FIFA World Cup qualifier: Wales 1-1 Serbia

Aleksandar Mitrovic netted a late equaliser as Wales was held to a third consecutive stalemate in FIFA World Cup qualifying as Serbia drew 1-1 in Cardiff.

Having previously seen Austria and Georgia fight back to claim a point apiece, Chris Coleman's side thought it had secured victory in Sunday's (AEDT) European Group D encounter as it led with five minutes remaining.

However, Newcastle United forward Mitrovic, previously marshalled well by James Chester and Ashley Williams, rose to head in a leveller that had rarely looked like coming.

For all Serbia's dominance, Wales had looked the more threatening throughout and scored through Gareth Bale after half an hour.

The Real Madrid forward then struck a post just moments before Mitrovic nodded Serbia back on terms.

With the Republic Of Ireland beating Austria earlier in the day, it is now two points clear of Serbia, with Wales a further two points back.

Bale flashed the game's first attempt over the top from around 25 yards, but chances were few and far between at both ends in a cagey opening period.

Filip Kostic sliced wide after Nemanja Matic had stolen possession from Joe Allen, while Williams stood tall to block Dusan Tadic's rasping drive.

Serbia winger Kostic then blazed over, but the hosts, who had struggled to find a foothold in the contest, soon led.

Hal Robson-Kanu took the ball from Matija Nastasic on the right and turned inside to find Bale, whose firm, low shot flew past the poorly positioned Vladimir Stojkovic into the net.

The two players involved in the opener then reversed their roles, but Robson-Kanu could not steer his header from Bale's cross on target.

Although Matic belatedly mustered a maiden effort on target for the visitors shortly before half-time, Wayne Hennessey was equal to his thump with a fine parry.

Wales immediately sought a second after the restart, with Stojkovic required to save a dipping Bale free-kick, before Serbia again took control.

However, with Mitrovic starved of service, the away side's dominance counted for little, and, for all its hard work, no serious chances appeared forthcoming.

Wales instead almost secured the three points as Bale ran through and poked against the upright from Aaron Ramsey's pass, before Mitrovic struck.

Climbing to meet Antonio Rukavina's cross, his header clipped the post to deceive Hennessey and frustrate Wales.