Scotland moved to the top of their Nations League group on Saturday night with a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
An enthralling affair noticed the guests take the lead by John Egan, earlier than a rip-roaring second half from the Scots noticed objectives from Jack Hendry and Ryan Christie to safe the three factors.
It appeared like first blood to Ireland when Troy Parrott thundered house 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 house halfway by the primary half to place Ireland forward.
Scotland noticed loads of the ball after the purpose, ending the half with round 60% possession, however Ireland stayed in form and continued to repel something that got here them manner within the first 45 minutes.
Steve Clarke’s staff 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 Ireland straight again in entrance, reducing inside from the correct and lashing his strike excessive and huge. Parrott then broke on the counter and actually ought to have scored, however Craig Gordon did effectively to maintain it out.
It appeared as although Scotland have been going to take management of the sport however Ireland grew again into issues and took the sting out of proceedings rather well.
However, 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 as the clock ticked down. There have been off-ball clashes and various requires a penalty which went unanswered, with each groups clearly feeling the nerves of the scenario 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 accomplished.
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 received there. Forced off with an harm early within the second half.
CB: Jack Hendry – 7/10 – An glorious purpose, some spectacular blocks and a handful of poor choices. Eventual night for Hendry.
CB: Scott McKenna – 5/10 – Didn’t 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 advised to come back off.
DM: Scott McTominay – 5/10 – Slow on the ball and poor when passing. Had just a few good moments however usually not adequate.
DM: Callum McGregor – 4/10 – Not his best exhibiting for Ireland’s opener. Watched the ball drop as an alternative of creating a clearance. Did his greatest to offer away just a few extra objectives as effectively.
RM: Stuart Armstrong – 4/10 – Couldn’t get something going in any respect. A very disappointing exhibiting.
AM: John McGinn – 5/10 – Involved in a complete 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 a cultured penalty.
ST: Lyndon Dykes – 6/10 – Really remoted within the first half however received 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 – Didn’t look misplaced however did not match Hickey’s involvement.
SUB: Ryan Fraser (58′ for Armstrong) – 7/10 – Made a noticeable distinction together with his vitality. Impressive on the ball as effectively.
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 – Enjoyed 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. Really loved his efficiency.
CB: Dara O’Shea – 6/10 – A courageous choice instead of Shane Duffy and definitely justified that religion.
RM: Matt Doherty – 6/10 – An unreal clearance off the road. Saved an absolute sure purpose with a superb diving header. Largely lacked match consciousness however that was a second of actual class.
CM: Jason Knight – 6/10 – Held his personal towards gamers with far larger reputations. Looks adequate for this degree.
CM: Josh Cullen – 6/10 – Fortunate 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 – Played with such vitality and aggression. Bullied Scotland’s midfield.
LM: James McClean – 7/10 – Really harmful down the left. Some pretty crosses.
ST: Troy Parrott – 5/10 – Fluffed a good chance to place Ireland 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 absolutely match.
SUB: Chiedozie Ogbene (60′ for Obafemi) – 6/10 – Looked electrical after approaching. Scotland did not know methods to cope with him. Influence pale as Ireland drained.
SUB: Seamus Coleman (76′ for Doherty) – 5/10 – Looked drained although he wasn’t on that lengthy.
SUB: Callum Robinson (76′ for Parrott) – 5/10 – Found it exhausting 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