New Orleans Saints secure third win of pre-season

The New Orleans Saints have secured their third win of pre-season as they recorded a 31-23 victory over the Houston Texans.

Gary Kubiak's side took the lead in the first quarter as Ben Tate ran in for a touchdown for one-yard, while Randy Bullock added a field goal to give the visitors a 10-0 lead.

The Saints struck back through Drew Brees as he found Pierre Thomas with a short pass and the running back went in on a 51-yard run for the score.

Bullock and Saints' kicker Garrett Hartley exchanged field goals before Sean Payton's side took the lead when backup quarterback Luke McCown hit Kenny Stills in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown.

McCown extended his side's lead with an eight-yard touchdown when he found Andy Tanner but the Texans hit back with a strike of their own when TJ Yates and Alec Lemon combined for a score.

Payton's side secured the win in the fourth quarter when Ryan Griffin threw an 15-yard touchdown to Tanner, for his second receiving strike of the game.