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Scotland held by sturdy Lithuania in frustrating Tynecastle clash

Scotland 0

Lithuania 0

  • Thursday, 10 October 2019
  • Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh
  • Under 21´s
  • European Under-21 Championship 2021, Qualifying Round

Scotland U21s were held to a frustrating goalless draw with Lithuania in their latest U21 Euros 2021 qualifier.

Scott Gemmill’s side headed into this clash Joint top of Group D following victories over San Marino and Croatia.

Whilst they dominated possession and most of the match at Tynecastle, they couldn’t make their advantage count as they dropped two points on home soil.

Scotland’s young stars tested Lithuanian stopper Titas Krapikas on numerous occasions  in the first half.

Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour had a few long-range efforts on goal, but both flew off target.

Glenn Middleton was also testing the Lithuanian backline with his pace and direct runs on the flanks. He tested Krapikas with a free kick, which the goalkeeper managed to punch away.

Fraser Hornby missed the best chance though, with the ball breaking to the young Everton forward, currently out on loan in Belgium, in the 18-yard box.

He only managed to his shot straight at Krapikas, who was able to scramble the ball clear with his feet.

  • Half Time:
  • Scotland
  • 0-0
  • Lithuania

Unlike the weather in Gorgie, Scotland’s chances dried up in the second half in torrential Edinburgh rain.

The likes of Gilmour and Middleton weren’t quite as effective against their stubborn opponents, so Connor McLennan and Stephen Kelly were thrown on to try and salvage the game.

With 15 minutes to go, the latter spurned a great chance to give Scotland the lead. Middleton’s drive down the wing lead to a cutback, which fell to the feet of Kelly.

His tame effort was easily saved by Krapikas as the game eventually fizzled out.

Scotland’s next match will see them take on the Czech Republic, where they will hope to improve on their seven-point tally in Group 4 of Euro 2021 qualifying.

  • Full Time:
  • Scotland
  • 0-0
  • Lithuania

Lineups

Scotland
Lithuania
12. Ross Doohan
3. Daniel Harvie
4. Ryan Porteous
5. George Johnston
6. Allan Campbell
7. Kyle Magennis
8. Billy Gilmour
9. Fraser Hornby
11. Glenn Middleton
19. Lewis Ferguson
20. Ross McCrorie
21. Robby McCrorie
2. Patrick Reading
14. Barry Maguire
15. Lewis Smith
16. Tom McIntyre
18. Connor McLennan
22. Stephen Kelly
23. Ewan Henderson
12. Titas Krapikas
5. Emestas Stockunas
7. Eligijus Jankauskas
9. Justinas Marazas
10. Edgaras Dubickas
13. Domantas Antanavicius
14. Karolis Uzela
15. Titas Milasius
18. Edvinas Kloniunas
19. Deividas Sesplaukis
23. Linas Megelaitis
22. Ovidijus Siaulys
4. Aleksandr Levsin
6. Vilius Armalas
8. Dominky Kodz
11. Renatas Banevicius
16. Matas Ramanauskas
17 Pijus Sirvys
21. Ignas Kruzikas
Star Player
Scotland
Lithuania
Glenn Middleton to his credit was lively for Scotland. He gave the opposing full-backs a torrid time and will be wondering how he never managed a goal or an assist.

He cut a frustrated figure at times during the game and no wonder. Middleton turned in a brilliant performance for little reward in the end.
It would be wrong to single out a member of the Lithuania backline, as together as a unit, they were exceptional.

The Lithuanians fought and battles for each other, neutralizing attacking threats like Hornby and Kyle Magennis.

Lithuania were worthy of a point and deserving of their clean sheet at Tynecastle.
Magic Moment
Scotland
Lithuania
Glenn's Middleton's darting run to the touchline was quite special.

He took on a host of Lithuanian defenders, beating every one of them, before flashing the ball across goal to Stephen Kelly.

Middleton would have earned a host of plaudits had this ended up in the net.
Fraser Hornby had the best chance to put Scotland in the lead during the first half, but Lithuanian keeper Titas Krapikas did well to save the shot.

He was able to save the Scotsman's effort with his feet. It was the home side's biggest chance of the game and Krapikas made sure that his team weathered that storm.
Club Views
Scotland
Lithuania
Despite the disappointing result, U21s boss Scott Gemmill was pleased with his Scotland side, preferring to remain upbeat after the game.

He said: “It was a game we expected, The Lithuanians were always going to make it hard for us. I'm very happy with the team in terms of being defensively sound, not getting caught on the counter-attack but pushing to break Lithuania down. I thought in the first half some of our football was good, but if you get chances you have to take them.

“Seven points from nine with a lot of young players is good. It's great development. Of course, we are disappointed not to win, but we need to think of the bigger picture.”
  • Match report and photos copyright Youth Football Scotland.
Published in National Teams
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