Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2014829/scots-trot-victory-robert-snodgrass-hits-hat-trick-gordon-strachans-men
Sport/ Football

Scots trot to victory: Robert Snodgrass hits hat-trick as Gordon Strachan’s men enjoy Maltese cruise

Forward bags a hat-trick as Tartan Army start World Cup 2018 qualifying in perfect fashion with big win in Malta

Hat-trick hero Robert Snodgrass of Scotland salutes the Scottish fans after scoring during the 2018 World Cup qualifier. Photo: EPA

Robert Snodgrass bagged a hat-trick as Scotland started World Cup 2018 qualifying in perfect fashion with a 5-1 win in Malta.

Substitute Steven Fletcher and Chris Martin also got their names on the scoresheet as Alfred Effiong netted nine-man Malta’s consolation.
Snodgrass’s hat-trick helped send Scotland top of group F after one match of the campaign. Photo: EPA
Snodgrass’s hat-trick helped send Scotland top of group F after one match of the campaign. Photo: EPA

It put Gordon Strachan’s team top of group F ahead of England, who won 1-0 in Slovakia thanks to an Adam Lallana winner deep into stoppage time.

Although only one match has been played, it is a welcome boost for Scotland, who were the only one of the Home Nations to miss out on Euro 2016.

Snodgrass scored his first on 10 minutes with a miscued cross before Effiong equalised just three minutes later from a header.
Snodgrass celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal with Barry Bannan. Photo: Reuters
Snodgrass celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal with Barry Bannan. Photo: Reuters

It was a frustrating first period for the Scots against stubborn opponents, but the second half was a different matter.

Martin converted a low cross from Matt Ritchie on 53 minutes, after which the floodgates opened.

Snodgrass got his second just past the hour mark from the penalty spot after he was tripped in the box by Jonathan Caruanu, who was subsequently dismissed.
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan was pleased with his team’s start to World Cup qualifying. Photo: Reuters
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan was pleased with his team’s start to World Cup qualifying. Photo: Reuters

Striker Fletcher came off the bench to convert a deflected Ritchie cross before winger Snodgrass completed the scoring after Fletcher was denied by the bar.

Malta finished with nine men as Luke Gambin was sent off late on for lashing out at Snodgrass.