England scrape past Scots

England remain on course for the Grand Slam but were short of their best as they struggled to a 22-16 RBS Six Nations victory over Scotland at Twickenham.

A closely-fought affair was level at 9-9 at half-time before Tom Croft went over in the corner on his return from injury to give his side some breathing space midway through the second half.

And although Max Evans crossed late on for the Scots to set up a nervous finale, the trusty boot of Jonny Wilkinson settled matters in the final minute.

The visitors were in the match from the start and led through a Chris Paterson penalty after only four minutes when Chris Ashton infringed at the ruck.

Made amends

Toby Flood missed his opening penalty attempt on 10 minutes but more foul play from the Scots at the breakdown gave him the chance to make amends six minutes later.

But Scotland came roaring back with a series of attacking phases that eventually saw Shontayne Hape caught offside 20 metres out, Paterson duly restoring the visitors' lead.

England responded and were gifted parity again in the 24th minute when Nathan Hines failed to release after a tackle, Flood kicking the close-range penalty.

The Scotland scrum was proving to be a huge liability and when they collapsed it on the half-hour mark, Flood gave England the lead for the first time.

The championship leaders were beginning to dominate and Scotland wing Evans prevented what looked a certain try with a vital interception.

England captain Mike Tindall looked in some trouble towards the end of the half, which Scotland finished the stronger, and they were level on the stroke of half-time when Ruaridh Jackson popped over a 30-metre drop-goal.

Tindall was unable to resume after the break and replacement Matt Banahan made an immediate impact, running straight through Kelly Brown leaving the number eight pole-axed and in need to lengthy treatment, eventually being stretchered away.

But the Scots still had their moments and Evans chose the wrong option when they had a three on two during a spell of concerted pressure, however John Barclay was sin-binned for kicking the ball away and Flood gave England the lead once more from the resulting penalty.

The breakthrough finally looked to have come when Ben Foden led a lightning burst down the left, but Paterson recovered to magnificently tackle his opposite number into touch.

Changes

Martin Johnson made a raft of changes in the 65th minute and just two minutes later replacement Croft - making his first appearance of the championship - went over after finding himself in space.

Wilkinson added the extras to give the hosts a 10-point lead but the Scots refused to quit and were back in it five minutes later, Evans retrieving his own chip over the England defence before touching down, with the try eventually awarded by the television match official.

Paterson converted to set up a grandstand finish and evoke memories of last season's 15-15 draw at Murrayfield.

Wilkinson pulled a right-footed drop-goal attempt but knocked over a penalty to seal the points and ensure his side travel to Dublin next week with their unbeaten record intact.