ALEX SMITH and Vernon Davis combined in the closing seconds to give the San Francisco 49ers a thrilling 36-32 play-off victory over the New Orleans Saints at Candlestick Park.

The 49ers put in a solid defensive display to keep their talented opponents in check for much of the game but could have surrendered the match in a sensational last five minutes.

First Darren Sproles put the Saints in front for the first time following a 44-yard catch and run, but Smith responded by charging 28 yards for a touchdown to hand his side the advantage with just over two minutes remaining.

The lead switched again as Drew Brees put the Saints in the lead but Smith again proved he had the nerve and the skill as he found Davis with a 14-yard touchdown pass that sealed the result with just nine seconds on the clock.

The disciplined Saints had enjoyed a 17-3 lead at one stage but with New Orleans pushing back hard a tight finish was inevitable.