Scotland 1 Slovenia 0: Late Martin winner eases pressure on Strachan

Chris Martin’s late goal reignited Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign and eased the mounting pressure on manager Gordon Strachan as he secured a 1-0 triumph over Slovenia at Hampden Park.

It looked destined to be another missed opportunity for the Scots as they spurned several chances before the break and then looked bereft of ideas in the second half.

But Martin struck two minutes from time to end Slovenia’s resistance and move Scotland to within two points of Group F’s second-placed side Slovakia, who beat Malta 3-1.

Scotland were well on top for the majority of the first half and carved out some great opportunities, with Robert Snodgrass often at the fore. Somehow they failed to go into half-time ahead, though, Leigh Griffiths guilty of a shocking miss as he struck the crossbar before then hitting the post.

Griffiths’ day got even worse when he was withdrawn due to injury early in the second half, and with him went much of Scotland’s impetus and presence in attack.