Scotland v England: Fans embrace brief high before 3-1 loss

Moment Scotland fans celebrate England own goal

By Megan Bonar & Mary McCool

BBC Scotland News

It was a night that began with crackling excitement as fans gathered to watch Scotland take on England in a historic football match, celebrating 150 years since the two sides first met.

Hopes for victory were high, with Steve Clarke's side having won their last five matches.

Even as the score sat at 0-2, optimism was not quite extinguished with the blow of the half-time whistle - before an England own goal in the second half.

But the night ultimately ended in disappointment for the Tartan Army with a 3-1 finish.

While 50,000 football fans flocked to Hampden Park, the BBC spoke to those watching events unfold in Glasgow's Committee Room No.9.

Andrew Mcfarlane from Larkhall held onto hopes for a Scotland win at half time

Andrew Mcfarlane from Larkhall said he had been excited about the match all day.

"It's a brilliant atmosphere from everyone, there's a mix of fans as well," he said. "Half-time, 2-0 down, it's not great but it's all to play for I suppose.

"You've always got to have that hope but I'm a little doubtful we can bring it back.

"I've got faith in McTominay, he's a good boy so maybe he can pull it back for us- I'm sure he's got some goals in him."I've not been keeping track of the Norway game, I've got the notifications off."

As Harry Maguire sends the ball into his own net, the solemn mood in the Glasgow bar erupts into wild cheering - the goal comes as a surprise to many.

The bar staff have the juke box back on for a minute or two of celebrations.

Ali Aitken, right, and Oliver Bonnington, left

Ali Aitken from Edinburgh came to watch the match with friend Oliver Bonnington, from North Berwick.

Ali said: "I thought we would have got off to a better start, there's been a couple of mistakes.

"From previous form, we should be able to pull it back but it's Scotland so you never know what could happen.

"I think Scotland should be more fired up that England, it means lots to Scotland if they win. This means a lot for the fans as well.

"We're disappointed but still hopeful. We're on our way to Germany without a doubt."

Oliver added: "We're coming off the back of five wins so we had high hopes but it's been a pretty disappointing first half. They've not really turned out, not really creating any opportunities. It's not looking good.

"After that first half, I don't think so unless there's a good half time team talk."

The last meeting of the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw at Wembley.

Steve Clark's team have five wins from the last five games, having avoided a loss in the last 11 qualifying games.

The England team came into the game on the back of a draw with Ukraine.

Earlier the BBC spoke to supporters gathering in the south side of the city.

As Scotland take on England at Hampden for a historic friendly match, we’ve been assessing the mood of fans

Tamsin Sandiford is originally from Birmingham, but said she'll be cheering on Scotland.

"I'd have to find a new place to live if I supported England. I've been with my partner for eight years now so I've just adopted it. I love Scotland, I love Hampden, I love the culture."

Her fiancé, Jason Monaghan said there's a lot of pressure on both teams.

He said: "It's a friendly but when Scotland and England meet there's no such thing as a friendly, you're playing for the pride of two countries that have such a bitter rivalry.

"Whenever the two meet in competition that all just gets brought up. Emotions run high between both sets of fans.

"It could be a game of cards between Scotland and England and it would still be bitter."

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Angie McKenzie from Dunfermline will be cheering on Scotland with her best friend Karen Smith - and their sons, Cammy Mitchell and Kyle Smith.

She said: "We've all just come back from Cyprus for the away game. We absolutely loved it. It was a great time and now we're here for the England game, it's a massive game.

Angie continued: "We've been following Scotland for 20-plus years and our boys have been coming for about 10 years. It's great to now experience it with our grown up boys.

"This is the best run we've had in my lifetime. I've been through the Berti Vogts era, and this is the best run we've had in a long time. The group of boys are just tremendous. I'm feeling positive."

Listen to coverage on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound programme.

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