UEFA Under-17 League B: Round 2

Scotland 2-0 Romania
Saturday, 22 March

Broadwood Stadium, Scotland

 

Team News 

 

It’s been a busy week for Scotland sides, with the Men's A Squad, Under-21s, Under-19s and Under-17s all in action. A Squad call-ups Lennon Miller and James Wilson - both Under-17s less than two years ago - will provide great motivation to this current group, as Brian McLaughlin's side looked to bounce back from the disappointment of a 2-2 draw with Macedonia in the first match.

 

Going into match day two of the Under 17’s UEFA EURO Round 2: League B, Scotland welcomed Romania to Broadwood. Going into the fixture, the visitors sat top of the group thanks to a remarkable 10-0 win over Liechtenstein in a game which saw eight different goal scorers. Certainly a warning for Scotland. 

 

McLaughlin made three changes as Jack Barr, Archie Traynor and Alexander Smith came in from the start.

 

As It Happened

 

Romania kicked off the affairs following the respected national anthems. The visitors had the majority of the play early on, offering a number of wake-up calls to the Scots, with Romania’s Ianis Avrumescu causing most of the problems.

 

As the first half wore on, Brian McLaughlin's side got a foothold on the game, getting the ball on the deck as their quality began to shine through. Midfielder Aiden McCallion impressed, joined by Aberdeen’s Fletcher Boyd - who had a couple of efforts off target from distance - in his attacking efforts. As the first 45 drew to a close, both sides headed in after a goalless half. 

 

After 52 minutes Scotland took the lead, breaking the deadlock thanks to a headed effort from Celtic’s Hayden Borland from McCallion's corner. Towering above the rest, Borland wheeled away in celebration, much to the delight of the fans. Not long after, Jamie Hislop thought he had had his say in the game as he bundled in moments later but it was ruled out by the referee for a foul.

 

As the game sparked into life, Mihai Ninaci nearly equalised in the 56th minute as he held off a couple of challenges before dragging a shot inches wide.

 

Denis Taroi and Ianis Avramescu then both had half chances for the visitors just after the hour mark but their efforts were harmlessly high and wide.

 

Taylor Hogarth scored off the bench in the first game and the substitute almost repeated the trick with a left-footed attempt with the outside of his boot that was tipped wide by the goalkeeper.

 

 

Zander McAllister, Lewis Gillie, Brodie Dair and Cooper Masson were also introduced by McLaughlin during the second half and it was the latter who made the game safe for Scotland as the match ticked into the 90th minute. Archie Traynor showed great endeavour down the left hand side before crossing to Masson who got across his man and got the touch at the front post. 

 

And that's how it would finish, with Scotland coming out on top in a hugely competitive match against a strong Romania team.

Scotland Team

Scotland: Graham, Williams, Borland, Osborne, McCallion, Boyd (Dair 82), Hislop (Hogarth 66), Hamill (McAllister 45), Barr (Gillie 66), Smith (Masson 82), Traynor

Unused substitutes: Patterson, Carrol, Burke, Gilligan, 

Next Up 


Scotland finish their Round Two: League B matches with a game against Liechtenstein on Tuesday, knowing that victory would likely see them top the group. That match will also be streamed live on the Scotland National Team Youtube Channel, with commentary from Stuart Mitchell and Scott Allan.

 

Match report by Aaron Connell