Naumovski strike gives Macedonia 1-0 win over Scotland

Macedonia beat Scotland 1-0 in their opening World Cup qualifier in Group Nine yesterday to inflict defeat on visiting manager George Burley in his first competitive match in charge.

Ilco Naumovski tucked away the only goal in the fifth minute from close range after goalkeeper Craig Gordon touched a fierce free-kick by Macedonia captain Goce Sedloski onto the post. Scotland struggled to respond until the second half when James McFadden was denied a penalty in the 71st minute after keeper Petar Milosevski slid out and brought the striker down.

Scotland substitute Kris Commons forced a fine save from Milosevski six minutes later but Macedonia held on with the keeper turning away a last minute shot from Shaun Maloney.

Burley, still without a win four games after taking over, insists his side's improved second-half display deserved more.

"We're disappointed to lose but all of the second half I thought we dominated the game," Burley told Setanta Sports.

"We kept battling away until the end and I thought they deserved something out of it."