Scotland triumphed 1-0 against Hungary in Budapest to secure Alex McLeish’s first victory in his second spell as national team manager.
Matt Phillips’ goal early in the second half settled the friendly at Groupama Arena, in a much-changed side from the one which began McLeish’s era in defeat against Costa Rica at Hampden Park on Friday.
McLeish made seven changes, with former Aberdeen winger Ryan Fraser coming in for his first international start along with Jack Hendry, Stuart Armstrong, John McGinn, Phillips, Callum McGregor and James Forrest. Dropping to the bench were Oli McBurnie, Callum Paterson, Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney, while Grant Hanley, Matt Ritchie and Scott McTominay were absent through injury, with Dons defender Scott McKenna keeping his place following a promising debut four days previously.
Hungary made the brighter start, with skipper Balazs Dzsudzsak forcing Allan McGregor into action after just three minutes with a low strike from the edge of the box. Scotland’s first chance arrived on nine minutes when Phillips was picked out by Hendry’s long ball before teeing up Forrest for a low effort from 20 yards which trundled wide.
Dzsudzsak’s free-kick forced a fine save from McGregor on 20 minutes, however Scotland had the best chance of the first half when Fraser was tripped inside the box by defender Laszlo Kleinheisler on 39 minutes, however Mulgrew’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
Scotland did take the lead less than three minutes into the second half. Fraser supplied the cross from the right flank, with Phillips on hand to tuck the ball home from close-range.
Hungary looked for a response, with McGregor forced tip Roland Varga’s long-range strike over the bar on the hour mark, with the midfielder also going close with a free-kick.
McLeish freshened things up as the second half progressed, with Dons midfielders Kenny McLean and Ryan Christie among those introduced. McGregor was forced to make a superb save to spare Mulgrew’s blushes after his slip-up allowed Adam Szalai to run through on goal, however the goalkeeper stood tall to block the effort with his legs, with Scotland holding out for the victory.
