Scotland U21s went top of their European Championship qualifying group after a stunning second-half fightback against Croatia.
Scot Gemmill’s youngsters were battered from pillar to post in the first half but a switch in the second 45 minutes saw them earn a point at Tynecastle.
It puts them top of Group 4 on head-to-head with a game left to play against Greece on Tuesday, with the Greeks facing second-placed Czech Republic on Friday. Croatia can also still top the group and they face Lithuania on Tuesday.
But there was huge controversy in the second half, with Billy Gilmour's return to action lasting just nine minutes after a red card for what appeared to be foul and abusive language at the referee.
But it was the first half where Scotland really struggled and two goals in five minutes had Croatia on easy street.
Nikola Moro found the net after an error from Ross McCrorie at the back post before Kristijian Bistrovic scored a wonder goal five minutes later.
McCrorie had returned to the team after his spell with the senior side last month and got the captain’s armband back at right back.
It was a very defensive lineup with full backs Nathan Patterson and Patrick Reading playing on either side of Lewis Ferguson and Allan Campbell in midfield.
The defensive approach changed at half time and so did Scotland’s fortunes.
Glenn Middleton replaced his Rangers team-mate Patterson and instantly made an impact by forcing the ball past Adrian Semper.
Croatia were down to 10 men a minute later when Stuttgart left back Borna Sosa kicked Ryan Porteous in the face.
Scotland then got themselves back on level terms when Connor McLennan - also a second half sub - volleyed home a cross from Daniel Harvie.
Incredibly, Scotland were then reduced to 10 when Gilmour saw red.
It seemed an innocuous challenge from the Chelsea youngster, who was playing his first game since July 7 after knee surgery.
It was a simple shoulder barge but he vented his feelings to the referee and was shown a straight red card.
Middleton and Hornby had half chances for Scotland in the remaining 15 minutes but nobody could find a winner and Scotland go top of the group, with one game left to play.
