Canada U20s 0 - 2 Scotland U21s: Young Scots bounce back with victory

By CRAIG FORBES
Published on Tuesday 16 October 2012 00:09

Goals by Stuart Armstrong and Tony Watt gave Scotland Under-21s victory over their Canada counterparts in their final International Challenge Match in Marbella.

Billy Stark’s side had lost 2-0 to the United States on Friday but they bounced back against the Canadians with Armstrong, captain for the first time, scoring after seven minutes and substitute Watt clinching the win in the final minute. Stark was forced to reshuffle after Aberdeen defender Ryan Jack suffered a fracture in his right foot against the USA and Blackpool goalkeeper Chris Kettings and Hearts pair, Kevin McHattie and Dale Carrick, were handed their first Scotland Under-21 starts.

The young Scots started brightly and were soon ahead. David Smith and Dylan McGeouch both had efforts at goal saved by Canada keeper Richard Gomes before Dundee United midfielder Armstrong drilled the ball into the corner of the net.

Set-pieces had cost Scotland dearly against the USA and they almost suffered again when Canada defender Doneil Henry rose highest from a free-kick but he sent his header past the post. On the hour mark the Canadians missed a golden opportunity to draw level when Alessandro Riggi’s pass found Keven Aleman with plenty of time and space inside the penalty area but the striker’s weak effort was easily collected by Kettings.

Scotland looked stronger in the closing stages and had a penalty claim when Jason Holt appeared to be dragged to the ground inside the box but referee Valle Carmona waved play on. In the 77th minute, Watt, who had replaced Carrick just after the hour mark, took a pass from Smith at the edge of the box but although the Celtic striker connected well with his shot, the ball sped straight to Gomes. However, he made sure of the win with his last-minute strike.

Scotland U21s: Kettings, Duffie, McHattie, Kerr, Wallace (Robertson 45), Fyvie (McLean 69), McGeouch, Holt, Carrick (Watt 62), Armstrong (Cpt), Smith. Subs not used: Archer, Scougall.

Taken from the Scotsman