Floriana take revenge over Sliema

1923-24 was one of the most turbulent seasons in the history of Maltese football.

A dispute over the share of gate-money dragged on for months with the result that Floriana and Ħamrun Spartans did not take part in that season's competitions.

In their absence, Sliema Wanderers won the quadruple crown consisting of the League, the Cousis Shield, the Cassar Cup and the Empire Sports Ground Cup.

That clean sweep was the cause of many arguments between antagonists Sliema and Floriana. We can safely say that this was the start of the great rivalry which has existed since between these two clubs.

The following season Floriana patched up their troubles with the Malta FA. The Greens were determined to stop the Blues' run of successes at all costs.

As luck would have it, when the fixtures list was made the two rivals were drawn to meet each other towards the end of the competition, making sure that interest would be maintained to the very end.

Floriana and Ħamrun opened the league on January 16, 1924.

The Greens won 1-0 to bag the first two points of the season. The Spartans were a mere shadow of their pre-World War One days.

In their next match they were heavily beaten 4-0 by Sliema Wanderers and when Sliema Rangers repeated the same dose a few weeks later, the team's spirit collapsed completely.

Valletta Rovers beat Ħamrun 4-1 and old enemies Valletta United rubbed salt in the wound with another humiliating 4-0 defeat.

This was the worst season for the Spartans since their foundation and only an unexpected 1-0 victory over Vittoriosa Rovers and a 1-1 draw with Msida Rovers kept them from finishing at the bottom of the table.

Sliema Wanderers played their first match against Valletta United. The Blues were favourites to win but although they built one attack after the other the game finished 0-0.

Sliema continued with a 1-0 victory over Valletta Rovers and a 2-0 win over Vittoriosa Rovers. Then, they went on to beat Sliema Rangers 6-0 and Msida Rovers 1-0.

Floriana, on their part, beat Valletta Rovers 1-0 and Msida 3-1, but unexpectedly they dropped a point in a 1-1 draw against Sliema Rangers.

On February 25, Floriana clashed swords with Valletta United. The match was played in the spirit of a cup final. The game was only five minutes old when Floriana were awarded a penalty. Victor Bonello took the kick but his shot was saved by Valletta keeper Johnnie Perrin.

A few minutes later Ġużi Alamango crashed into Attard of Valletta and the latter had to be carried off. With ten men, Valletta were pushed back into their area.

Floriana increased the pressure and Perrin was kept busy, parring shots from all directions. Valletta's defence, however, held fast up to the last couple of minutes when George West finally broke the deadlock to give the Greens a hard-won victory.

It was now all set for the final encounter between Floriana and Sliema Wanderers.

At 3.30 p.m. sharp, referee RQMS Eaton, of the Royal Artillery, signalled for the start of the game. Sliema dictated play for the first few minutes before Floriana took over.

Joe Nicholl was severely tested but Sliema were soon back in the driving seat. The game went on in this fashion for half-an-hour when Sliema were awarded a penalty.

Friggieri, picked up the ball and placed it on the spot. A great hush fell on the ground. Friggieri took the kick but shot straight into the hands of 'Gejta' Azzopardi.

The second half saw Floriana more in attack but Sliema also had their moments. Then, an incident happened which forged the destination of the two points.

Dimech, who was continually being harassed by Alamango, lost his head and floored his tormentor. He was not given a second chance by the referee and was ordered off the field.

With ten men, Sliema were forced further back into defence and with six minutes to go Gejtu Psaila scored the only goal of the game which gave the Greens their sixth championship.