Scotland made it seven matches unbeaten with a 1-0 victory over Slovakia in their Nations League encounter at Hampden Park.
The Scots, who included debutant Andy Considine, triumphed courtesy of Lyndon Dykes’ goal at the start of the second half.
The result keeps the Scots’ momentum up following their Euro 2020 play-off semi-final win over Israel on Thursday, ensuring they continue to top their Nations League section after three matches.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke handed an international debut to Aberdeen’s Considine at the age of 33, with the Dons fans’ favourite replacing Liam Cooper to slot into a three-man backline.
Considine was among four changes in a freshened up Scots side from the team which defeated Israel on penalties on Thursday, with John Fleck, Ryan Fraser and winning penalty taker Kenny McLean also drafted in, while Oli McBurnie, Callum McGregor and Ryan Jack.
Chances were limited in the first half, with Scotland’s main threat coming towards half time. Stephen O’Donnell saw an effort flash wide from the edge of the box on 36 minutes, while Lyndon Dykes saw an effort blocked by Branislav Ninaj following John McGinn’s superb through ball moments later. From the resulting corner,
Declan Gallagher nodded wide after being picked out by Fraser’s delivery.
Both sides threatened in the early stages of the second half, with David Marshall forced to clutch Jan Gregus’ effort from long range, while at the other end John McGinn saw a low effort trundle wide from the edge of the box.
Scotland made their breakthrough on 55 minutes courtesy of a fine move, with Fraser laying the ball off for O’Donnell to clip into the middle, with Dykes on hand to prod home from close range for his second national team goal.
The Scots had to weather pressure from the visitors shortly afterwards, with a fine tackle by McLean denying Martin Koscelnik following Ondrej Duda’s through ball, while Marshall did well to save at the second attempt from Gregus’ effort.
Scotland were inches from a second goal with 10 minutes left when Fraser picked out the head of substitute McBurnie, who saw a header clip the top of the crossbar in pursuit of his maiden Scots goal.
