World Cup qualifier: Shaun Maloney seals 2-1 win for Scotland

Shaun Maloney’s late free-kick snatched a 2-1 victory for Scotland in their Group A World Cup qualifier in Macedonia last night.

Ikechi Anya’s goal just before the hour mark gave the visitors the lead, but Jovan Kostovski bundled in a sublime Goran Pandev pass late on to equalise.

A determined Maloney wasn’t content with a draw, curling a brilliant set piece past Tomislav Paèovski to send the Tartan Army into raptures, and move the Scots off the bottom of the group.

The win took Scotland above their hosts before their final game in Group A against Croatia and provided further cause to believe that the team is heading in the right direction under Gordon Strachan.

Anya, who made his debut in the 2-0 defeat by Belgium on Friday, made a huge impact from the start with his eagerness and ability to get round the outside and get balls into the box.

Ikechi was one of three changes with Barry Bannan recalled and Steven Naismith starting up front. Leigh Griffiths, James Forrest and the suspended Robert Snodgrass dropped out.