Scotland’s attempt at a late comeback fell short as they were beaten 2-1 by Georgia in their European under-21 championship qualifier in Tbilisi yesterday.
Goals by Valeri Kazaishvili and Jambul Jigauri put Georgia in command and they looked like strengthening their grip on the game when they were awarded a 79th-minute penalty. But Scots keeper Jordan Archer (Tottenham) saved from Giorgi Chanturia.
Rangers midfielder Lewis MacLeod netted from long range two minutes later to give Billy Stark’s side hope. But the late pressure failed to produce another goal.
It means Georgia drew level with Scotland on six points in Group 3. The Scots retain third spot on goal difference.
Scotland started well and came close to an eighth-minute opener when Celtic’s Dylan McGeouch hit the post after Dundee United’s Stuart Armstrong had a shot parried following good work from St Johnstone’s Stevie May.
However, Georgia then had some good spells of possession without testing Archer.
Armstrong and May combined again midway through the half with the Arabs midfielder this time playing in the attacker, but May could not get enough power in his shot and Giorgi Nadiradze saved.
Scotland then came under pressure and Archer made an excellent save to stop Jigauri converting at the near post.
Giorgi Kvilitaia blasted over after a corner before Georgia took the lead in the 39th minute when Kazaishvili fired low into the corner of the net.
Archer made second-half saves from Kazaishvili and Chanturia but the goalkeeper was beaten again in the 70th minute when Jigauri netted from 20 yards following good work from Kazaishvili.
Matters got worse for Scotland when Celtic defender Stuart Findlay was ruled to have used his arm in a penalty box challenge and the referee pointed to the spot. Chanturia converted the initial penalty but a retake was ordered and Archer dived low to stop the second effort.
That sparked a Scotland rally and in-form MacLeod pulled one back two minutes later when he fired home from 25 yards.
The Scots pushed for an equaliser but Aberdeen full back Clark Robertson had a close-range shot saved and Hearts defender Jordan McGhee headed over.
The defeat is Scotland’s second in four qualifiers following their 4-0 loss to Holland last month.