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MALTA earned their first point of their miserable World Cup qualifying campaign with a spirited display in Ta’Qali.

It was a deserved result for the gallant Maltese who finally earned their first positive result in Group F after eight successive defeats.

And it was the minnows who drew first blood in 25 minutes when stopper Andrei Agius seized possession 30 yards out and hit a powerful drive that flew past Emilijus Zubas and into the net.

Lithuania almost dampened Malta’s spirits a minute later when Arvydas Novikovas found Nenjus Valskis who flicked the ball onto the upright before keeper Andrew Hogg picked up the ball.

The Lithuanians dominated possession and their pressure yielded an equaliser in 54 minutes.

It was another gem of a goal as Vykintas Slivka made space for himself just outside the area and the Hibs midfielder let fly a rising shot into the top corner.

Hogg then showed great reflexes on the hour to tip over Edvinas Girdvainis’ swerving free-kick.

Malta hit back and came close to a second in 71 minutes when Alfred Effiong won a free-kick in a central position and Clayton Failla’s inswinger was palmed away by Emilijus Zubas.

The Lithuanian No.1 then somehow kept out Paul Fenech’s deflected header to earn a point. LAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON