Allan Campbell and Chris Cadden both started as Scotland Under 21s were held to a 1-1 draw with Latvia in Perth this evening.
Campbell, operating in central midfield, turned in a Man of the Match performance for Scot Gemmell’s side. Cadden started initially in a more central role, but proved far more effective for the dark blues when he was shifted to his familiar position out on the right.
In a match the Scots dominated from start to finish, the Latvians scored the opener very much against the run of play in first-l half stoppage time, Roberts Uldrikis heading home Latvia’s only attempt at goal from close range.
The hosts created chance after chance, but couldn’t force their way through against a stubborn Latvia, who were happy to pack out the defence. Even when they were reduced to 10 men, Ingars Stuglis sent packing for a shocker of a challenge on Cadden, Scotland couldn’t get level.
However, with just seconds on the clock, the referee pointed to the spot for a shirt pull in the box, allowing substitute Ryan Hardie to slot home from 12 yards to earn a more-than-deserved share of the spoils.
Scotland are back in action this Tuesday when they face Ukraine, once again at McDiarmid Park, with ‘Well academy graduates Campbell hoping to earn cap number four and Cadden cap number seven respectively.
Scotland: Fulton, Smith (Hardie, 64), Taylor, Souttar (C) (McCrorie, 68), McKenna, McBurnie, Morgan, Wright (Thomas, 86), Mallan, Cadden, Campbell
Unused substitutes: Ruddy, Williamson, Docherty, Archibald
Attendance: 1,449
Man of the Match: Allan Campbell