Spotlight On Football In Malta, Part 2: Sliema Wanderers And Hibernians. - Page 3

Part of: Euroscore

They had a long wait until their next championship but made up for it by winning two on the bounce in 1994 and 1995.

More success followed in the FA Trophy with final appearances in 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970, and 1971. Their last championship came in 2002 and in 2006 they won the Trophy again.

In Europe their finest moment came in 1968 when they met Manchester United in the European Cup. Despite losing the first leg 0-4 at Old Trafford they managed to hold the star studded United team 0-0 in Malta.

In 1970 they drew Real Madrid in the Cup Winners Cup. They drew the first leg 0-0 at home before gallantly going down 0-5 at the famous Bernabau. In these matches Hibernians had helped raise the profile of Maltese football across Europe.

Hibs are currently top of the Premier League on 25 points, just ahead of Birkirkara on goal difference but with two games in hand. Valletta are 3rd, ahead of Floriana in 4th place.

Summary
Football in Malta might not always be able to compete effectively when pitched up against European opposition but their clubs and national team have had their moments.

There is, however, a passionate and intensely loyal fan base who love the game and keep the old rivalries well and truly alive. If you ever visit the lovely island of Malta it would be well worth taking in a game or two.

The Island has also captured the heart of Manchester United and England star Gary Neville who runs his own soccer school, sponsored by Air Malta, for aspiring young footballers in Malta.

I hope this series has demonstrated that football inspires passion at all levels of the game.

For all the up to date news, fixtures, tables, and results please visit the Maltese Football Associations official web site. It contains links to all the teams covered in this series, Valletta, Floriana, Sliema Wanderers, and Hibernians.

Next we are off to Glasgow to look at the mother of all rivalries, Celtic v Rangers. The first part in the history of the Old Firm match follows on Euroscore later this month.

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Article Author: Jeff Perkins

Jeff is a writer who lives in France. He writes CD/DVD box sets, music reviews and has had a book published about David Byron of Uriah Heep. He is 'busy' exploring the music of Europe with his wife Debbie and dog Dylan. It's Dylan that does the writing of course. …

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