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