But he returned to score in Hull's opening Premier League game of the season and continued his rich form in Malta.
Snodgrass opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a cross that somehow floated over goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, added a second from the penalty spot just past the hour mark and netted again with a close range finish in the 84th minute.
Scotland's Chris Martin and Steven Fletcher also scored after Alfred Effiong equalised for Malta, who finished with nine men. Jonathan Caruana was dismissed for the foul that gave the visitors their penalty and Luke Gambin saw red in added time.
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The win puts Scotland ahead of neighbours England, who won 1-0 in Slovakia, on goal difference in Group F after one match.
(Reporting by Neil Robinson; Editing by Ken Ferris)
