The San Francisco 49ers have secured their place in the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs with a late Phil Dawson field goal, which ensured a 23-20 win against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
The 49ers built a 6-0 lead by the end of the first quarter thanks to two kicks from Dawson, but the home side went ahead with just over five minutes remaining before half time.
Aaron Rodgers fired five yards to Jordy Nelson, who evaded Tramaine Brock to make the catch in the endzone. Mason Crosby came on to add the extra point, which edged the Packers 7-6 in front.
However, Colin Kaepernick tore through Mike McCarthy's defense on a 42-yard run into the redzone, before handing off for Frank Gore to bulldoze his way over the line from 10 yards.
Dawson made no mistake with his kick, but Crosby got a late field kick to see Jim Harbaugh's men take a 13-10 lead into the break.
The score stayed the same throughout the third quarter, but early in the fourth John Kuhn was handed the ball from one yard out and managed to power his way over the line to put the Packers back in front.
The lead lasted for around two minutes as Vernon Davis took his second catch of the contest to again put the 49ers in the driving seat.
With five minutes remaining in the quarter, the Packers made it 20-20 as Crosby eased over a 24-yard chip shot. The game was heading for overtime, but Dawson again kicked well, this time from 33 yards, to secure the win.
Gary Peters
