Malta's under 21 football team maintained its excellent start to the 2011/13 UEFA U-21 Championship qualifiers when they beat Lithuania 2-1 this evening in Lithuania.

Buoyed by their positive performance in the goalless draw against Finland on Friday, the Maltese youngsters showed character as they came from 1-0 down to overcome Lithuania with two goals in the second half.

T Eliofius put Lithuania ahead three minutes before the end of the first half, but Malta equalised two minutes short of the hour through Terence Vella, who scored from the penalty spot.

Lithuania had Miskinis sent off in the penalty incident after he brought down Vella inside the box.

Two minutes later, Malta went ahead through Captain Rowen Muscat.

Ray Farrugia's team held on to their lead as the faltering Lithuanians finished the game with nine men after K Chvedukas was sent off four minutes from time.

Today's victory means that Malta U-21 have gained two positive results in their first two away qualifiers, to take their tally to four points.

Coach Ray Farrugia, who has been credited with the transformation of the team, told timesofmalta.com: "I am proud to be Maltese, I want to thank my players and my staff because they are doing a great job. Our performance today was the best I have seen from a Maltese selection ever."