Earnshaw Destorys Scots

Earnshaw Hat Trick Destroys Scots

Nationwide Report

Robert Earnshaw helped himself to an impressive hat-trick as Wales demolished Scotland 4-0 in the international friendly at the Millennium Stadium.

The home side took just 44 seconds to go ahead, as captain Gary Speed played a ball over the top of the visiting defence to Earnshaw who ran on and slotted it past Robert Douglas.

The Cardiff City striker twice went close to doubling his tally, with a 20-yard drive that was deflected wide by Gary Naysmith and a header that was just inches over the crossbar.

Scotland then created a string of chances, with Colin Cameron firing wide, Kenny Miller heading over and Paul Dickov shooting straight at the keeper.

Wales’ Simon Davies limped out of the action just after the half-hour mark to be replaced by Cardiff City’s Paul Parry, making his international debut just six weeks after leaving non-league Hereford United.

Parry’s first touch saw him beat two players before setting Ryan Giggs free and the Manchester United man’s cross found Earnshaw, who scrambled home the second from close range.

Berti Vogts’ team worked hard to pull one back before the break, but a misdirected Darren Fletcher effort was the closest they came.

The second half continued in the same fashion with Earnshaw firing wide on the turn after Speed and Giggs combined to play him in.

He was not to be denied his hat-trick though and in the 58th minute he latched on to a throughball from Robbie Savage and unleashed an unstoppable drive from the edge of the area to make it 3-0.

Dickov tried to find a way back into the game for Scotland but could only shoot straight at Wales’ substitute keeper Darren Ward after turning smartly inside the area.

Wales thought they had made it four when Gareth Taylor headed the ball past Douglas, but his effort was chalked off for pushing.

Taylor did get his name on to the scoresheet though, slotting the ball home in the 78th minute after more good work from Parry.

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