Scotland moved to the highest of their Nations League group on Saturday night with a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Eire.
An enthralling affair noticed the guests take the lead by John Egan, earlier than a rip-roaring second half from the Scots noticed targets from Jack Hendry and Ryan Christie to safe the three factors.
It regarded like first blood to Eire when Troy Parrott thundered dwelling 11 minutes in, however the offside flag that everybody was ready for got here up finally to rule the strike out.
There was no ruling out Egan’s thunderous volley quickly after, nonetheless. A nook led to some penalty field mayhem from which the Sheffield United man profited and fired dwelling halfway by the primary half to place Eire forward.
Scotland noticed loads of the ball after the purpose, ending the half with round 60% possession, however Eire stayed in form and continued to repel something that got here them means within the first 45 minutes.
Steve Clarke’s crew discuss clearly labored wonders as Scotland have been degree simply 4 minutes after the restart. Christie’s cross discovered Hendry, whose header was arrowed completely into the aspect netting.
Matt Doherty fluffed a pleasant likelihood to place Eire straight again in entrance, chopping inside from the fitting and lashing his strike excessive and extensive. Parrott then broke on the counter and actually ought to have scored, however Craig Gordon did properly to maintain it out.
It appeared as if Scotland have been going to take management of the sport however Eire grew again into issues and took the sting out of proceedings very well.
Nevertheless, with ten minutes to play, Scotland have been awarded a penalty as Scott McTominay’s header hit the arm of Alan Browne, and up stepped Christie to fireplace the hosts into the lead.
Tempers started to flare because the clock ticked down. There have been off-ball clashes and plenty of requires a penalty which went unanswered, with each groups clearly feeling the nerves of the state of affairs heading into the ultimate moments.
Scotland did their greatest to wind down the clock, and wind up their opponents, and it was Clarke’s males who have been celebrating when all was stated and completed.
GK: Craig Gordon – 6/10 – Some unconvincing passing however made up for that with a wonderful save to disclaim Parrott early within the second half.
RB: Aaron Hickey – 7/10 – Flew ahead at each alternative and made an actual influence when he acquired there. Compelled off with an harm early within the second half.
CB: Jack Hendry – 7/10 – A superb purpose, some spectacular blocks and a handful of poor selections. Eventual night for Hendry.
CB: Scott McKenna – 5/10 – Did not cowl himself in glory for the opening purpose and had just a few extra sloppy moments.
LB: Kieran Tierney – 5/10 – Picked up a head harm shortly earlier than half-time. Tried to hold on however was instructed to come back off.
DM: Scott McTominay – 5/10 – Sluggish on the ball and poor when passing. Had just a few good moments however typically not adequate.
DM: Callum McGregor – 4/10 – Not his best displaying for Eire’s opener. Watched the ball drop as an alternative of creating a clearance. Did his greatest to offer away just a few extra targets as properly.
RM: Stuart Armstrong – 4/10 – Could not get something going in any respect. A very disappointing displaying.
AM: John McGinn – 5/10 – Concerned in an entire lot as he earned his fiftieth cap however did not actually make a lot of an influence.
LM: Ryan Christie – 7/10 – A poor first half however shone within the second with a wonderful help and an aesthetic penalty.
ST: Lyndon Dykes – 6/10 – Actually remoted within the first half however acquired much more concerned when Scotland stepped issues up after the break.
SUB: Greg Taylor (42′ for Tierney) – 7/10 – His width and attacking risk was a significant a part of Scotland’s enchancment after the break.
SUB: Anthony Ralston (58′ for Hickey) – 6/10 – Did not look misplaced however did not match Hickey’s involvement.
SUB: Ryan Fraser (58′ for Armstrong) – 7/10 – Made a noticeable distinction along with his power. Spectacular on the ball as properly.
SUB: Che Adams (85′ for Dykes) – N/A
SUB: Kenny McLean (85′ for Christie) – N/A
GK: Gavin Bazunu – 6/10 – A pleasant save to disclaim Fraser halfway by the second half.
CB: Nathan Collins – 7/10 – Loved watching Scotland attempt to play within the air. Threw himself at all the things.
CB: John Egan – 7/10 – The identical as Collins however with a tidy end so as to add in. Actually loved his efficiency.
CB: Dara O’Shea – 6/10 – A courageous choice rather than Shane Duffy and positively justified that religion.
RM: Matt Doherty – 6/10 – An unreal clearance off the road. Saved an absolute sure purpose with an excellent diving header. Largely lacked match consciousness however that was a second of actual class.
CM: Jason Knight – 6/10 – Held his personal in opposition to gamers with far greater reputations. Seems to be adequate for this degree.
CM: Josh Cullen – 6/10 – Lucky not be decide up 4 or 5 yellow playing cards, however when he wasn’t committing fouls, he was pulling the strings in midfield.
CM: Jayson Molumby – 7/10 – Performed with such power and aggression. Bullied Scotland’s midfield.
LM: James McClean – 7/10 – Actually harmful down the left. Some pretty crosses.
ST: Troy Parrott – 5/10 – Fluffed a great opportunity to place Eire again forward and was outshone by his strike companions.
ST: Michael Obafemi – 6/10 – An actual risk on the counter. Would have stayed on over Parrott if he was totally match.
SUB: Chiedozie Ogbene (60′ for Obafemi) – 6/10 – Appeared electrical after approaching. Scotland did not know the way to take care of him. Affect light as Eire drained.
SUB: Seamus Coleman (76′ for Doherty) – 5/10 – Appeared drained though he wasn’t on that lengthy.
SUB: Callum Robinson (76′ for Parrott) – 5/10 – Discovered it arduous to get entangled.
SUB: Alan Browne (76′ for Molumby) – 4/10 – Inexplicably went full Superman within the field to get his hand to McTominay’s header for the penalty. No want and ended up costing his aspect.
SUB: Robbie Brady (83′ for McClean) – N/A
