Fletcher keeps hopes alive

Hibernian striker sinks Slovenia

Last updated: 4th September 2008

Fletcher keeps hopes alive

Fletcher: Star of the show

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Steven Fletcher kept Scotland's Uefa Under 21 Championship final hopes alive as he helped secure a 3-1 victory over Slovenia at Falkirk Stadium.

The 21-year-old striker - demoted from the senior set-up for the opening World Cup qualifying double-header - reacted in the best possible fashion as the young Scots racked up a fifth straight competitive win.

Billy Stark's in-form side produced a fine display to see off Slovenia and go one point clear of Finland at the top of Group 6.

Captain Fletcher took less than one minute to end his goal drought for the season by giving the hosts a perfect start.

Dundee United defender Garry Kenneth doubled the advantage two minutes from the interval, but Tim Matavz (54) caused some concern by seizing on a Kenneth mistake to pull one back.

Man-of-the-match Fletcher, however, was in the mood and ensured a comfortable finish through his 64th-minute header, with Aberdeen's Charlie Mulgrew even missing a late penalty.

Finland have two games remaining, firstly against Denmark on Friday, before the Scotland finish their campaign away to Denmark on Tuesday.