Scotland 2-0 Andorra
UEFA European Under-19 Championship Qualifier
Saturday, 12 October 2019, kick-off 12pm
Dumbarton Stadium, Dumbarton

Scotland: Burroughs (52’), Hamilton (65’)

Scotland gave themselves a great chance to reach the Elite Round of the European Under-19 Championship qualifiers with a strong display against Andorra.

Two second half goals earned Scotland a hard-fought victory in a hotly contested clash. The young Scots dominated throughout and were well worth their win.

After drawing their opening group game against Belarus, Scotland were searching for three valuable points and they started the match on the front foot.

Their first chance was created by excellent wing play from Kai Kennedy. The left-sided midfielder dropped deep to receive the ball before driving into the Andorra box and flashing it across the face of goal, but no one in a dark blue jersey could turn it home. 

The left sided duo of Kennedy and James Maxwell caused plenty of problems early on. Kennedy especially looked dangerous every time he received the ball and was heavily involved throughout. He also went close with a free kick curled into the side netting, inches away from finding the corner.

Jack Burroughs and Dean Campbell both had efforts soon after. Burroughs heading over from a set piece and Campbell hitting a left footed drive wide of the post after working his way into a good shooting position. Billy Stark’s men had plenty of possession in the first half, much of it in the opposition’s half, but struggled to break through a disciplined Andorra side.

The visitors reminded Scotland of their threat five minutes before the break. Izan Fernandez forced a fantastic save from Scotland goalie Archie Mair, his goal bound effort from distance was well tipped over. From the resulting corner Chris Hamilton made a last-ditch goal line clearance to prevent a certain goal.

Mair was again called into action on the stroke of half time, Carles Bazan this time testing the ‘keeper with a volley from a tight angle that looked to be heading into the bottom corner.

The second half started with chances for both teams as the game began to open up. The first clear cut chance fell to Andorra. A mix up in the Scotland back line allowed Rosas Ubach a shot from eight yards out but his effort was well saved by Norwich stopper Mair who made himself big to block the shot.

Scotland broke the deadlock moments later through Jack Burroughs. Kai Kennedy put in another excellent ball which was met well by the head of Burroughs, who sent his effort across the ‘keeper and into the net. The goal just rewards for Scotland’s dominance.

It was 2-0 not long after. A corner swung into the Andorran box found its way to the feet of Jamie Hamilton who showed fantastic composure to score. The defender dragging the ball back inside the six-yard box to side foot home.

The pressure continued into the final stages as Scotland looked for a third. Kennedy fired an effort from distance narrowly wide before Hamilton almost got his second of the game, sending a header wide from a James Maxwell cross. Soon after, Rosas Ubach received his marching orders for his second bookable offence.

Scotland will face Germany at Firhill on Tuesday in the final game of their international triple header. A win would secure their passage to the Elite round as Scotland aim to qualify for EURO 2020.

Scotland: Mair, Patterson (Ashby, 71’), C.Hamilton, J.Hamilton, Campbell (Leonard, 80’), Burroughs (Lo-Everton, 67’), Dickson, Fiorini (Mcpake, 67’), Kennedy, Joseph (Awokoya-Mebude, 45’), Maxwell
Subs not used: Sinclair, Mcavoy, Ross, Robinson,

Andorra: Iker, Alonso Guerrero (Guardia Tauste, 67’), Bernat Bonell, Castro Prat (Rodriguez Casanovas, 76’) Fernandez, Bazan (Robinat Cuinas, 86’) Rosas Ubach, De Las Heras Izquierdo, Gomes, Rodrigues Trave, Torres
Subs not used: Giminez, Carvalho Teixeira, Cruz Prieto, Cerqueira Carvalho, Palou Roca, Babot Muller