Flying starts to both halves see young Scots stun Dutch
Scots winger James Forrest looks to outfox Dutch duo Nacer Barazite and Stefan de Vrij, right. Picture: SNS

Scots winger James Forrest looks to outfox Dutch duo Nacer Barazite and Stefan de Vrij, right. Picture: SNS

Published on Tuesday 15 November 2011 11:53

SCOTLAND Under-21s overcame a controversial decision by a Russian linesman to secure a memorable European qualifying win over group leaders the Netherlands in Nijmegen.

David Wotherspoon hit a 55th-minute winner for Billy Stark’s men, who dominated much of the second half.

Jordan Rhodes had continued his impressive goalscoring record by heading home in the second minute before Scotland were pegged back by a dubious decision from assistant referee Ilya Baryshnikov, who ruled Mark Ridgers had dropped Adam Maher’s free-kick over his line.

But Wotherspoon fired home from 16 yards as the Scots produced an excellent second-half display and held out under some late pressure.

The victory ended the Netherlands’ 100 per cent record in Group 10 and moved unbeaten Scotland into second place, one point behind the Dutch after four games.

Scotland made a flying start as Rhodes took barely 60 seconds to net his sixth goal in three games for the Under-21s after joining the squad following his full international debut against Cyprus on Friday. James Forrest beat the Dutch left-back on the outside and lofted a cross towards the near post where Rhodes headed into the corner of the net from six yards.

Scotland were looking comfortable and had not been opened up before they conceded, when Ridgers misjudged Maher’s apparently over-hit free-kick, The Hearts player, who is on loan at East Fife, recovered to catch the ball at full stretch before dropping it. The ball fell on the line and appeared to bounce marginally back before Ridgers held it again.

It was difficult to tell whether the whole ball had crossed the line but Baryshnikov signalled the goal, despite protests. The Netherlands pressed for a second as Luciano Narsingh sliced wide and Nacer Barazite shot into the side net. Barazite, who failed to win a deal with Rangers following a trial last summer, then found Narsingh who looked certain to score, but Ridgers parried his powerful shot.

The Dutch started the second half on top with Ridgers pushing over a long-range effort by Ola John and blocking at close range from Stefan de Vrij. Then Rhodes had another great chance when he met Gregg Wylde’s cross at the near post, but could not direct it on target.

Scotland were ahead two minutes later. Aberdeen’s Ryan Jack made progress on the right before turning the ball inside for Wotherspoon.

The Hibernian midfielder fired home from 16 yards. Scotland remained on top and Rhodes almost added to his 19 goals this season with a volley that fizzed inches over.

Netherlands U21: Bizot, Leerdam, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Burnet (Schalk 86), Clasie, Fer, Barazite, Narsingh, Maher (Bacuna 72), Ola John (Van Aanholt 72). Subs not used: Padt, Rienstra, Kieftenbeld.

Scotland U21: Ridgers, Jack, Wilson, Perry, Hanlon, Forrest (Pawlett 84), Kelly, Cairney (Palmer 71), Wotherspoon, Wylde (Griffiths 90), Rhodes. Subs not used: Archer, Cole, Allan, Russell.

Taken from the Scotsman