Scotland’s quest to end their seven-match winless run was met with firm Gibraltarian resistance, as the side sitting 204th in the FIFA rankings effectively soaked up early pressure.
A torrent of chances soon came for the Tartan Army though and Ryan Christie’s stinging strike from 20 yards forced debutant Jaylan Hankins into a diving save before Grant Hanley’s diving header rose over the crossbar.
Clarke’s side suddenly found frequent openings and captain Andy Robertson started to orchestrate proceedings. The Liverpool full-back first cut back for the returning James Forrest – making his first international appearance in three years – who sent his half-volley into the side netting.
Robertson was then involved again on the left, chipping an inviting cross for James McClean to meet with a header that sailed wide. Scottish opportunities continued to come thick and fast, yet their attacking ruthlessness that yielded six goals in their last meeting against Gibraltar was lacking, with Hanley volleying wide from six yards before half-time.
Gibraltar’s valiant rearguard eventually gave way just before the hour mark when Lawrence Shankland and Christie played an accidental one-two inside the area, leaving the Bournemouth midfielder with space to control and dispatch his shot high into the net.
Despite the breakthrough, Gibraltar continued to frustrate the Tartan Army until substitute Ché Adams sealed the win by sending a thumping volley past Hankins following John McGinn’s cross.
After conceding 20 goals in their final two Euros qualification matches, Gibraltar have shown signs of promise with three consecutive 1-0 defeats – progress for a side only formally recognised by FIFA in 2013.
Scotland, however, will be less upbeat after labouring to just their second friendly win in eight years and Clarke will be desperate for improvements with his side’s Euros opener against Germany just 11 days away.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ryan Christie (Scotland)
