Jackson covers up for failings in the back line
Malta 2 Scotland 3
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Darren Jackson scored twice yesterday to help Scotland avoid an inglorious draw in their second warm-up for Sunday's World Cup qualifying match in Belarus.
Craig Brown's side gave an unconvincing performance at the sparsely- populated Ta'Qali stadium against a side who have been treated dismissively by all-comers in their own qualifying campaign and finished the match with 10 men.
Jackson scored the winner in the 81st minute, taking his tally to three goals in 19 appearances, and a minute later Malta had their substitute Noel Turner sent off for a bad foul on John Collins.
Scotland went ahead twice, through Christian Dailly, from Gary McAllister's fourth-minute free-kick, and Jackson, who tapped in on the stroke of half- time after Kevin Gallacher flicked on Tom Boyd's cross. But they were pegged back first by Hubert Suda and then by his half-time substitute, Stefan Sultana.
The quality of defending, against a side that has managed only one goal, scored by Sultana, in its World Cup group six campaign, presents a particular worry for Brown, who saw his side lose at home to Wales on Tuesday.
His initial plan for coping with the absence from the defence of the two Colins, Hendry and Calderwood, did not work, so Wimbledon's Brian McAllister was substituted at half-time. Now David Weir, of Hearts, may partner Dailly and Tom Boyd in Minsk.
"It is a paradox but I think we will benefit from our mistakes," Brown said. "We've tried three different formations in two games with Brian McAllister, David Weir and Dailly coming in with Tom Boyd. We don't have a lot of other options. We know we will have to defend better in Belarus to win."
One benefit to Brown was the promising debut in midfield by Crystal Palace's David Hopkin.
MALTA: Muscat; Attard (Turner 53), Chetcuti, Vella (Giglio, 75), Debono, Zammit, Gilbert, Saliba, Suda (Sultana, 45), Brincat, Carabott.
SCOTLAND (3-5-2): Leighton (Hibernian); Boyd (Celtic), Dailly (Derby), B McAllister (Wimbledon); Burley (Chelsea), Hopkin (Crystal Palace), G McAllister (Coventry), Collins (Monaco), T McKinlay (Celtic); Jackson (Hibernian), Gallacher (Blackburn Rovers). Substitutes: Weir (Hearts) for B McAllister, h-t; Durie (Rangers) for Gallacher, 56; Gemmill (Nottm Forest) for Hopkin, 56; Donnelly (Celtic) for Collins, 84.
Referee: S Braschi (It).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments