Wales dig deep for Scotland success

Wales came from behind to beat Scotland 2-1 at Hampden Park and climb into third place in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A.

Chris Coleman's team dictated terms for long periods until defender Grant Hanley headed the home team into an unlikely lead. The tide turned when Robert Snodgrass was sent off in conceding a 70th-minute penalty. Aaron Ramsey – also dismissed late on – kept his composure from the spot and Hal Robson-Kanu swiftly completed the turnaround. 

The visitors were swift to examine the scars Scotland incurred during a 2-1 defeat in last October's corresponding fixture. The passing was precise and probing as Gordon Strachan's team, bottom in the section, retreated into their shell. Having robbed Alan Hutton, Robson-Kanu forced Alan McGregor to repel his cut back and the goalkeeper was up quickly to parry Gareth Bale's arrowed drive. 

Kenny Miller – a fifth-minute replacement for the injured Steven Fletcher – then headed over a Snodgrass centre. If Scotland sensed a window of vulnerability among the opposition ranks, their suspicions were confirmed shortly before the break. Charlie Mulgrew's sweeping corner exposed the Wales back line and Hanley powered in. 

Snodgrass sought to deepen Welsh wounds at the start of the second half, curling a left-footed shot against a post. Worse was to come for the winger when his foul on Jonathan Williams inside the penalty area resulted in a second yellow card.

Ramsey cracked the resulting spot kick in off the crossbar, before Robson-Kanu headed in Williams' cross three minutes later. With the clock ticking down, Ramsey became the second player to be sent off after fouling Miller, but Wales held out.