In the first of two international friendly matches at the Ta' Qali Training Grounds yesterday, the Malta Under-17 team went down to their Scottish counterparts 3-0 after the Scots had taken a 1-0 lead by the halfway mark.

The Maltese, under the charge of coach Oliver Spiteri, were quite competitive in the opening period, even if Scotland were a shade better in constructing their play.

The visitors increased the pressure in the first 20 minutes of the second half, during which they doubled the score. It was then that the Maltese reacted and could have made their mark on the game if they had capitalised on some of the opportunities they created.

In the end they paid dearly for these lapses as they conceded a third goal in the final minute.

The two teams will meet again in the secondfriendly tomorrow at the same venue. Kick-off is at 6pm.