Scotland boost Nations League promotion chances with win in Albania
Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League C - Group 1 - Albania v Scotland - Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder, Albania - November 17, 2018 Scotland's Steven Fletcher in action with Albania's Adrian Ismajli REUTERS/Florion Goga
(Reuters) - Scotland's hopes of earning promotion to League B of the Nations League were boosted after a convincing 4-0 win over 10-man Albania in Shkoder on Saturday.
Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser gave Scotland the lead in the 14th minute, before Albania captain Mergim Mavraj was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession seven minutes later.
Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League C - Group 1 - Albania v Scotland - Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder, Albania - November 17, 2018 Albania's Rey Manaj in action with Scotland's Ryan Christie REUTERS/Florion Goga
The visitors took full advantage of the numerical advantage, plundering three more unanswered goals, starting with Steven Fletcher's penalty in first half stoppage time.
James Forrest's second-half double made sure of Alex McLeish's third win of his second spell in charge of Scotland, meaning they can win Nations League Group C1 if they beat Israel at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Topping their group would also cement a pot three place in the 2020 European Championship qualifying draw, and a playoff spot should they fail to reach the finals directly.
Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League C - Group 1 - Albania v Scotland - Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder, Albania - November 17, 2018 Scotland's Steven Fletcher shoots at goal REUTERS/Florion Goga
(Reporting by Peter Hall; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League C - Group 1 - Albania v Scotland - Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder, Albania - November 17, 2018 Scotland's Steven Fletcher celebrates scoring their second goal with Ryan Fraser and team mates REUTERS/Florion GogaSoccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League C - Group 1 - Albania v Scotland - Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder, Albania - November 17, 2018 Scotland's Ryan Fraser in action with Albania's Eros Grezda REUTERS/Florion GogaSoccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League C - Group 1 - Albania v Scotland - Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder, Albania - November 17, 2018 Scotland's Steven Fletcher scores their second goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/Florion Goga
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