SM
Real Madrid vs AC Milan: 3 hrs 20 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
MN
World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage
Sep 4, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
 
SN

1-5

Effiong (14')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Snodgrass (10', 60' pen., 84'), Martin (53'), Fletcher (78')

Robert Snodgrass nets hat-trick in Scotland win over Malta

:Headline: Result: Robert Snodgrass nets hat-trick in Scotland win over Malta: ID:280236: from db_amp
Scotland overcome a shaky start to run out convincing 5-1 winners against Malta on Sunday evening.

Robert Snodgrass netted a hat-trick as Scotland recovered from a slow start to ease to a 5-1 triumph over Malta in Group F of World Cup qualifying this evening.

Malta threatened an upset after reaching the break on level terms, before Scotland scored four times during the second half as their opponents were reduced to nine men.

It took Scotland just nine minutes to take the lead against the minnows, but their opener was somewhat fortuitous as Snodgrass's attempted cross deceived the goalkeeper and found the top corner of the net.

However, within four minutes, Malta were back on level terms when a cross from Gareth Sciberras was met by Alfred Effiong, who powered a header past David Marshall from six yards out.

Midway through the half, Snodgrass should have netted his second when meeting Callum Patterson's delivery, but his header was too close to the goalkeeper.

Despite their status as one of the lowest-ranked nations in world football, Malta were posing a threat to Scotland and they could have taken the lead had Andre Schembri not miscued his header.

Back up the other end, Grant Hanley glanced a header wide of the far post but Gordon Strachan's team went into the break 45 minutes away from what would be regarded as an embarrassing result.

The Tartan Army were under pressure to perform after the restart, and although Malta started the second half the brighter of the two teams, Scotland regained the advantage after 53 minutes when Chris Martin converted at the back post after being found by Matt Ritchie.

It got better for the visitors just before the hour when Jonathan Caruana was harshly adjudged to have committed a foul on Martin inside the penalty area and after he was given a red card, Snodgrass stepped up to slot his spot kick into the bottom corner.

Despite all but confirming victory, Scotland still needed goals to improve their goal difference, and they eventually found a fourth when Steven Fletcher rose above the defence to power a header into the corner.

With six minutes remaining, Snodgrass continued his fine start to the 2016-17 campaign by completing his hat-trick when he was on hand to tap into the net from two yards out after Fletcher had struck the woodwork after being sent clear on goal.

Malta were reduced to nine men in added-on time when Luke Gambin directed a kick at Snodgrass but despite the second dismissal, Scotland had to be content with the five as they got up and running with bigger tests to come.

amp_article__280236 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2016-09-09 18:10:12:
html db last update - 2016-09-09 18:10:12 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .