The Cincinnati Bengals have maintained their lead at the top of the AFC North division with a 22-13 win over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in the NFL this evening.

There were few chances early on, but Mohamed Sanu gave the visitors the lead late in the first quarter when he hauled in a short pass from quarterback Andy Dalton.

The Bengals added two more points when Alfred Blue was tackled in the endzone while waiting to start a punt return, giving the AFC North side a safety.

Rookie running back Jeremy Hill continued his strong form in recent weeks with a touchdown early in the second half to give the Bengals a 13-point lead.

The Texans were soon back in contention though as Dalton threw an interception, which Johnathan Joseph returned 60 yards for a touchdown, thanks to blocks from JJ Watt and DJ Swearinger.

Randy Bullock kicked a field goal to get Houston to within three points, but Sanu soon got the Bengals back into Houston territory, leaving Mike Nugent to kick a field goal for the visitors.

Giovani Bernard, who had missed the last few games with a leg injury, returned today, and got the Bengals back into field goal range late on as they tried to put the victory beyond doubt.

Nugent had to equal his season-long field goal, kicking from 49 yards out, but the kicker comfortably made the distance to make sure of the win for the Bengals.

The result leaves the Bengals with a 7-3-1 record, while the Texans slip to 5-6, two wins off the top of the AFC South.