Scotland too strong for Faroes
O'Connor claimed the second goal
Wednesday, 06, Jun 2007 10:31
Scotland came through a tricky second half to beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 in their Euro 2008 group B qualifier in Toftir thanks to goals by Shaun Maloney and Garry O'Connor.
Both the Scotland goals came in a first half that the visitors dominated, however they were grateful to have gained that advantage after coming under increasing pressure in the second 45 minutes.
The first goal came on the half-hour mark when Maloney's free kick left Faroes goalkeeper Jakup Mikkelsen rooted to the spot. The Aston Villa midfielder lashed the ball over the wall and into the goal.
O'Connor doubled the score five minutes later. Following good build up play on the right wing Darren Fletcher was able to turn in the box and dink the ball into O'Connor.
Although his initial header was well saved by Mikkelsen the Lokomotiv Moscow striker was able to tuck the ball away at the second attempt.
Their half-time lead was well deserved, having also come close with an earlier Maloney free kick while O'Connor saw a shot rebound off the post.
However, in the second half the Faroes bounced back and enjoyed the majority of the chances.
They created a number of opportunities down the left flank - one of which led to Christian Holst knocking the ball inches wide from close range.
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon had to make a sharp save to deny Jakob Borg after 62 minutes and the Faroes were unlucky when Jon Roi Jacobsen's shot hit the post with two minutes remaining.
The visitors created few chances in the second half but were pleased to come away with all three points having drawn their last two visits to the Svangaskard Stadium.