Under-21 International Friendly
Republic of Ireland 0-2 Scotland
Friday, 21 March 2025 
Pinatar Arena, Spain

Scorers

Republic of Ireland 0

Scotland 2 (Wales 5, Bonnar 77) 

Team News

Scotland's youthful line up showed five Under-21 debutants, with Emilio Lawrence, Adam Forrester, Murray Johnson,  Colby Donovan and Luke Graham all making their first appearance at this level.

As It Happened

Scotland starter the brighter at the Pinatar Arena and captain Jeremiah Mullen's hooked ball over the top set up Bobby Wales who fired into the side netting in just the second minute.

Wales did not have to wait long until his next opportunity came and the striker gave Scotland the lead in the 5th minute, bundling the ball home after a fantastic run from debutant Lawrence down the left wing. 

Scotland were causing the Republic of Ireland defence all sorts of problems and Kelly was next to go close in the 14th minute as he drove into the box but his shot was too close to keeper Aaron Maguire. 

Republic of Ireland's first opportunity came in the 24th minute when Jad Hakiki headed wide at the far post. 

The impressive Lawrence almost doubled Scotland's lead a minute later, jinking inside and going through on goal but Maguire stood tall and made the save.

Scotland then threatened twice in a minute from two short corners in the 26th minute. First Daniel Kelly called Maguire into action again with a low drive from outside the box, before Graham headed a glorious chance over the bar.

After that flurry of chances the game settled down, with neither side able to break each other down for the rest of the half.

The second half was a stop-start affair with both sides utilising their bench in the friendly contest. 

Scotland Head Coach Scot Gemmill handed debuts to goalkeeper Ruaridh Adams at half-time, alongside Cameron Bragg and Charlie McArthur. Jude Bonnar and Bailey Rice also made their Under-21 bows in a match that saw eleven debutants. 

The young Scots suffered a blow just after the hour mark when Lawrence - who had made an eye-catching debut - suffered an injury and limped off. 

The game was bereft of goalline action until David Watson's header set up Ryan One who dragged his left-footed effort narrowly wide of the far post in the 75th minute.

One was involved again two minutes later as Scotland made it 2-0. The powerful striker showed great composure to work an opening on the edge of the box and, although his shot was blocked, it fell invitingly to Bonnar who coolly slotted into the far corner with his right foot to double the Scots advantage. Watson - one of the stand-out performers on the night - was claiming a flick on Bonnar's effort as they pair celebrated.

Republic of Ireland were given a route back into the match with five minutes remaining when Mullen fouled Darius Lipsiuc, although the contact appeared to be outside the penalty box. 

Joe Gardiner stepped up but Scotland goalkeeper Ruaridh Adams was equal to it, diving low to his left to make a dream debut penalty save.

And that was how it finished, as defender Dylan Smith came on to mark the 11th Under-21 debut, as the new cycle got off to a perfect start with a dominant performance.

Next Up

Scotland are back in action on Tuesday when they face Iceland in another preparation match.

Scotland Team

Scotland: Johnson, Forrester, Donovan, Mullen, Graham, Anderson, Kelly, Watson, Lawrence, Wales, Mebude

Substitutes: Adams, Bragg, McArthur, Bonnar, Rice, Smith, Cleall-Harding, One, Wilson