The start of Rainer Bonhof's career as Scotland under 21 coach started a little better that his friend and boss Berti Vogts career with the first team. A 1-1 draw against Denmark is not too bad a start as it also allowed Bonhof to see his team in real action. Scotland had Kilmarnock's Peter Canero to thank for equalising with a superb solo effort after Tommy Bechmann gave the Danes a 12 minute lead. With prices set at £5 for adults and £3 for children it was a disappointing crowd of less that 3,000 who watched the entertainment last night at East End Park.
With only a three day session with the new new coach behind them, Scotland had little time to take in his new ideas. In stark contrast, the Danes meet once a week and the understanding built up over time showed in the early stages. However, Scotland did look keen and lively enough and should have taken the lead after only six minutes. Canero sent over a cross which was dummied by Garry O'Connor to allow Michael Stewart to send in a low drive from 16 yards which unfortunately glanced the wrong side of the post. On the nine minute mark Denmark offered their first threat on debutant Dundee goalkeeper Derek Soutar in the Scottish goal. Jan Frederiksen broke clear and let fly from 20 yards but Soutar produced a superb block to keep a clean slate. However, that situation only lasted another six minutes.
Rangers defender Andrew Dowie misjudged the flight of a long ball and his clearance fell to Bechmann. He happily volleyed home the unexpected gift off the underside of the bar from 20 yards. Scotland took the incentive to chase for an equaliser and Rangers midfielder Stephen Hughes troubled Danish goalkeeper Stephan Andersen to produces a couple of saves before the home sides pressure paid off after 33 minutes. A slick one-two between Canero and Shaun Maloney on the edge of the box along with some good luck (for a change) allied with his tenacity and skill allowed him to benefit from ricochets off defender's shins. He then calmly poked the ball under the advancing Andersen from 12 yards. On the balance of play, going in at half time at 1-1 was no less that Scotland deserved.
And it looked as if they were to make a dream start of the second half. On 49 minutes Hughes made a strong run towards goal which was thwarted just inside the box. Luckily the ball fell to Hibs Garry O'Connor. Unfortunately, with only Andersen in goal to beat, the striker curled his drive a couple of yards over the bar. The boy of the moment, James McFadden had replaced Maloney at half time his direct running and trickery posed some danger for the Danes early on. However, despite causing aflutter of hearts in the Danish defence on a couple of occasions, it was Denmark who created the best chance of the half. From a corner Sorensen's sent in a dangerous header which had to be cleared off the line by Jamie McCunnie.
So, not a bad result. Bonhof now know what he has to do but there are some positive signs for a good working relationship.
Scotland U21: Soutar, McCunnie, Ian Murray, Dowie, Doig, Brian Kerr, Canero, Stephen Hughes, O'Connor, Michael Stewart, Maloney. Subs: McGregor, Kennedy, McCracken, Duff, Fletcher, Thomas McManus, McFadden, McLean, Lynch.
Denmark U21: Andersen, Hansen, Andreasen, Bischoff, Kristiansen, Wurtz, Traore, Frederiksen, Sorensen, Haakonsson, Bechmann. Subs: Pedersen, Krause, Kamper, Simon Elbaek Jensen, Simon Elbaek Jensen, Serensen.
Referee: David Malcolm (Northern Ireland)
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