The Denver Broncos delivered a defensive masterclass to beat reigning champions the New England Patriots 20-18 in the AFC Championship game and book their place in Super Bowl 50.

The conference title game was billed as the battle of the quarterbacks and it was Peyton Manning who came out on top with a huge helping hand from his defence, which nullified Tom Brady’s threat.

The Broncos were forced to hold on at Sports Authority Field after Brady’s four-yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski with 12 seconds remaining but an interception on the two-point conversion all but sealed the win.

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Owen Daniels had earlier scored two touchdowns from Manning passes either side of Steven Jackson’s one-yard run to help Denver to a 17-9 half-time lead.

Stephen Gostkowski and Brandon McManus again traded field goals before Brady and Gronkowski combined to set up a tense finish.

The thrilling victory sends the Broncos through to a record-equalling eighth Super Bowl.