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