Scots take full advantage of Doyle's early dismissal

Four-Nations Tournament: Robbie Doyle was sent off after just 18 minutes as Ireland crashed to defeat to hosts Scotland at Fraserburgh.

Bohemians striker Doyle, one of four changes from Tuesday's 3-2 win over England, clashed off the ball with Scotland captain Ian Murray and was shown a straight red card by Welsh referee Phil Southall.

To add to the Irish woe, Scotland took the lead eight minutes later when Michael Stephen was left unmarked to tap in Barrie Stephen's low cross.

Ireland captain Daryl Murphy led by example with several efforts on goal before the break in another intriguing game.

Twice through on goal, the Waterford United striker shot wide while he also had a header tipped over for a corner by Scotland goalkeeper Andre Shearer.

In between, Ireland survived falling further behind when Barrie Stephen blazed wide.

Murray then came close just before the break when his fine strike from a 20-yard free-kick was just inches wide of Chris O'Connor's right-hand post.

Scotland gradually took control in the second half. Substitute Philip Hobbins wasted a glorious chance when shooting high over the bar with only O'Connor in the Irish goal to beat before Murray clinched it with the second goal seven minutes from time when heading home at the back post from Michael Stephen's corner.

Ireland meet Wales, 2-0 winners over England last night, in Inverurie on Sunday needing to win, while hoping for a favour from England who play new favourites Scotland, if they are to win the tournament.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: O'Connor (Bray Wanderers); O'Reilly (Bray Wanderers), McDermott (Shelbourne), McChrystal (Derry City), Davey (UCD); Zayed (Bray Wanderers), James (Bray Wanderers), Lester (Drogheda United), Brennan (Dublin City); R Doyle (Bohemians), Murphy (Waterford United). Subs: Flood (Bray Wanderers) for James, W Doyle (UCD) for Murphy, Russell (Galway United) for Lester (all 85 mins).