Steven Thompson
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Pressure? What pressure?

These Nations League groups are so tight that Scotland, struck with a series of call-offs, some of which have been questioned by pundits, could have been facing relegation had they lost tonight.

Instead, a first international goal for Ryan Fraser, the sending off of Albania captain Mergim Mavraj and that penalty from Steven Fletcher, has the visitors heading for the top of League C, Group 1.

The Scots are well worthy of their lead. Hold on to this and they will can win the group with a victory over Israel in Tuesday's final game.

Stuart Armstrong's free-kick hits off an arm in Albania's defensive wall.

That looks terribly harsh.

James Forrest wastes a good opportunity as his cross flies high over the crossbar with Steven Fletcher waiting menacingly on the edge of Albania's six-yard box.

Scotland scorer Ryan Fraser is full of confidence and stings the palms of Etrit Berisha with a powerful drive.

The experienced Albania goalkeeper doesn't look terribly comfortable out there as he pushes it up into the air rather nervously.

Having already been booked, Callum Paterson dives into a challenge on Eros Grezda.

It's debatable whether there is any contact. But, with the Albania winger left writhing on the ground, the right-back is perhaps a fortunate man.

Steven Thompson
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Scott McKenna finds Callum Paterson with a fine cross-field ball, the right-back finds James Forrest on the edge of the penalty area and the winger's low ball flashes across the face of goal and a foot wide of the far post.

Steven Fletcher was waiting to pounce as well, but it was just too far in front of the striker.

Scotland breath a sigh of relief as the flag goes up after Rey Manaj is found behind the visiting defence.

The Albacete striker lashes his shot over the bar in any case.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland in Shkoder

The opening quarter of this game could hardly have gone any better for Scotland.

Ryan Fraser, in particular, looks a real handful for the home defence, while the centre-back pairing of David Bates and Scott McKenna have looked assured and coped admirably with all that has come their way early on.

The sending-off of the Albanian captain for a head-butt on Ryan Christie should be another boost to Scotland's chances of securing victory on a chilly night here in Shkoder.

Home coach Christian Panucci responds to the sending off by bringing on an extra defender.

Hajduk Split's Ardian Ismajli is on, with attacking midfielder Ergys Kace, of Panathinaikos, being taken off.

It's all going right for Scotland as Mergim Mavraj is sent off.

After making a strong challenge on James Forrest, the defender head-butts Ryan Christie.

There's a bit of confusion while the Aris Thessaloniki man is hesitant to accept the decision but eventually heads for the bench.

Ryan Fraser's joy is obvious as he celebrates scoring his first goal for his country with team-mate Ryan Christie.

The Celtic midfielder played his part with a strong challenge that won possession.

Image source, SNS

Rey Manaj picks the ball up just outside the Scotland penalty box, but the striker skews his shot wide.

Steven Thompson
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Albania forward Rey Manaj is next to go into the book for a late challenge on Ryan Fraser that leaves the wee man writhing.

A nervous moment for Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Ledian Memushaj whips in an outswinging cross, it just evades the head of Myrto Uzuni and McGregor is stranded as it slips just wide of the far post.

Eros Grezda looks up for this. He brushes off the challenge of James Forrest and Callum Paterson has to push the Rangers winger into touch at the expense of a booking.