649. The biggest day in Hibs' history
Paolites beat Valletta for first league title
The Times of Malta - May 29, 1961
Hibernians - League Champions 1960-61. At last, after a long, testing period, Hibernians have done it! It took every grain of their strength to do so, but they did it. It is piping time down Paola way.
Their favourites have at last captured one of the major honours of the soccer calendar.
This was how Robbie DeCesare opened his write-up of the decisive match between Hibs and Valletta of May 28, 1961 which gave the 1960-61 championship to the Paolites.
After a long and gruelling season, in which Valletta seemed to be cruising to yet another title, Hibs managed to turn the table on their rivals to pip them for the championship.
Hibs won a taut edgy battle by the odd goal in three to dethrone City as champions of Malta.
Yet, footballwise this game was no classic. Certainly as a showpiece between the two leading clubs on the island it was rather disappointing. There was little time for skilful football as each square inch of ground was fiercely contested by two teams determined not to give any advantage to their opponents.
There was a great deal of hurry... too many men on the ball and too much close marking. The game, however, made up for the lack of finesse by the all-out endeavour of the two teams and the electrifying atmosphere they managed to create at the stadium.
There is no doubt that Hibs deserved to win this game. They ran themselves to a standstill in the sweltering heat of the afternoon. So much so, that near the end there were players who looked on the verge of collapsing with sheer exhaustion.
Hibs' industry, however, was rewarded and their cherished dream of winning the championship was finally realised.
Valletta had to beat Hibs to go top of the standings. Many considered them as the strongest side on the island.
Hibs, however, ran them off their feet and never allowed them to settle down into their usual methodical game. The Citizens were forced to play the same type of cup-tie football as their opponents; a style of play of which Hibernians were past masters.
The Citizens had their chances but they spurned them away. Frankie Zammit was the chief culprit. Urpani also allowed chances to pass him by.
There were also unnecessary risks taken by Joe Cilia, from one of which Hibs scored their second goal. In football, however, no team can afford to be prodigal with scoring chances and still win the game.
The game started on a top note. Zammit robbed Eddie Theobald off the ball, sped through and drove hard over the bar. A few minutes later Frans Xuereb headed tamely into Tommy Taylor's hands from an ideal position. At the other end, Freddie Mizzi dived at the feet of Azzopardi before the City centre-forward could shoot.
But the best scoring chance fell to Zammit a minute before the interval. Azzopardi pinpointed a perfect through pass and Zammit streaked through the Hibs' defence but, alone in front of goal, he lost control and the chance was lost.
The second half had a dramatic start. Barely three minutes had elapsed when Hibs finally broke the deadlock. Xuereb passed perfectly to Jimmy Mizzi who shot on the turn past Taylor. Hibs' half of the stadium erupted in an orgy of flag waving, chants and whistles. In contrast a dead silence fell on the Valletta side. It was not for long, however.
Gradually, Valletta got back into the game and a quarter of an hour later, Azzopardi sneaked past Louis Theobald and Sunny Anastasi to flick the ball into the net - 1-1.
The scene which followed this goal defies description. One huge and mighty roar of 'goal' echoed around the stadium and the surrounding streets of Gzira and Msida.
Red and white flags and banners now replaced the black and white colours of Hibernians as the Citizens prepared for an all-out assault on the Hibs' fort in a desperate attempt to score the winning goal.
It seemed that Valletta would snatch the league pendant from the eager hands of the Paolites. Their attacks became more frequent and for a time the only hurdle between Valletta and victory was goalkeeper Mizzi.
Then, Xuereb robbed Cilia of the ball and passed to Jimmy Mizzi. The Hibs' dangerman failed to connect on his first attempt but then he just managed to slice the ball past Taylor.
Valletta tried everything in their power to go back on level terms but Hibs held on.
The final incident of note came four minutes from time when Mizzi brought off a first-class save from a bombshell by Zammit.
Soon after, Italian referee Gennaro Marchese blew the whistle and Hibs were champions for the first time.
For the record May 28, 1961 - Empire Stadium, Gzira
League Championship
Hibernians vs Valletta 2-1
Hibernians: F. Mizzi, Privitera, Ellul, Muscat, L. Theobald, Anastasi, Vella, Cassar, J. Mizzi, E. Theobald, Xuereb.
Valletta: Taylor, Bone, Schembri, Carbonaro, Cilia, Darmanin, J. Zammit, Urpani (Chircop), Azzopardi, F. Zammit, Borg.
Scorers: J. Mizzi (2); Azzopardi.
Referee: Gennaro Marchese (Italy).
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