Lithuania ease to victory against 10-man Malta

Lithuania moved up into second place in World Cup qualifying Group F with a 2-0 win over Malta, who had a man sent off in Vilnius.

The hosts were looking to build on their 1-1 draw away to Scotland, while Malta had been beaten by group leaders England at Wembley.

Lithuania had the best of the first half, but were left frustrated by a resolute Malta defence.

However, the visitors were finally undone with 14 minutes left when captain Fedor Cernych headed in after a knockdown from a corner.

Malta were reduced to 10 men when defender Jonathan Caruana, who had only just been booked, was sent off for a second caution after he fouled Tomas Mikuckis to concede a penalty on 83 minutes.

Arvydas Novikovas beat goalkeeper Andrew Hogg from the spot to secure victory which leaves Malta without a point from their opening three matches.

Lithuania next travel to Slovakia in November, while Malta host Slovenia.