Half-Time Report: Carolina Panthers cruising against New York Giants

The Carolina Panthers have taken a surprise 17-0 lead into the halfway stage of their NFL match against the New York Giants.

The hosts moved into a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter courtesy of a two-yard run into the endzone by Mike Tolbert after a 59-yard drive, with Graham Gano duly adding the extra point.

Gano then further extended his side's lead in the second quarter with a mammoth field goal, making it 10-0 from 53 yards.

The Panthers increased their surprise lead with just 19 seconds left of the half when Cam Newton's pass found Brandon LaFell in the endzone for a 16-yard touchdown.

Both sides are looking for their first win this season, having lost their opening two matches.