Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-0 in Skopje as Robertson reaches 100 caps

Scotland defeated North Macedonia 2-0 in a Nations League match in Skopje on Saturday, Andy Robertson earning his 100th Scotland cap while Scott McKenna was sent off late in the game.

Scotland dominated large periods on a poor pitch in a stadium described as soulless except for the visiting supporters, creating numerous opportunities but scoring only twice. The performance brought a sense of momentum for a new era of the national side, with several players making important contributions.

Andy Robertson led an energetic start and registered four shots in the first 13 minutes — a personal first in any of his 99 caps before Saturday — while Kieron Bowie opened the scoring with an early, well-taken goal after build-up work involving Oli McBurnie and Billy Gilmour. McBurnie’s wait for a goal continues; he has 19 caps.

Scotland out-shot North Macedonia 25 to 9 and had 10 shots on target to North Macedonia’s zero. Before McKenna’s red card, Scotland had touched the ball 37 times inside the North Macedonia penalty area; North Macedonia had touched it twice inside Scotland’s.

Ben Gannon-Doak repeatedly troubled North Macedonia but missed several chances, his lack of club minutes cited as a factor in rustiness and inconsistent end product. His club appearances this season are listed as two minutes against Liverpool, 19 against Sociedad, eight against Brentford, and one minute each against Newcastle and Man City; his only start was a League Cup tie against Lincoln. The article notes: "Maybe a loan move in January would make sense for him, if his club allows him to go. A big 'if'."

John McGinn produced a thunderbolt and then scored from the penalty spot, the penalty being "lashed" home to draw him level with Lawrie Reilly on the all-time list at 22. On the captain, McGinn said: "It's been a pleasure to stand alongside him".

Luis Binks, Stephen Welsh and substitute Robbie Ure experienced victory for Scotland, with Binks and Welsh described as looking at home in defence. The win provided Sebastien Pocognoli with his first victory and three points to add to a strong second-half display against Slovenia a week earlier, with fresh faces and an aggressive approach noted by the report.

"In this series of footballing sprints, there's just one of the original four games to go now - Tuesday at Hampden."