MALTA’S HEAVYWEIGHTS EYE TROPHY GLORY IN CLASSIC FINAL

A Sliema - Valletta FA Trophy clash is bound to attract great interest and big crowds to the stadium. More so if it is a final. It should surely re-kindle memories of classic matches between two of the giants of Maltese football.  Ta’ Qali National Stadium is the obvious setting for this much-awaited clash on Thursday 1st May. Hordes of supporters of both teams are expected to throng through the turnstiles in the hope that their favourites will lift the second most prestigious prize of the local game, which has been re-designated U*BET FA Trophy since season 2005-2006. Between them the Blues and the Lilywhites have contested 64 finals during the 75 previous editions, with the Wanderers winning the solid silver trophy 20 times and the City team 12 times. Tomorrow'’s final will therefore bring up the aggregate to 66, with the Blues accounting for 40 and Valletta for 26. The latest clash is the sixth final between the teams. Valletta won three to the Wanderers’ two in the five previous encounters. As has been the case before, the result can go either way, whatever the present form as well as the traditions of both contestants are. Fresh from their 22nd Malta Championship success when they showed steely qualities to beat Birkirkara  in the season’s Premier League showdown, the City team are oozing with confidence. Here one cannot but note that Valletta’s advantage by way of current form is counter-balanced by Sliema’s better tradition and pedigree in the competition.   However, such speculation must be dismissed since the outcome will depend on the usual elements prevalent in football such as the form on the day, chances taken or missed, other particular episodes and also the element of luck. Unpredictability is the X factor in the game. Valletta’s last hurdle when defeating first divison side Gżira United 2-0 in the semi-final was easier to negotiate than that of the Wanderers when they disposed of a fighting Qormi team thanks to a last-gasp solitary goal. Those two matches played on 19th March have long been archived and now these heavyweights of Maltese football look forward to reaping dividends and enjoy attendant glory in what should be another memorable final in the best traditions of the clubs’ history. May the best team triumph in this showpiece match, but most of all may sporting camaraderie reign supreme.