Park’s young Scots suffer narrow loss to France

Scotland Under-19s fell to a narrow defeat to France last night in Donald Park’s first game as head coach.

Barcelona target myzia ne Maolida scored the only goal just seconds after the restart at Livingston’s Tony Macaroni Arena.

The clash was the first of a friendly double header against Les Bleus, with the teams set to lock horns again in a closed doors match on Saturday.

For former Hearts and Hibs assistant manager Park, it was a chance to see his players in action ahead of November’s Euro qualifiers against Luxembourg, Armenia and the Czech Republic.

Arsenal midfielder Charlie Gilmour was among those starting, six days after being an unused substitute in the Gunners’ Europa League victory over Bate Borisov.

Following a nondescript start, the game livened up after 23 minutes when Rangers goalkeeper Kieran Wright was called into action to make a good block to deny Moussa Diaby.

Seconds later, France shot-stopper Alban Lafont beat away a stinging drive from Gilmour from the edge of the area following a cut back from Robbie Deas.

Luck was on the visitors’ side within a minute of the restart as they took the lead though Lyon striker Maolida.

Rafik Guitane’s mis-hit shot found the unmarked 18-year-old in the box and Maolida calmly swept a low effort past Wright.

The away side had their tails up and Maolida was denied a second when Rangers keeper Wright pulled off a stunning double save.

A Michael Johnston freekick forced Lafont into action but France comfortably held on for the win.