Scotland U21 2-2 Austria U21
Last updated on .From the section Scotland
Two goals by Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes were not enough to earn Scotland a home win against Austria in their European Championship qualifier.
Andreas Weimann blasted a swerving 25-yard shot past a stunned Grant Adam in the Scotland goal to put the Austrians ahead before Rhodes nodded a leveller.
Poor marking allowed Deni Alar to head the visitors ahead in 42 minutes.
But Rhodes saved Billy Stark's side by scoring a second to add to his hat-trick against Luxembourg last week.
Scotland won that match 5-1 but their form on the road has not been matched by wins at their St Mirren Park home. The point against Austria follows the goalless home draw against Bulgaria last month.
They have yet to play the Netherlands, the other team in Group 10 in the 2013 European qualifiers.
Despite Scotland's early pressure, it was the Austrians who took the lead in 15 minutes.
The defence stood off as Weimann surged forward and smacked a superb long-range shot that caught Adam by surprise.
Rhodes could have had a penalty when he took a tumble in the box following a challenge from Christopher Dibon but the claim was waved away by the Croatian referee.
Austria had a decent chance to double their advantage when Weimann picked out Alar for the header but the effort was blocked on the line by Ryan Jack.
Scotland hauled themselves back onto level terms when Gregg Wylde raced past Hart down the left flank before finding Rhodes at the back post to nod past Heinz Lindner with 37 minutes gone.
But Austria restored their lead three minutes before half-time when Richard Windbichler supplied the cross for Alar and, on this occasion, his header did find the back of the net.
Allan was withdrawn for Alex MacDonald at half-time, before Peter Pawlett was thrown into the action for Johnny Russell after 62 minutes.
The home side levelled the scores for the second time in the game just two minutes later. Pawlett's header in front of goal was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper but Rhodes reacted quickly to nod home the rebound.
The Scots then claimed that Windbichler handled a Jack cross in the box but, again, the referee declined to point to the penalty spot.
A cross from Wylde clipped the crossbar, before the ball dropped for Pawlett and he lashed past the upright as Stark's men pushed for the winner.
However, Scotland had to settle for a point, albeit the result keeps them above Austria in second place in Group 10 for now.
Scotland manager Billy Stark: "We tried to work hard on creating and, if you had said to me we would have had that amount of chances, I would have bitten your hand off.
"We had three penalty shouts, although I think the referee actually did quite well.
"On another night if you get them, it can change the complexion of the game.
"I felt if we got our noses in front we would get there but we just couldn't get the final touch.
"I was looking for a greater return of points from the first three games but there is not a big gap between us.
"In terms of winning the group, you can win the group if you are all carving each other up. You can win the group with 13, 14 points.
"We have to keep that mindset and we have to feel that we can cause Holland problems and come away with a good result."
Scotland U21: Adam, Jack, Perry, Wilson, Hanlon, Russell (Pawlett 62), Wotherspoon, Palmer, Wylde (Griffiths 76), Allan (MacDonald 46), Rhodes. Subs Not Used: Ridgers, Cole, Booth, Armstrong.
Booked: Allan.
Goals: Rhodes 37, 64.
Austria U21: Lindner, Hart, Windbichler (Schimpelsberger 70), Dibon, Holzhauser, Dilaver, Hopfer, Weimann, Schwab (Elsneg 79), Drazan, Alar (Tadic 79). Subs Not Used: Radlinger, Schopf, Klem, Schuetz.
Booked: Windbichler, Hart, Weimann.
Goals: Weimann 15, Alar 42.
Attendance: 3,058
Referee: Ante Vucemilovic (Croatia).
