Steven Fletcher scores hat-trick as Scotland rout Gibraltar

Steven Fletcher scored the first international hat-trick by a Scotland player for 46 years as his side recovered from the shock of conceding an equalising goal to rout minnows Gibraltar 6-1.

It took an anxious 18 minutes before Scotland went ahead through Shaun Maloney’s penalty, but the joy was short-lived when Lee Casciaro finished off a slick counter to score Gibraltar’s first ever qualifying goal a minute later.

It was the kick that Scotland needed and further goals from Maloney, Naismith and a well taken Fletcher hat-trick completed the rout.

Fletcher’s hat-trick was the first since Colin Stein’s against Cyprus back in 1969 and momentarily moved Scotland level with Poland and Germany at the top of the Group D table.

But bigger tests now await Gordon Strachan’s side with Ireland in Dublin their next outing on Saturday, June 13.

18’ – GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Gibraltar: Keeper Robba takes out Maloney in the box and he gets off the floor to slot home his third goal in as many games.

19’ – GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Gibraltar: Scotland’s joy is short lived as a lovely ball from Aaron Payas finds Lee Casciaro and he finishes well past Marshall.

29’ – GOAL! Scotland 2-1 Gibraltar: Steven Fletcher scores his first for Scotland in six years as his header from Anya’s cross creeps in the far post.

34’ – GOAL! Scotland 3-1 Gibraltar: It’s another rash challenge in the box from Lee Casciaro on Steven Naismith, and Maloney scores his second from the spot.

39’ – GOAL! Scotland 4-1 Gibraltar: Breathing space for Scotland as Naismith confidently converts Ikechi Anya’s cut-back.

77’ – GOAL! Scotland 5-1 Gibraltar: It’s a second for Fletcher as he nods home Jordan Rhodes’ cross.

90’ – GOAL! Scotland 6-1 Gibraltar: A historic moment as Fletcher fires in his third into the bottom corner from just inside the box.

Steven Fletcher becomes the first Scotland player to score a hat-trick since Colin Stein against Cyprus in 1969.

Scotland have won six of their last nine competitive games. Before that the Scots had not won in their previous seven competitive games (D2 L5).

Scotland have score more than three goals in a match since a 6-0 ECQ win v Faroe Islands (H), Sept 2006.

This is the first ever meeting between the nations at senior international level.

This is only Gibraltar's 11th international match since becoming UEFA members, and they scored their first goal, conceding 27 along the way.

The two historic moments. A first Scottish hat-trick for 46 years and a first goal in European competition for Gibraltar.

Steven Fletcher (Scotland): Amazing that no Scottish player has scored an international hat-trick for so long. Gibraltar may not be the strongest of opponents, but you still have to put the ball in the net and he took his goals well.

Scotland: Marshall 6, Hutton 6, Robertson 7, Ritchie 6, Martin 6, Maloney 7, Morrison 6, Brown 6, Fletcher 8, Naismith 7, Anya 7. Subs: Greer 6, Bannan 6, Rhodes 7.

Gibraltar: Robba 6, Wiseman 6, R. Casciaro 6, Artell 6, J. Chipolina 7, R. Chipolina 6, Priestley 6, Payas 7, Barrdon 6, Walker 6, L. Casciaro 7. Subs: Gosling 6, Duarte 6, Garcia 6.