McArthur salvages a point against Lithuania
LONDON: James McArthur's 89th minute header salvaged a 1-1 draw for Scotland at home to Lithuania in their World Cup qualifying Group F clash at Hampden Park.
Scotland's qualification hopes seemed set for a crushing setback when Fiodor Cernych fired the visitors ahead just before the hour mark but McArthur spared their blushes.
After a dismal first half Scotland were finally beginning to exert some sustained pressure on Lithuania's goal with Robert Snodgrass and Chris Martin both going close to an opener.
But Cernych silenced the home crowd with a wellworked goal in the 58th minute, playing a delightful onetwo before spinning off and powering a shot past Scotland keeper David Marshall.
Cernych should have doubled Lithuania's lead but blazed wide after a swift counter-attack.
Scotland pushed forward in desperation and finally got their reward when substitute McArthur guided in a closerange header after Callum Paterson's cross was flicked on by Grant Hanley.
Lithuania survived some intense pressure in five minutes of stoppage time, meaning they, Scotland and Slovenia are all together on four points from two games, two behind leaders England who earlier beat Malta.
Scotland face pointless Slovakia away tomorrow while Lithuania host Malta.