Hopefully, Gordon Strachan can enjoy that cup of tea now.

We could all do with a relaxing hot drink before the stress of the impending double-header against Slovakia and Slovenia.

It's going to be a bumpy ride but you won't want to miss a second.

It was all about getting the win and hoping England did likewise.

Mission accomplished.

Now we look forward to a much sterner task.

Scotland need to beat Slovakia at Hampden next month and then go to Slovenia and do the same to have a chance of a play-off place.

Image source, SNS

Scotland striker Chris Martin tells BBC Radio Scotland: “It didn’t really matter how it went as long as we got six points. We move on to the next game now.

“It’s in our hands and we’re looking forward to it. We have confidence and a bit of momentum.

“We started the campaign with a victory then didn’t pick up as many points as we’d have liked in the next three games but it’s amazing what a bit of confidence can do for you. We need to finish the job and can’t get carried away.

“I think we’ll give Slovakia a right good run for their money and hopefully we can get the win."

Do you give Scotland a chance?

Just having a chance is something after a poor start to the campaign. It's hard to shake thoughts of how different the group would look without that home draw against Lithuania and then there's that stoppage-time goal from Harry Kane at Hampden.

But it's all about looking forward now. Momentum is with Gordon Strachan's squad and we can dare to dream.

Gordon Strachan almost always sounds like he'd rather be anywhere else than in a media conference.

However, he must be very satisfied with an unbeaten run of four games.

And he will be dancing a jig of delight if Scotland can gather another six points against Slovakia and Slovenia next month.

More from Scotland manager Gordon Strachan: "48 attempts on goal in the past two games, that's more than enough to win. It's been a good few days for the players.

"I'm looking forward to a decent cup of tea and then we'll start thinking about the next lot of games.

"Some of the players were making sure they didn't get involved in anything that could have brought a yellow card (and a suspension), so it was more of a low tempo.

"Leigh Griffiths had a tight calf. Hopefully, he'll be fine.

"We can look back and say we could have done better there, there and there but our fate is in our own hands.

"If you think about that last minute goal for England (in June's 2-2 draw at Hampden)... but we're still in there."

Hampden was quiet tonight. Half full, with the fans bored by Malta's obdurate approach and Scotland's lack of spark, while keeping an anxious eye on events at Wembley.

But the place will be absolutely rocking next month for the visit of Slovakia. That promises to be the biggest international is these parts for a long time.

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan, speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm really happy because it was a must-win game. Maybe I should've freshened it up a bit. We wanted to make changes early in the second half but because of the injuries it was a problem.

"We made a lot of chances - 25 attempts, that's not bad. No goals against.

"We can be really pleased with our work, everybody in the squad.

"As long as everybody keeps fit then when we meet up again hopefully we have guys in top form.

"We've made it a rollercoaster ride and I have to thank the players, and the fans for turning out tonight."

Scotland defender and first goalscorer Christophe Berra, speaking to Sky Sports: “We knew it would be tough as they sit back but we got an early goal, were patient, got the second and won the game.

“Leigh Griffiths always puts the ball into good areas and luckily I was there to head it in.

“Confidence is high at the moment. We knew we had to win every game before Lithuania and that’s still the same."

Image source, SNS

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

Steven Thompson
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

England are surely through as top dogs.

Now we look to next month and some nail-biting fixtures and the scramble for second place...

5 October

Scotland v Slovakia

Malta v Lithuania

England v Slovenia

8 October

Slovenia v Scotland

Lithuania v England

Slovakia v Malta

England do Scotland a huge turn, coming from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1 at Wembley. Slovenia complete a 4-0 home win over Lithuania.

Just one point covers the three teams chasing that runner-up place and a possible play-off.

Job done. Now it's onto next month's double-header against Slovakia and Slovenia.

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

We'll get three minutes of stoppage time and another goal looks highly unlikely.

That's goal difference off the table as far as Scotland are concerned, surely? Tonight was the big chance to make up the gulf.

Andy Robertson opens up the Malta defence with a clever, stabbed pass from the outside of his boot. Matt Phillips has a good glimpse of goal but can't keep his shot from the edge of the box.

A surge down the middle of pitch from Stuart Armstrong, who has no support and has to go for a shot from 20 yards. It curls straight into the arms of the goalie.