James O’Brien (no.11) is mobbed by team-mates at the end of yesterday’s match. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar

James O’Brien scored a penalty deep into stoppage time to hand Malta a dramatic 13-10 win over Lithuania in a FIRA-AER Division 2A qualifier at the Vilnius Bend Park, yesterday.

The Maltese looked to have thrown away a precious victory after Lithuania had pegged the visitors back to 10-all with a try on the stroke of time.

However, Damien Neill’s men surged forward from the restart and their efforts were rewarded when they won a penalty from almost half-pitch that was expertly converted by O’Brien.

This was the national team’s second victory in the group to distance themselves from the bottom place, currently occupied by Lithuania.

The result was also a perfect tonic ahead of another crucial qualifier against Croatia next Saturday at the Hibs Stadium.

Neill handed a first start to Christian Schranz at second row while Vince Stivala was scrumhalf in the absence of Tom Holloway. James Morris came in for the injured Rob Holloway as Rhodri Apsee also made his first appearance for the country as head prop.

Lithuania made all the early running but it was Malta that struck first after seven minutes when O’Brien kicked the ball between the posts from a penalty.

The home team had a long, sustained spell of pressure in Malta’s half but with no tangible dividends as the visitors defended stoutly.

On 20 minutes the score became 10-0 for Malta.

James Kirk embarked on a surging run that took him past three opponents before releasing Sam Borg who ran over the tryline.

O’Brien made no mistake from the conversion and he could have scored again nine minutes later but his penalty sailed wide.

The second half maintained the same pattern with Lithuania enjoying the bulk of the possession but unable to find a way past the Maltese rearguard.

However, on 71 minutes, Lithua-nia finally broke their duck when Donatas Vilimavicius scored from a penalty to bridge the gap to 10-3.

The home side were pushing forward with more verve now and they drew level very late in the match following a try by Mantautas Vilima-vicius that started from a run down the left side.

Donatas Vilimavicius scored the conversion and the scores were now even at 10-all.

However, that was not the end of the story.

In one last desperate attempt to regain the lead, Malta booted the ball forward and the pressure paid off as Lithuania conceded a penalty a few metres inside their own half.

The distance was significant but O’Brien was not overwhelmed by the task and just managed to direct his shot between the posts to the sheer delight of the Maltese clan in Vilnius.

Malta: R. Apsee, A. Kennedy, D. Holliday, C. Schranz, D. Deguara, S. Borg 5, D. Apsee, M. Davey, V. Stivala, J. Morris, J. O’Brien 8, D. Busuttil, T. Quarendon, M. Camilleri, J. Kirk.

Subs: D. Cerketa, J. Ellul, J. Cutajar, C. Briffa, M. Galea, L. Debattista, R. Borg.

Other group result: Croatia vs Switzerland 11-26.

Saturday: 2pm - Malta vs Croatia.

Standings: Netherlands (4-0-0) 18; Switzerland (4-0-1) 18; Malta (2-0-3) 9; Croatia (1-0-4) 7; Lithuania (1-0-4) 5.