Nicholl’s hand goal deceives ref Mock in final

The 1947-48 FA Trophy final was one of the best games of the post-war period. The match was, however, marred by one of the most controversial incidents in the history of the competition.

The final that season was contested by Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians. The Paolites, led by that past master of Maltese football, Ċensu Friggieri, dominated the game from start to finish.

Even so, as is so often the case in such situations, it was Sliema who drew first blood with a typical opportunistic goal from Maurice DeCesare. Hibs recovered quickly from this setback and, after half an hour, Friggieri headed in the equaliser from a corner-kick.

Hibs were now all over Sliema. A poor clearance by Borg was picked up by Freddie Church just inside the penalty area. Unchallenged, Church shot low into the net to put Hibs in front.

Hibs’ delight didn’t last long as, barely five minutes later, Nicholl rose high and, anticipating Diego Maradona by some 40 years, palmed the ball into the net. To the amazement of those present, probably Nicholl included, referee Billy Mock allowed the goal to stand.

These things happen in football and one must not berate Mock for his mistake. After all, he was probably unsighted. Whatever the case, a default enabled Sliema to fight for another day.

True to expectations, the replay was a real thriller. It was anybody’s game till the last kick and the difference between the two teams was so minimal that whoever lost could say with all sincerity, ‘hard luck’.

Barely a minute from the start had elapsed when Sliema came very near to opening the scoring. Not to be outdone Hibs immediately replied and Lolly Rizzo had to dive at the feet of Stone and Friggieri to stop a dangerous attack.

Church, the best of the Hibs’ forwards, just missed the upright with a rising shot after receiving from Friggieri. At the other end, Nicholl had a great chance to fire his side in front when he nipped in to head a bouncing ball out of Johnnie Formosa’s reach, but the lion-hearted goalkeeper saved magnificently.

At that point, Joe Pirotta came into the picture. Stone flicked the ball into the winger’s path but the Hibs’ player muffed his chance and Borg Cardona prevented the ball from going over the line.

Minutes later, Pirotta had a chance to make up for his earlier lapse. This time he shot strong and hard but Rizzo saved with a great effort.

On the changeover, Hibs, with the wind behind them, threatened to sweep Sliema off their feet. But luck was not with them.

Camilleri broke clear on the right and swung the ball to Nicholl who back-headed it to DeCesare. The ball hit a defender and came straight to DeCesare who almost split the rigging with a first-timer.

This goal galvanised Hibernians and from then on, they stormed into their opponents with the crowd screaming its support for their efforts. The nearest they came to levelling was in the 20th minute when Church sidestepped two defenders and passed to Friggieri. The latter let loose a diagonal shot which Rizzo tipped over the bar, with the Hibs’ supporters shouting ‘goal’.

The sands of time were now running low but Hibs still had life in them. The Sliema defence was subjected to tremendous pressure.

The end came, however, with Sliema Wanderers still leading thanks to DeCesare’s goal.

The Blues won the FA Trophy but one could not help but wonder that if it was not for Nicholl’s cheeky arm-rise and Mock’s blunder, the trophy would probably have ended up in Paola.