Sebastien Pocognoli secured his first win as Scotland manager as his side beat North Macedonia 2-0 in Skopje, getting their Nations League campaign back on track. Kieron Bowie scored his first international goal, while John McGinn added a penalty, on a night when Andy Robertson earned his 100th cap.
Pocognoli's first victory
The Belgian boss finally got his reign up and running in his third game in charge, after a stalemate in Slovenia and a heavy defeat to Switzerland. The Scots were expected to beat the hosts, who are out of form, and they were comfortable winners at the Todor Proeski Arena.
Scotland played an aggressive, front-foot style that created numerous chances, and they should have won by more. Despite their dominance, they were profligate in front of goal, which will have frustrated Pocognoli. With 20 minutes left, Scotland won a penalty when Rangers striker Bojan Miovski handled Bowie's goal-bound effort, and McGinn tucked it away. Even then, the Scots had to battle after Scott McKenna was sent off for a late tackle, but they eventually got over the line.
Bowie's breakthrough
Bowie, the Sassuolo striker, had missed chances in Slovenia and was hooked early at Hampden after Jack Hendry's red card, but Pocognoli kept faith with the 24-year-old. He repaid his manager after just seven minutes, taking Billy Gilmour's pass brilliantly before firing a stunning shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner.
The former Hibs man's strike ended Scotland's goal drought and ensured Pocognoli's side didn't break a 55-year non-scoring record. Bowie also helped win the penalty and delivered an excellent overall performance up front.
Robertson's landmark night
Andy Robertson was presented with a special shirt by North Macedonia captain Enis Bardhi to mark his 100th cap, with the travelling Tartan Army holding up a banner reading “Robbo. 100 caps. Legend.” Robertson had three chances inside the opening 20 minutes, with his best effort saved by Stole Dimitrievski and another dragged wide, but his night was still capped with an away victory.
Gannon-Doak's threat
Pocognoli made a big call at right wing-back, selecting out-and-out winger Ben Gannon-Doak ahead of Aaron Hickey or Nathan Patterson. The 20-year-old was a constant danger, trying to take on left-back Sebastian Herrera at every opportunity, though his final ball and end product must improve. He had a golden chance early in the second half but was denied by Dimitrievski.
Scotland thought they had won a penalty when Gannon-Doak was upended in the box, but the decision was overturned after a VAR check. The Scots needed a break in front of goal and got it through an unlikely source, as Miovski's hand stopped Bowie's goal-bound effort. Referee Francois Letexier initially missed it but was sent to the monitor and pointed to the spot, allowing McGinn to seal the win.
