Scotland picked up their first win under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli with a hugely merited 2-0 triumph over North Macedonia in Skopje.
The Scots were dominant from the off at the National Arena Toshe Proeski and now have four points after three matches in Nations League B1. But most importantly, they earned a victory for their new boss and ended a four-match goal drought stretching back to last summer’s World Cup.
It was a milestone night for Scotland captain Andy Robertson, who earned his 100th cap and is now just two away from Sir Kenny Dalglish’s all-time record.
Striker Kieron Bowie scored his first goal for Scotland with an excellent strike from 20 yards on seven minutes and while Scotland were vastly superior for the rest of the first half, they passed up opportunities to double their lead.
The all-important second goal came on 68 minutes when John McGinn converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review deemed that Bowie’s close-range effort had been blocked by Bojan Miovski’s hand. The incident happened not long after Scotland had a penalty taken away by VAR after a challenge on Ben Gannon-Doak.
Scotland had to see out the match with ten men after Scott McKenna was sent off on 83 minutes for denying North Macedonian midfielder Agon Elezi a clear goalscoring opportunity following a short pass by Robertson. However, the hosts could not capitalise.
This was a strong display by Scotland and the scoreline could have been more emphatic had it not been for some wasteful finishing and excellent goalkeeping from North Macedonia’s Stole Dimitrievski.
Scotland complete this four-game international window on Tuesday when they welcome Slovenia to Hampden.
We give the players a mark out of ten for their performances in Skopje.
5. Ben Gannon-Doak
His selection as a right wing-back was a statement of intent from Pocognoli. The 20-year-old was a real threat to North Macedonia all night, driving with pace at their backline. Really ought to have scored, however, spurning three good chances. One was blazed over the bar in the first half, while two after the break were saved by Dimitrievski. Perhaps unfortunate to see a penalty award overturned by VAR after surging into box. Needs to add a end product but this was an encouraging display. Came off for Hickey. 8 | SNS Group
6. Lewis Ferguson
Did his defensive-minded duties well and gave Scotland a platform to attack. Was able to stamp his authority on the match quickly. Now a mainstay in this Scotland team. 8 | SNS Group
7. Billy Gilmour
Pocognoli has found a system that allows Gilmour to influence the game further up the pitch. This was evidenced by his pass to Bowie to put Scotland ahead. Nearly set up Ure for a third and was Scotland's classiest player on the ball. Can be pleased with his night's work. 9 | SNS Group
8. Andy Robertson
A landmark game for the captain as he won his 100th cap. He was mightily impressive until the 83rd minute when a short pass put McKenna in trouble, otherwise his mark would be higher. Rampaged up the left flank and looked in the mood to score, with three efforts raining down on Dimitrievski. A night to remember for a Scotland legend. 8 | SNS Group