The four men on the panel did their best to emphasise the respect that exists between the clubs they represent.

Hibernians talisman Andrew Cohen and Paul Fenech, the Bir-kirkara captain, espoused the notion that their teams have been the best this season while Branko Nisevic, the man who steered the Paolites to their 11th Premier League title, hailed Paul Zammit, his Birkirkara counterpart, as “the best coach” in local football.

An amicable atmosphere prevailed during the news conference, held at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, but the gloves will be off today as Hibernians take on Birkirkara in the final of the FA Trophy, sponsored by Attian Group, at the National Stadium.

Hibs are chasing their first double in 33 years while the Stripes hope to salvage a disappointing season by lifting the FA Trophy for the first time since 2008.

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On the back of their title triumph, Hibs are seen as slight favourites to capture their 11th KO success but Nisevic is wary of Birkirkara’s threat.

“From our point of view, this will be one of the toughest matches of the season,” Nisevic said.

“The past three games against Birkirkara showed that there is not much difference between the two teams.

“I’m anticipating a close game. Birkirkara’s form looks to be on the rise and they have a lot of quality in their squad.

“Hibs have to act as champions.

“We will try to achieve something that has eluded Hibernians for over 30 years.”

Nisevic believes that Hibs are heading into the final in the right frame of mind, having followed up their 3-1 win over Valletta in their last league game with a straightforward 2-0 victory over Qormi in their FA Trophy semi-final.

“I see the players on a daily basis and the spirit and hunger to win are still there,” Nisevic said.

“I’m confident that the players are very motivated and their physical condition is good.

“Wrapping up the league title was a big mental relief and we relaxed a bit in the next few matches but this is normal.

“We have bounced back and the team is in good form.”

As is his wont, Zammit provided an insight into the factors that have defined his team’s up-and-down league trek as well as that of the champions.

“The two teams have had contrasting fortunes this season,” he said.

“Hibs have been consolidating their player base for a number of years and the signings they made at the start of the season boosted their squad significantly.

“Their strength also comes from the work of their coaching staff and the backing of the club’s administration.

“The championship has been dominated by Hibernians and they deserve credit because they made all this possible.

“From our side, we began with a host of new players.

“Nevertheless, we were probably the team that came closest to matching Hibs in direct clashes and, for me, that can be taken as an indication that this final is going to be difficult for both sides.

“I’m delighted that we have reached the final thanks mainly to the efforts of the players.

“I hope that we turn in a fine performance that would enable us to reach our target. We believe in our qualities.”

The departure of Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’ was widely seen as a setback for Hibs as the Brazilian had scored 25 league goals by the time he jetted out to South Korea in March to sign for Seoul E-Land.

Top players are always missed but Hibs have coped well without their prolific striker, a fact acknowledged by the Birkirkara tactician.

“Tarabai’s qualities are well-known,” Zammit said.

“You need to appreciate his contribution to the team. While there is no doubt that a player like Tarabai is hard to replace, the depth of the Hibs squad has enabled them to make up for his absence.”

Birkirkara’s failure to rival Hibs for the title has turned up the heat on Zammit and his players to make amends by inscribing their name on the coveted cup for the fifth time in the club’s history.

The word is that the outcome of today’s final could shape Birkirkara’s plans for next season but Zammit is unfazed.

“I’ve been in the game for a long time,” he replied when asked how he was coping with the pressure to deliver the FA Trophy.

“I’ve spent several years coaching Valletta and Birkirkara, two clubs that want to win all the time. The coaches and players of teams like Birkirkara, Valletta and Hibernians know what to expect.

“It’s a hot seat and you must be able to adapt. Being a Birkirkara player is not easy and I’ve told this many times to my team. You have to be up for the challenge.

“I must say that there has been no pressure from the administration ahead of this final.

“In the last few days, the committee have made an extra effort to get closer to the team and, to be honest, we needed it.

“Birkirkara have many fans with a big heart. Their backing this season has been tremendous.”

Both coaches confirmed that their teams have been practising penalties ahead of today’s final.

Birkirkara can’t rely on Shola Haruna as the Nigerian is recovering from knee surgery.

Striker Jean Paul Farrugia is out for Hibs while defender Jonathan Pearson is doubtful with a nagging knee injury.

Path to the final

Hibernians
Third round vs St George’s - 2-0
Fourth round vs Nadur - 3-1
Quarter-final vs Balzan - 1-1 (Hibs won 4-3 on penalties)
Semi-final vs Qormi - 2-0

Birkirkara
Third round vs Ħamrun - 7-1
Fourth round vs Siġġiewi - 3-0
Quarter-final vs Pietà - 3-0
Semi-final vs Valletta - 1-0 (aet)

Today’s kick-off: 17.00.

Last 10 Fa Trophy Finals

2014: Valletta vs Sliema Wanderers - 1-0
2013: Hibernians vs Qormi - 3-1
2012: Hibernians vs Qormi - 3-1
2011: Floriana vs Valletta - 1-0
2010: Valletta vs Qormi - 2-1
2009: Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta - 3-3 (Sliema win 4-3 on penalties)
2008: Birkirkara vs Ħamrun Spartans - 2-1
2007: Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers - 1-1 (Hibernians win 3-0 on penalties)
2006: Hibernians vs Floriana - 1-0
2005: Birkirkara vs Msida St Joseph - 2-1

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