Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan played 90 minutes as Scotland left it late to beat Slovakia 1-0 at Hampden Park, a result which keeps their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup finals alive.
It was a must win game for Gordon Strachan’s team and they were up for it from the start with Bannan his usual energetic self, pulling the strings in midfield. The home side received a boost when Slovakia’s Robert Mak was dismissed for his 2nd yellow card midway through the first half and they continued to dominate.
Chances came and went however with Dubravka in inspired form in the visitors goal, denying Scotland on numerous occasions. Griffiths and Martin hit the bar as time ticked away but with a minute to go Martin slid in to challenge at the near post and forced Skrtl into an own goal that proved decisive.
Bannan and co now travel to Slovenia on Sunday knowing that a win will secure second place in the group and a play-off place but anything else is likely to see them miss out with Slovakia expected to beat Malta in their final group fixture.