Today's story is about one of the smallest league clubs in Malta, Ta' Xbiex FC.
Sandwiched between Msida and Gżira, Ta' Xbiex is one of the most picturesque localities on our islands and the yachts and boats moored around its perimeter makes it more open to water sports than football.
The first team to be founded in the locality was Ta' Xbiex United way back in 1953. It was a small club that took part in amateur football. Then, in 1976, Ta' Xbiex St George's came to life.
Ta' Xbiex FC were founded in 1975 and were immediately accepted as full members of the Malta FA. As a new club, they had to start from the fourth division. They enjoyed a good start to their league career, beating Qrendi 1-0 on October 12, 1975.
A typical formation from that season read: M. Borg, C. Zarb, M. Gatt, J. Sciberras, C. Chircop, J. Farrugia, M. Bartolo, F. Micallef, P. Grech, T. Saliba, T. Chappel.
Ta' Xbiex have never really set any houses on fire. They were a small club with very few ambitions. However, they have had their bright moments.
In 1976-77, they finished runners-up in their section and won the Division Four Cup.
On their way to the final, they beat Attard United 6-4 in one of the best matches seen at the Schreiber that season. Then, they beat Balzan Youths 1-0 to reach the final where they met Qrendi.
The first game ended in a 0-0 draw but in the replay, a late goal tipped the scales in favour of the seasiders.
This success must have given Ta' Xbiex a significant boost and brimming with confidence, they were determined to make 1977-78 a memorable season.
Playing in Section B, Ta' Xbiex brushed aside all opposition on their way to winning section honours. In the whole campaign, they dropped only one point in the 2-2 draw with Birżebbuġa SP. Thus, after only three years, Ta' Xbiex gained promotion to the third division.
In the championship decider, Ta' Xbiex came up against Luqa St Andrew's.
Could Ta' Xbiex really make this a season to remember? The match was played on Sunday, May 7, 1978 at a packed Schreiber Sports Ground. The game ended goalless and had to be replayed the following weekend.
In the second game, the more experienced team from Luqa seized the initiative from the first whistle. They controlled midfield and it was no surprise when Leonard Azzopardi scored the goal which proved to be decisive.
In the second half, Ta' Xbiex threw caution to the wind in a vain attempt to score the equaliser. The Saints' defence, however, held firm and did not yield an inch. It was a huge disappointment for Ta' Xbiex but, at least, they had the consolation that their team was going to play in the third division the next season.
A few years ago, Ta' Xbiex, back in the lowest division, found it hard to cope with the demands of association football. They finished bottom of the section and their bid to re-apply was not accepted.