A week after their heartbreaking loss to Birkirkara in the Premier League title decider, Hibernians will be engaged in another do-or-die clash this evening as they take on rivals Valletta in the second semi-final of the U*Bet FA Trophy at the National Stadium (kick-off 6pm).
Given that the two clubs’ hopes of silverware hinge on the Trophy, expectations are high that this tie will offer thrilling fare to the fans.
It will take more than a week for Hibs to get over the disappointment of their defeat in the title showdown and coach Michael Woods admitted that raising the players’ morale was one of his priorities in the build-up to this evening’s semi-final.
“We’ve been working on the psychological aspect to lift the morale of the team,” Woods, who can bank on a full squad, told Times of Malta.
“We’ve had a week to prepare for this game and put the defeat in the decider behind us. We had a meeting and analysed our mistakes during the title clash.
“Now that we have lost the championship, we must concen-trate more on retaining the Trophy.”
In their last meeting with Valletta two weeks ago, Hibs prevailed 2-1 to force a title decider but Woods is expecting a sterner challenge from the deposed champions.
“It’s a very difficult game,” Woods said. “Like us, Valletta were challengers for the title but they failed to win it. They are now focused on the FA Trophy.
“The two teams are balanced.
“In our last league game, Valletta had little to play for after slipping out of the race but their motivation will be different for this game.”
After losing their first two league matches against Valletta, Hibs tied the head-to-head series after winning the last two games.
The City fans will be hoping their team do belated justice to their lofty reputation by recapturing the cup.
Coach Mark Miller is confident that his players will approach the game in the right frame of mind.
“I hope thay are very motivated,” Miller said.
“It’s been a disappointing season but these things happen. You have to try and get what is left and for us that is the Trophy.
“We’ve prepared well. It will be nice to finish the season, which has been poor by our standards, on a good note.”
Valletta were devoid of inspiration when losing 2-1 to Hibs in their last league match which Miller described as “a no-win situation” for his team.
A 4-3 defeat to Lija in a friendly match did little to lift the spirits of the fans but Miller believes that could prove a blessing in disguise.
“Last weekend, we played Lija and lost 4-3,” Miller said.
“We went into the friendly in a very relaxed manner and also gave a chance to some of the younger players but it was a lackadaisical affair. I was disappointed but it’s what we needed.
“It was a reality check.
“The players know that they’ve got to give everything in the Trophy semi-final. I’m expecting big commitment and I think the players will show that.”
Miller is concerned about the fitness of Ian Azzopardi, Dyson Falzon and Brazilian midfielder Gabriel who are struggling with knocks.
Valletta’s failure to defend the league title has raised doubts over Miller’s future but the English coach is unperturbed.
“I’m in the job and I’m already preparing for next season. If I felt I couldn’t turn things round, I would stop,” Miller said.
“I’m always going to have people with me and people who are against me. We are in a results-driven business but I have no problem sleeping at night because I work very hard for the club.
“I don’t get involved in all the talk on twitter, internet forums or whatsoever. The people at the club wanted me to stay.
“I’ve been living here a long time and I know the people and they know me. I do the job to the best of my abilities and I never try to hurt anyone. But in this country, we’re always picking on the negatives. I try to turn negatives into positives.”
Path to semis
Hibernians
Third Round vs Mosta 2-1
Fourth Round vs Gudja 4-0
Quarter-Finals vs Żebbuġ 3-0
Valletta
Third Round vs Ħamrun. 3-1
Fourth Round vs Nadur. 2-0
Quarter-Finals vs Rabat 3-0