Scotland earned a Nations League victory in North Macedonia, with Kieron Bowie opening the scoring in the 7th minute. The goal was also Pocognoli’s first as Scotland manager; the Belgian’s first win was confirmed later. With little room for a slip-up, Scotland were given an early cushion by Bowie. The team carried out its task professionally, although the poor level of the opposition meant that any other result would have been particularly embarrassing.
The goal showed the challenge Bowie faced: he collected Billy Gilmour’s pass 25 yards from goal, with two defenders close by, before finding the net. Pocognoli had kept faith in him in Skopje. Bowie had been withdrawn from Scotland’s attack after Jack Hendry was sent off in Tuesday’s defeat to Switzerland; this time, he supplied the early advantage Scotland needed.
Scotland had opportunities to extend the lead. Robertson surged forward and forced Stole Dimitrievski into a fine save before the fifth minute. McGinn, like Robertson, had faced some scathing criticism, but responded forcefully too. His pass from the right-back position to Robertson, operating as a left winger, could have created a second Scotland goal. Robertson chose to shoot and dragged his effort wide, when a pass across to Oli McBurnie appeared the better option.
Ben Gannon-Doak and Bowie also missed chances, prompting North Macedonia to make two substitutions after half an hour. Within five minutes of the restart, Gannon-Doak was through on Dimitrievski but hit a tame effort straight at the goalkeeper. Bowie then tested him from close range as North Macedonia clung on. Scotland’s lack of ruthlessness remained its main concern, while Scott McKenna’s late dismissal gave Pocognoli another reason for frustration.
From a Scotland corner, the referee initially gave a foul against McKenna as the defender headed the ball down towards Bowie. Robertson later acknowledged that he owed McKenna an apology before reflecting on his cap milestone. Scotland remain in contention in Nations League section B1, but know that much tougher opponents lie ahead.
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