Miami Dolphins edge San Diego Chargers

Charles Clay's touchdown has helped the Miami Dolphins grind out a 20-16 win at home to the San Diego Chargers, surviving a late onslaught for their fifth victory of the NFL season.

The Dolphins started the game well as they moved seamlessly downfield, but were forced to settle for a 22-yard field goal that was comfortably dispatched by Caleb Sturgis.

Phillip Rivers responded with a drive of his down and the Chargers went one better than Miami and punched the ball into the end zone late in the first quarter, finding Antonio Gates down the middle for the opening touchdown.

Miami were quick to respond in the second quarter as Ryan Tannehill took full advantage of a passer penalty for roughing, leading a drive that finished with Daniel Thomas bundling home to score from close range.

Back came San Diego, though, as Rivers and running back Ryan Mathews moved the ball downfield, levelling before half time as Nick Novak made no mistake with a 50-yard field goal.

When play resumed, the Dolphins proved to more clinical with their chances in the end zone, as Tannehill picked out Clay with a 39-yard touchdown pass to put the hosts in control.

Sturgis and Novak exchanged field goals in the fourth quarter before Rivers led a last-ditch drive towards goal for the Chargers, but his Hail Mary pass was blocked clear as Miami held on for a huge home win.