Houston Texans progress in NFL playoffs at Cincinnati Bengals' expense

Houston Texans have beaten the Cincinnati Bengals in the first NFL wildcard match at the Reliant Stadium.

Texans were the better side throughout the nervy encounter and the AFC South champions deservedly won 19-13 to set up a meeting with the New England Patriots.

Matt Schaub kicked two field goals to give Texans a 6-0 lead early in the second quarter, however he then made a poor pass, allowing Leon Hall to intercept and score the game's first touchdown.

A third field goal edged Houston back ahead at half time, before Arian Foster dived over early in the third quarter to put the hosts in firm control.

Garrett Graham then kicked a field goal to put Houston two scores clear and although Josh Brown responded with a superb 47-yard goal of his own, the visiting team were unable to add to their points tally during the final nine minutes.