Youth miss out on topping group

Scot Gemmill admitted he had mixed emotions after Scotland Under-21s took a single point from their goalless draw with Lithuania in Group 4.

Scotland had the opportunity to go top of their qualifying group after leaders Greece drew 1-1 in the Czech Republic earlier yesterday.

But despite a dominant first-half display, Gemmill’s side were unable to take advantage.

Boss Gemmill was disappointed not to pick up maximum points but saw plenty of positives from his side’s performance and insists he must look at the bigger picture.

He said: “I’m very happy with the team in terms of being defensively sound, not getting caught on the counter but pushing to break the opposition down.

“And I thought in the first half some of our football was really, really good – but we all know if you get chances, you have to take them.

“I also think the Lithuanians changed at half-time and made it even harder for us.

“It’s seven points out of nine. Of course we’re disappointed but I think we have to think of the bigger picture.”

Scotland’s Fraser Hornby narrowly headed over in the opening five minutes.

Glenn Middleton then nearly opened the scoring in the 34th minute after Scotland were awarded a free-kick but his effort was kept out by Titas Krapikas.

The hosts almost snatched all three points nine minutes from time when substitute Stephen Kelly latched onto Middleton’s cross in the box, only for it to be kept out by the goalkeeper.