NFL-Manning and Bronco defence beat Pats for trip to Super Bowl

* Late touchdown gives Patriots a chance to tie * Could not make two-point conversion * Broncos survive at home By Steve Keating Jan 24 (Reuters) - Peyton Manning out-gunned great rival Tom Brady as the Denver Broncos behind a ferocious defence edged the defending champion New England Patriots 20-18 on Sunday to book their place in Super Bowl 50. During the buildup to the AFC championship game in the Mile High City, the spotlight was fixed on Manning and Brady, the two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks who were meeting for the 17th, and perhaps final time on the gridiron. But it was the Denver defence that stole the show, intercepting Brady twice and making two crucial fourth down stops late in the fourth quarter to snuff out potentially game tying scoring drives, including one with just 2:18 on the clock. The Patriots, however, would not quit and with 12 seconds left to play Brady hit Rob Gronkowski with a four yard touchdown pass. Needing a two-point convert to force overtime, the Denver defence again dug in forcing Brady to make a hurried incomplete pass to clinch a spot in their record-equalling eighth Super Bowl. Manning, who had been plagued by injury and questionable form all season, turned in a performance worthy of a five-times NFL Most valuable player, tossing a pair of first half touchdowns to Owen Daniels. The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals clash in the NFC championship game later on Sunday with the winner advancing to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara on Feb. 7 to face the Broncos. (Editing by Andrew Both)