LYNDON DYKES gave Scotland hope after firing them to the top of their Nations League group.
The QPR striker was the difference yet again for Steve Clarke’s side in a tight game against rivals Slovakia.
Lyndon Dykes fired Scotland to victoryCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Scotland stayed top of group B2 with the winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Aberdeen stalwart Andrew Considine didn’t put a foot wrong on his debutCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Goalmouth action was virtually non-existent as both sides struggled for rhythm in the first half.
But Dykes, 25, showed he only needed one chance as he slotted Stephen O’Donnell’s lofted cross into the back of the net on 55 minutes with the Scots’ first effort on target.
Slovakia then had a chance of their own to equalise when Jan Gregus’ shot ricocheted into a crowded six-yard box, but David Marshall managed to gather.
Scotland should have made their victory sweeter late on but substitute Oli McBurnie headed onto the bar from a teasing Ryan Fraser delivery.
And Fraser, who has hardly played any football since March, gave his thoughts to Sky Sports immediately after the game.
He said: “We worked hard obviously with the other day playing 120 minutes against Israel.
“Some of the lads needed a little bit of a freshen up so the manager changed some bodies.
“I think the boys that came in today done really well.
Ryan Fraser caused problems for ScotlandCredit: Reuters
Oli McBurnie struck the crossbar as his search for a first Scotland goal goes onCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
“It would have been easy to just win the other day and maybe not concentrate so much on this game but I think we showed we gave everything today.
“That is us unbeaten in seven now and top of the group – which is brilliant and now we go on to the next game against Czech Republic.”
Scotland are now one point clear of second-placed Czech Republic in Group B2, ahead of a Hampden clash between the two sides on Wednesday night.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk