After World War Two, football went through a great revival in Malta. The league was extended to three divisions and although the District Representation Scheme took some time to effect changes, many new clubs were sprouting all over the island.
In 1945-46, Division One was made up of the top seven teams on the island. Division Two contained 20 teams while Division Three was made up of another 20 teams.
Thus, the league that season contained no fewer than 47 teams with the majority representing their districts.
This week I want to focus on Division Two which was very interesting that season.
In section A, Naxxar Lions fought out a fierce battle with Żabbar FC. The match ended in a 2-2 draw but Żabbar spoilt their copybook when they drew 1-1 with Luqa St Andrews. This left the Lions to coast through to the winning post.
In Section B, Ħamrun Liberty fought a similar battle with Tarxien Rainbows.
Once again, the deciding game ended in a 1-1 draw but Tarxien then dropped another point against Birkirkara United to leave Ħamrun one point clear at the top.
Section C was dominated from start to finish by Florid-Lions, of Cospicua. They won all matches.
Żejtun United, in Section D, emulated Florid-Lions. They won without much difficulty to progress to the final round.
It was now time for the championship deciders. These games attracted huge crowds to the stadium, rivalling even those for Division One. In the semi-finals, Naxxar beat Żejtun 2-0 while Liberty eliminated Florid-Lions 4-2.
The final, between Naxxar and Ħamrun, was the match of the season. The game was played on April 21, 1946. Ħamrun were favourites but they were surprised by a fast Naxxar team, led by Friggieri brothers, Ċensu and Pawlu.
A fine hat-trick by Pawlu Friggieri and a Calleja goal gave the Lions a merited 4-0 victory and a place in the top flight for the first time in the club's history.
When, later on in the season, the draw was made for the FA Trophy, the Division Two section winners were put in the same pot as those from Division One. The only exception were Florids-Lions who could not participate because Cospicua was already represented in the tournament by St George's.
The draw for the preliminary round resulted as follows: Ħamrun Liberty vs Msida St Joseph; Naxxar Lions vs Żejtun United.
Msida included six guest players against Liberty who stuck with their own players and this policy paid off because Ħamrun won 3-0.
The other match ended in trouble. At the end of normal time the score stood at 2-2. Then, Micallef, of Żejtun, scored with the first kick of extra-time. At first the referee awarded the goal but then, on the advice of his linesman, he changed his mind and signalled an offside.
Żejtun did not take it too kindly. Pandemonium broke out and eight Żejtun players left the field in protest. The referee abandoned the match and Naxxar were declared winners.
On May 25, 1946, Naxxar beat St George's 2-1 in the quarter-finals and on the same day Ħamrun Liberty caused another sensation when they beat Melita 1-0. In the semi-finals, the two Division Two outsiders were drawn together.
Ħamrun Liberty fought their way through with a 3-2 victory over Naxxar but in the final, played on June 2, 1946, Liberty finally found their match.
It was a great game, with the issue hanging in the balance up to the last kick. Sliema won 2-1 but had Wenzu Gabaretta to thank for their victory.
It was his day and he could do nothing wrong. Liberty left the field beaten but with their heads held high.