Scotland head for the playoffs of Euro 2000 in buoyant mood after this encouraging victory by their experimental side on Saturday. Goals from Don Hutchison, Gary McSwegan and sub Colin Cameron made it a winning finish to their Group Nine qualifying group.
Scotland returned to Hampden Park for the first time in three years and the national stadium was less than half full. Those who stayed away missed a performance of enthusiasm and no little skill.
On the evidence of this display, Scotland seem to have the strength in depth they need. Manager Craig Brown experimented with his line-up with a play-off place secured after the 1-0 victory over Bosnia in midweek.
Keeper Jonathan Gould made his debut while Mark Burchill and McSwegan were handed their first starts in a new striking partnership. Paul Lambert wore the captain's armband for the first time.
Scotland played some good football in the first half and almost made the breakthrough nine minutes before the break. Hutchison's stunning 25-yard volley was saved one-handed by Pavel Leus, only for the ball to spin back onto his line. McSwegan, however, was unable to make use of the chance.
The Scots, however, began the second half in dramatic fashion with two goals in the space of two minutes. Lithuania skipper Andrejus Tereskinas bundled over Burchill in the penalty area after Hutchison had played the ball through. Burchill took the spot kick himself, only to see his spot kick thump the base of the post. But Hutchison was on hand, rifling a shot into the corner for his third goal in five international appearances.
The lead was extended after a sweeping move involving the rookies. Paul Ritchie played the ball down the line to Burchill. He in turn found McSwegan who swept his shot under the keeper's body.
Substitute Kevin Gallacher had a hand in the third goal a minute from time when he delivered a cross into the path of Cameron. The keeper got a hand to his volley but could not prevent it finding the net.
Scotland: Gould, Weir, Davidson, Lambert, O'Neil, Ritchie, Dailly, Burley (Cameron 46), Burchill (Dodds 79), Hutchison, McSwegan (Gallacher 83). Subs not used: Sullivan, Calderwood, Durrant, Gemmill. Goals: Hutchison 48, McSwegan 50, Cameron 88.
LITHUANIA: Leus, Skerla, Skinderis,Tereskinas, Zutautas, Zvirgzdauskas, Stumbrys, Mikalajunas, Razanauskas, Mikulenas, Dancenko.
Referee: S Bre (France).
