Steve Clarke and his side got the victory they needed going into Tuesday’s crunch fixture in Austria but there wasn’t much about the performance to get fans excited ahead of the match in Vienna.
Lyndon Dykes opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Nathan Patterson’s shot was parried into his path. And that was it.
Scotland wasted a couple of great chances to extend their lead but, while they weren’t really troubled at the other end, they should’ve done more to break down a side who lost 8-0 to Denmark and four in Israel.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.
. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Scotland's Nathan Patterson celebrates after his shot is tapped in by Lyndon Dykes as Scotland go 1-0 in front during a World Cup qualifier match between Scotland and Moldova at Hampden Park, on September 04, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Nathan Patterson celebrates after Lyndon Dykes taps home after the right wing-back's shot is saved. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. GK - Craig Gordon - 6
Held a couple of comfort saves. Didn't have much to do after that. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. DRC - Jack Hendry - 7
Had a couple of important inventions and looked assured on the ball. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. DC - Grant Hanley - 6
Missed a couple of opportunities from corners. Solid at the back but rarely tested. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. Kieran Tierney - 6
Had a couple of decent runs but didn't impact the game in the final third as much as he has previous. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. Nathan Patterson - 6
Excellent for the opener and had a couple of decent flashes. Fell out of the game for long stretches, though, and looked a little suspect on the defensive end. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
1. GK - Craig Gordon - 6
Held a couple of comfort saves. Didn't have much to do after that. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
2. DRC - Jack Hendry - 7
Had a couple of important inventions and looked assured on the ball. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
3. DC - Grant Hanley - 6
Missed a couple of opportunities from corners. Solid at the back but rarely tested. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
4. Kieran Tierney - 6
Had a couple of decent runs but didn't impact the game in the final third as much as he has previous. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group