GLASGOW, Oct 12 (AFP): A deflected Shaun Maloney strike was enough for Scotland to see off Group D rivals Georgia 1-0 and pick up their first three points of their European Championship qualifying campaign Saturday.
The home side, buoyed by a good performance in their narrow 2-1 defeat by world champions Germany in their opening fixture, dominated early possession at Ibrox.
However, the Scots could find no way past an organised Georgian defence until their pressure paid off in the 28th minute when Maloney's well-drilled shot came off defender Akaki Khubutia on its way over the line.
Scotland missed a host of second half chances with strikers Steven Naismith and Steven Fletcher both shunning good opportunities to give their side some breathing space.
Irakli Dzaria fired wide on a rare foray forward by Georgia and James Morrison saw a late chance superbly saved by Giorgi Loria as Scotland picked up their fifth win in eight games.
Regular Scotland captain Darren Fletcher had found himself on the bench as one of four changes Gordon Strachan made from the narrow defeat to world champions Germany.
Scott Brown returned from injury and Fletcher was handed the task of partnering the in-form Naismith up front.
A succession of Scottish corners eventually led to the home side making the breakthrough in the 28th minute.
Maloney's corner ping-ponged around the box before making its way back to him at the edge of the box and his rasping low shot squirmed under keeper Loria and a deflection off defender Khubutia before trundling over the line.
Scotland see off Georgia to pick up first win
FE Team | Published: October 13, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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