Six Nations: Scotland beat Ireland 12-8 at Murrayfield

Scotland record their second victory in this year's tournament to maintain third place in the table.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Sean O'Brien of Ireland looses his footing as he is challenged by Stuart Hogg of Scotland during the RBS Six Nations match between Scotland and Ireland at MurrayfielShow more

Greig Laidlaw kicked four penalties as Scotland continued their resurgence by inflicting a maddening defeat on Ireland in today's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

The Scots trailed 3-0 at half-time but should have been dead and buried, with Ireland enjoying an extraordinary advantage in possession and territory only to be hamstrung by poor decision-making and inaccuracy in the 22.

When wing Craig Gilroy scored the match's only try in the 44th minute, the Irish finally seemed ready to reflect their dominance on the scoreboard.

But the score inspired battered Scotland, and Scott Johnson's players launched a stubborn fightback that drained the confidence from their opponents and renewed their own self-belief.

Laidlaw's flawless kicking swept them clear as they celebrated their first back-to-back wins in the Six Nations since 2001, having routed Italy two weeks ago.

Injury-depleted Ireland's decision to play uncapped Ulster duo Luke Marshall and Paddy Jackson produced mixed results, with the former enjoying a strong debut and the latter a harrowing afternoon.

Marshall's powerful running at inside centre was a key feature of his side's attack and he looked comfortable at this level, although at times he was aided by weak defending.

But Jackson, chosen ahead of substitute Ronan O'Gara at fly-half, missed eight points from the kicking tee and was replaced by the Munster veteran with 15 minutes to go.

The change in personnel failed to stop the rot, leaving Ireland to wonder how they managed to lose a game they should have won comfortably, and it is a result that increases the pressure on coach Declan Kidney.

Jackson's first touch was a knock-on of Conor Murray's pass but the next was far more accomplished as he showed smart footwork to break the gain-line.

Referee Wayne Barnes was heavily involved in a opening that burst into life when Marshall powered between two weak tackles before sending a long pass to left wing Keith Earls.

Earls was held up just short of the line and then Brian O'Driscoll was kept out in virtually the same spot.

Ireland failed to capitalise on an attacking line-out, but it did not matter as Marshall surged through the midfield for a second time.

Once again he looked to find his wing, but this time he should have gone it alone with the whitewash beckoning and his pass fell harmlessly at the feet of Gilroy.

Scotland lost prop Ryan Grant to the sin bin for failing to retreat 10 metres at a free-kick, but Jackson was off-target with his first shot at goal.

The error count and frequent intervention of Barnes robbed the match of momentum, but in the 25th minute Ireland were back on the offensive when a switch with Jackson sent Earls hurtling into space.

Crucially, however, he isolated himself from the supporting O'Driscoll and was scolded by his former captain as a result.

Full-back Stuart Hogg and wing Sean Maitland showed quick thinking to steer Scotland out of their 22, only for a forward pass to centre Matthew Scott to end their best passage of play.

Finally Ireland, who had dominated the preceding 35 minutes, were off the mark courtesy of a Jackson penalty that came after the Scottish line had been vigorously tested.

For all their possession, however, they led only 3-0 and would have seen that slip had Hogg's long-range penalty on the stroke of half-time not fallen inches short.

The try they desperate needed arrived through Gilroy three minutes after the break with the strength of O'Brien cracking the Scottish defence to start the move.

Full-back Rob Kearney was heavily involved before the ball was slipped to Gilroy on the blindside and the Ulster wing span before touching down.

Jackson missed the conversion and then a penalty, contrasting with Laidlaw who slotted three points from in front of the posts.

Scotland were playing with far greater conviction and urgency, with Maitland almost wriggling through, and when Ireland's scrum crumbled Laidlaw landed a second penalty.

The momentum of the game had shifted completely and suddenly it was Scotland who were in control, a fact rewarded when Laidlaw nudged them ahead for the time as the final 15 minutes beckoned.

Ireland could see the match slipping from their grasp and responded by replacing Jackson with O'Gara, but his missed clearance only invited more pressure.

Substitute David Kilcoyne conceded a penalty and Laidlaw obliged, and a grandstand finish was set up when the Scots infringed in front of the posts and O'Gara kicked for the corner.

The stage was set for Ireland to snatch victory, but O'Driscoll ran into his own player and Scotland were awarded a five-metre scrum.

There was still time for one throw of the dice, however, when the Scots conceded a penalty at the set-piece in injury-time, but Marshall knocked on in midfield and the game was over.

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