Scotland U21s Draw at Fir Park

Scotland started the first half brightly with several good chances, the best falling to Duffy after a three on one charge from the halfway line. The Falkirk striker failed to find the net and the keeper was presented with an easy save.

The teams

We also ended the half on a high when Diamond rose to head home a corner in the final minute although Lazzari equalised from the same spot soon after the restart.

A healthy crowd in the DC Stand

Gallagher finished a fine move with an accurate shot to retake the lead but we failed to hold again when an explosive second equaliser by the Italians was followed by a double dismissal when Marshall and Pepe had a squable in the net.

Clarkson replaced Gallagher for the last five minutes as Scotland pushed for the winner. Italy were reduced to nine men as their defence became more frantic.

Lanarkshire fans turned out in big numbers for the game and made a colourful contribution to a well staged event at Fir Park. The SFA would be well satisfied with our hosting of the match - we even managed to replace the failed bulbs in the electronic scoreboard.

Team: Marshall(Celtic), Berra(Hearts), Collins(Sunderland), Diamond(Aberdeen), Robertson(Rotheram), Whittaker(Hibs), Brown(Hibs), Thomson(Hibs) sub Lawson(Celtic) 65min, Wilson(Dundee United), Duffy (Falkirk) sub Turner (Everton) 78min, Gallacher(Blackburn) sub Clarkson(Motherwell) 86 min.

Scotland 2 Italy 2

Attendance 5913