Czech Republic 1 Scotland 2: David Marshall heroics and woodwork to rescue in Nations League victory

Scotland captain Andy Robertson in action during the UEFA Nations League match against Israel at Hampden on Friday. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Lyndon Dykes scored his first international goal while Ryan Christie made it two penalties in two matches as Scotland clung on for an uncomfortable victory against a makeshift Czech Republic side in Olomouc this evening.

Steve Clarke’s plans were thrown into disarray late on Friday night when the Czech FA declared the fixture had been called off amid a coronavirus threat, however UEFA intervened and the match went ahead as planned.

All the Czech players and coaching staff involved in the 3-1 win over Slovakia on Friday, including manager Jaroslav Silhavy, were banned from participating in tonight’s Group B2 match, leaving the hosts to gather a hastily assembled reserve squad, featuring just two previously capped players.

However, Scotland struggled to victory, coming from behind after conceding to Jakub Pešek in the 11th minute, and relying on David Marshall heroics, and the woodwork twice, denying the hosts a deserved equaliser.