HORNBY TREBLE KEEPS COLTS IN PICTURE

A FRASER HORNBY hat-trick kept Scotland Under-21s’ hopes of qualification to the 2019 European Championships alive last night after an emphatic win over Andorra at Tynecastle. The Everton striker tucked home a late first-half penalty before adding two more after the break as Scot Gemmill’s side moved to within a point of second-placed Holland in Group Four. But with only four of the nine section runners-up guaranteed a play-off spot, the Scots will likely require maximum points from their remaining three clashes against the Dutch, group leaders England and Ukraine if they are to stand any chance of reaching the finals in Italy and San Marino. As things stand, the 1-1 draw that Gemmill’s side posted back in March on their last encounter with Andorra looks destined to haunt them. On this occasion, it was a far more comfortable night for the young Scots, with Andorra rarely threatening Ryan Fulton’s goal. Chris Cadden and Stephen Mallan were regular threats for the hosts as they looked to pick out Hornby’s imposing figure with balls into the box. However, it was not until the 44th minute that Scotland broke the deadlock after Ryan Porteous was brought down in the box when challenging for a corner and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Hornby and he had no problem dispatching his first goal of the night. The Scots dominated even more in the second half but again were struggling to threaten the goal until wonderkid Billy Gilmour produced a piece of brilliance in the 70th minute. The Chelsea midfielder whipped a perfect cross into the box for Hornby, who headed down past the keeper. With seven minutes remaining, Hornby sealed his hat-trick. Cadden burst down the right wing and curled in a low cross which found the striker and he poked it over the line. Hornby said: ‘It’s an amazing feeling to score a hat-trick in any game but a first hat-trick for Scotland is extra special.’ Gemmill said of his star man: ‘You could see a player who’s really starting to emerge.’ Scotland now travel to take on Holland on Tuesday night.