Kevin McDonald's stunning goal eight minutes from time gave Scotland Under-21s a 2-1 home win over Finland in UEFA U21 Championship qualifying.Wednesday's result in Aberdeen breathed new life into Scotland's qualifying hopes as Finland were handed their first defeat in Group Six.

Scotland took the lead in the 29th minute when captain Steven Naismith struck following a well-worked free-kick, but just before half-time Kasper Hamalainen equalised courtesy of a beautiful curled effort.

Finland were the better side for much of the second period, only for McDonald to thump a superb half-volley high into the net and push Scotland to within five points of table-topping Finland, while still holding a game in hand.

When the contest began at a sparsely populated Pittodrie, goalscoring chances were at a premium.

Dogged defending was initially the order of the day, but Scotland were at least able to take confidence from Tomi Maanoja's poor handling in the 19th minute, when the Finland goalkeeper spilled a cross from Ross McCormack while under pressure from Ross Campbell.

Given the close nature of the match, it was no surprise it took a set-piece to break the deadlock and when the first goal came, it was thanks to a smart free-kick from Scotland.

The opportunity arose after Ville Jalasto crudely scythed down Scott Arfield.

Initially it looked as if the ball was going to be laid-off to McCormack, but clever play from Jamie Hamill and Arfield instead saw Naismith presented with the chance to shoot.

Naismith smashed a powerful low 30-yard drive towards goal and a deflection helped the ball carry past Maanoja.

Scotland grew in stature following the breakthrough, which was just the fourth goal their opponents had conceded in six qualifying games.

McCormack gathered the ball on the edge of the Finland 18-yard box and lashed a shot wide.

But from a similar range, Hamalainen showed Scotland how to finish in style.

The midfielder received a pass from Pyry Karkkainen, shifted the ball on to his stronger right foot, and clipped a sumptuous shot past Jamie MacDonald.

It was an impressive goal from Hamalainen, although Scotland manager Billy Stark must have been disappointed about the amount of space afforded to the Finn by central defenders Garry Kenneth and Mark Reynolds.

Kenneth suffered an injury just before half-time when he landed awkwardly, but the Dundee United defender recovered and began the second period in assured fashion.

In the 51st minute Ilari Aijala must have thought he was going to race onto the ball inside the Scotland penalty area, only for Kenneth to use his tall frame to produce a crucial interception.

Finland's most threatening player continued to be Hamalainen and the TPS man once again reminded Scotland of his shooting prowess when he fired a drive past MacDonald's near post.

Hamalainen then connected with a cross from Aijala and launched a volley straight at MacDonald, who demonstrated good handling skills in grasping the ball.

Finland remained on top, with Berat Sadik the next to try his luck, sweeping a right-footed shot over the crossbar from an acute angle.

In the 78th minute Naismith squandered a fantastic opportunity to score his and Scotland's second goal when he headed wide from close range having been found by an accurate cross from McCormack.

But Naismith was to have his blushes saved by McDonald, who netted the winning goal courtesy of an outstanding strike.

McCormack was once again the architect, sweeping a superb left-to-right cross-field pass from a free-kick right into the path of McDonald.

The Dundee player showed good control before

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