Ilco Naumoski scored the only goal of the game as George Burley’s Scottish side slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Macedonia in Skopje.
Goce Sedloski’s 5th minute freekick was tipped onto the post by Craig Gordon, but the rebound fell perfectly for Naumoski, and the SV Mattersburg striker duly did the rest.
The game was Burley’s first competitive game in charge of the national team, and he went with a 4-4-2, playing Miller and McFadden upfront. Scotland were missing several first team regulars- regular skipper Barry Ferguson and Alan Hutton prominent among them.
In the 57th minute, the Scots had Craig Gordon to thank as he adjusted well to save a spectacular Shumulikoski effort. James McFadden had his penalty appeal waved away by the referee in the second half as Scotland tried to bring the game back on level terms, but they were unsuccessful as the hosts held on.
Scotland starting XI formation against Macedonia
——————————-Craig Gordon——————————————–
Alexander————-Caldwell——————McManus(c)——————-Naysmith
Brown—————-Hartley——————Fletcher———————Robson
J.McFadden——————-K.Miller