A Jake Grech goal seven minutes from time gave Malta a rare win in World Cup qualification as the boys in red beat Finland 1-0 in Helsinki.

It was the first victory in this competition, after two draws obtained against Lithuania.

Malta is now out of the bottom place with five points.

Malta withstood long minutes of Finnish dominance, particularly in the first half.

Barely two minutes had passed when the Finns went close to opening the score, with the ball hitting the post on a Pohjanpalo shot, with the ball then cleared off the line.

Malta keeper Bonello was then outstanding, saving on a close shot from the same Finnish striker, and later on a long range shot by Karinen.

The Finnish dominated possession but the Maltese held on and, as the minutes passed, grew in confidence while the Finnish pressure subsided.

It was in the 83rd minute that Grech, who had just come in as a substitute, scored the winner off an assist by Chouaref.

Finland 's last efforts to obtain a draw were thwarted by the Maltese team as scenes of jubilation followed after the final whistle.

The Maltese side plays its last game of the competition against Poland at Ta' Qali on Monday.