Under-21 International Challenge Match
Scotland 0-0 Estonia
Tuesday, 28 March 2017, kick off 7.30 pm
Paisley 2021 Stadium, Paisley

Scotland Under-21s’ dominance failed to yield a breakthrough as they played out a goalless draw against Estonia in an International Challenge Match in Paisley. 

Despite a lively performance that saw them create numerous chances, Scot Gemmill’s side were unable to find the back of the net in a match that served as the start of preparations for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying round.

The hosts made the early running at the Paisley 2021 Stadium, with Celtic player Paul McMullan, currently on loan at Dunfermline, setting the tone for the match when he pulled a shot wide within the first 90 seconds.

St Mirren winger Lewis Morgan, whose energetic performance earned him the man of the match award, had the home crowd on their feet when he had a shot pushed wide for a corner four minutes later.

The domination continued, with both Oliver McBurnie and Stephen Mallan having shots saved by Estonian goalkeeper Andreas Vaikla within the first half hour.

Hearts defender Liam Smith almost set up a goal for McBurnie, but his dangerous centre was cleared for a corner.

Mallan then fired an effort on goal from a free kick with three minutes remaining in the half, only to see his effort land narrowly wide of the upright.

As the half drew to a close McMullan set up McBurnie, whose strike was deflected wide of target, signaling the end of a goalless first half.
 

The hosts started the second half in a similar vein, Lewis Morgan crossing to McBurnie, whose instinctive effort was saved, before Kilmarnock’s Greg Taylor saw another strike fly over the bar.

Scotland continued to lay siege to the goal, captain Liam Henderson seeing his corner met by Jamie McCart, only for the goalkeeper to again come to the rescue.

With the game in the final stages, Henderson released Morgan, who had caused the Estonian defence problems with his quick feet throughout the evening. His effort on goal brought the last notable save from the opposition keeper before the referee signaled for full-time.

Despite being unable to break the deadlock, Scot Gemmill can take many positives from the match, with the qualifying campaign for the UEFA European Under-21 Championships set to begin in September.

Vauxhall Man of the Match: Lewis Morgan


SCOTLAND | Fulton (GK) (Ruddy 45), Smith, Taylor, McGhee, (Iacovitti 59), McCart, Henderson, McMullan (Thomas 59), Jones (Thomson 74), McBurnie (Hardie 59) Mallan, Morgan, (Wighton 81).

Subs not used: Cadden, Sammut, Ballantyne, Mackay, Harper, Jules.

By Kyle Gunn.