down after the initial contact and will be called back for just a 20-yard gain.

Brady looks for a long touchdown pass over the top for LaFell, but Simon does well to stick with his man and bat the ball away at the crucial moment. Simon looked like a weak link when he initially came in, but that was an important contribution.

Brady steps up out of the pocket and throws one to Edelman down the middle for a first down. Edelman manages to steal a few extra yards too, bringing the Patriots within four yards of the endzone.

A hugely important score for the Patriots with just under eight minutes to go. One play after missing a wide-open Edelman on the left side, Brady fires one to Amendola at the back of the endzone, and he makes the grab ahead of Thomas. We have a three-point game!

That pass means that Brady is now the sole holder of the record for most touchdown passes in Super Bowls. He could do with one or two more before the night is out if the Patriots are to win this one, though!

Two consecutive incompletions from Wilson result in a quick third and out, and the Seahawks are forced to punt the ball back to the Patriots with their lead still only three points.

Brady targets Vereen twice in a row to clinch a first down, and the first catch was a particularly impressive one from the receiver as he grabbed the ball with one hand. Brady is beginning to get into his stride again here.

Another first down for Vereen as he collects a short, looping pass from Brady before battling his way over. However, a penalty is given against Amendola and the Patriots are taken back 10 yards and return to second down.

It makes no difference to Brady, though! He fires a pass down the middle for Gronkowski, who has escaped Chancellor and makes a big first down for his side.

Again the Patriots go to Gronkowski and again the tight end gets over for a tight end. They are well within range of a kick now, but Brady will continue to work his side down to the endzone for now.

Brady fires a pass to LaFell, who is wide-open on the left. He can't stay inbounds, however, which is fortunate for the Seahawks as he was well-placed to score. The Patriots are now first and goal, around five yards from the endzone.

Blount drives his way to the three-yard line as the clock continues to tick down. The Patriots need a score here, you feel.

The Patriots regain the lead! Edelman again cuts back to lose his man and this time Brady makes the pass, picking out the receiver at the front of the endzone to open up a four-point advantage. The Seahawks have just over two minutes to respond now!

A big gain from Seattle on their first play in response to falling behind. Wilson fires a pass down the left for Lynch, who collects it before being tackled by Collins. The two-minute warning comes up with this match still hanging right in the balance.

Wilson drops deep and has all the time in the world to pick a pass. He eventually goes for a long one to the endzone, again aiming for Matthews, but Browner is there to knock the ball away.

Lockette collects a first down and that is followed by an incredible play from Kearse! Butler looked to have broken up the play but the ball lands on Kearse and, after juggling it a bit while still on the floor, he gets hold of it. He looks to get up and reach the endzone, but is quickly pushed into touch. What an unbelievable moment, and it could prove to be a crucial one.

Lynch looks to complete the score on first and goal but he comes up just half a yard short.

INTERCEPTION! Oh my word, what a play from Butler! Wilson looks to fire one in to Lockette at the front of the endzone, but Butler makes the grab first. That may well have won the Patriots the Super Bowl! Incredible scenes.

You have to question the choice from the Seahawks then. Lynch would surely have made it over from a yard out, but instead they went for the pass, giving Butler the chance to make the huge interception.

Huge mistake from Bennett here as he goes too early, gifting the Patriots a five-yard penalty, which takes New England away from the endzone. Brady would have had to get out of the endzone otherwise that would have been a safety. That completely relieves the pressure, though.

An ugly end to the match as a number of players from both sides get involved in various scuffles around the field. Gronkowski was heavily involved in it, while Irvin has been ejected due to unnecessary roughness.

The formalities are completed as the Patriots hold out to win the Super Bowl. It was an incredible ending to a fascinating encounter, with Malcolm Butler making his first career interception on the edge of his own endzone in the dying stages of the Super Bowl just when it looked as though Seattle were going to clinch the winning touchdown.

It is a fourth Super Bowl victory for Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, but they must have had a horrible case of deja-vu when Kearse collected a miracle catch late on. That Butler interception nullified that, however, and ultimately that will be what this magnificent match is remembered for. A number of unlikely players stepped up to the plate tonight, and none more so than Butler.

As you can imagine, the Patriots are going wild on the field following that success. They overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, which is the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history, and Brady can take a lot of credit for that. Seattle, meanwhile, will be left rueing their decision to go for a pass on that final play instead of handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch from a yard out.

Right, that is all we have time for tonight! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for an incredible Super Bowl as the Patriots get their name back on the Vince Lombardi trophy for the first time in 10 years. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction from both camps. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!