SCOTLAND 1 SLOVAKIA 0
Aussie-born star gives Scotland cutting edge
SCOTLAND 1 Dykes 54 SLOVAKIA 0 LYNDON DYKES fired Scotland to another Nations League win as Steve Clarke’s men extended their unbeaten run to seven games.
The hosts have now not lost for over a year as Dykes’ second international goal downed Slovakia last night.
The Aussie- born striker’s second-half effort earned a victory that leaves the Tartan Army top of Group B2.
Scotland last suffered defeat in Russia 12 months ago – and they have now recorded five wins and two draws in the seven games since that defeat.
Clarke’s side now welcome Czech Republic to Glasgow on Wednesday in buoyant mood.
Slovakia arrived at Hampden with similar feelings to the hosts. Both countries had won their Euro play-off semi- final courtesy of a penalty shoot-out.
Republic of Ireland were Slovkia’s victims but only two players kept their starting slots.
For Scotland, Manchester United midfield star Scott McTominay (above) again showed his versatility by slotting into the centre of defence. There were signs that could happen in a reasonable, if not dominant, opening period from the hosts.
Stephen O’Donnell had a swipe which he sliced off target. Newcastle winger Ryan Fraser had a free -k ick charged down by the wall before Dykes thought he had a clear sight of the target when he raced through before being denied by a vital late tackle.
From the resultant corner, Declan Gallagher was again up highest in the air, however he was unable to control his glancing header, which drifted wide of the far post.
At 33, Aberdeen defender Andrew Considine became Scotland’s oldest debutant in over 50 years. It had been a trouble-free night until Jan Gregus found space before shooting tamely at David Marshall.
A low-key game saw Dykes set up John McGinn for an opening but the Aston Villa midfielder could only screw his shot harmlessly wide.
But Dykes did it all by himself by making the 54th - minute breakthrough.
O’Donnell’s cross found QPR striker Dykes in space as he ghosted in between two Slovak defenders to volley home.
Slovakia searched for an instant response but Gregus failed to test Marshall again when well placed.
Dykes could have scored again when he combined with O’Donnell. The Motherwell full-back drove in from the right and plays a perfect cutback for Dykes but the firsttime dink spun high and wide.
It was Dykes’ last action and his replacement Oli McBurnie came within inches of scoring himself.
Fraser delivered a deep cross which saw the Sheffield United striker power a header against the crossbar late on.