Steelers storm into title game

THE Pittsburgh Steelers survived a fourth-quarter charge, and a late fumble, to upset the Indianapolis Colts 21-18 and advance to the AFC championship game last night.

Colts field goal kicker Mike Vanderjagt missed a 46-yard field goal with less than a minute remaining that would have tied the game after a dramatic late Jerome Bettis fumble gave the home team renewed hope.

The Steelers, who will face the Denver Broncos for the conference title and a berth in the Super Bowl on February 5, rolled to a 14-0 first-quarter lead and their defence put Colts quarterback Payton Manning under heavy pressure until late in the game.