Valletta goalkeeper Frankie Grima gathers the ball before Floriana’s Ray Xuereb could get to it in a league match from season 1979-80.

In 1979-80, the league started on October 13, 1979 when Ħamrun Spartans easily disposed of a poor Żebbug Rangers XI by four goals to nil.

Despite being very early in the season, there was a clear indication of the teams which would eventually be relegated. In fact, Żebbug, along with Qormi and St George’s, had a poor campaign and at the end of the competition, the latter two were doomed.

Reigning champions Hibernians were hot favourites to retain the title. True to expectations, they started their campaign like a house on fire with victories over Marsa, Qormi, Birkirkara and Żebbuġ.

Hibs’ first real test came on December 2 when they met Valletta in what proved to be the best match of the season. With Sliema beating Żebbug the day before, Hibs had no choice but to beat Valletta to stay top.

From the very start, Hibs launched a barrage on Valletta’s fort and they maintained the pressure for the first 45 minutes. The Xuereb brothers dominated midfield and Valletta were hard pressed to keep the score-sheet blank.

After the interval, Valletta changed tactics. They took the initiative and, after only five minutes, Leli Cristiano opened the scoring.

At first Hibs could not find their feet but as time wore on they took control. There was now only one team in it as Hibs threw caution into the wind and went all out for goal.

Somehow, Valletta managed to keep Hibs out until five minutes from the end when John Cauchi headed in the equaliser.

Hibs were now sharing top spot with Sliema. The two teams met on December 22. Naturally, a keen match was anticipated, but the Paolites never had it so easy as they beat Sliema 2-0 to assume sole leadership.

That same afternoon Valletta missed a great chance to keep the pace with Hibs after losing 0-2 to Ħamrun. It was an unexpected result which enabled Hibs to open a three-point gap at the top.

On October 29, Valletta recovered some lost ground with a 5-1 victory over St George’s.

In the following match, Sliema beat Floriana 2-1 in one of the classic encounters of Maltese football. These two results took Sliema within a point of the league leaders.

Hibs, however, had a game in hand, and were not expected to fail against Ħamrun. Anything can happen in football and the next day the unexpected did happen.

Although in those days, Hibs regularly beat Ħamrun, encounters between these two teams were always hot affairs and this particular match lived up to expectations as Ħamrun took a two-goal lead by half-time.

In the second half, Hibs came back strongly and drew level with 20 minutes to spare. Hibs seemed set to score the winner, but Ħamrun held on to gain a well-earned point.

This result threw the championship race wide open. The match between Valletta and Sliema shed new light on the destination of the title.

Valletta took an early lead but Sliema completely dominated midfield. Valletta, happy with this advantage, built up a defensive barrier outside their penalty area and, despite applying tremendous pressure, Sliema just could not score.

In their efforts to open up the City defence, they left their backdoor wide open and towards the end Vincent ‘Maxi’ Magro made it 2-0.

Victory took Valletta to the top of the table, one point ahead of the Paolites.

Hibs, with a game in hand, were expected to regain the lead when they met Marsa on January 26, 1980. How easily are dreams shattered in football!

Before this match Hibs were riding on the crest of a wave and were still unbeaten.

Marsa, on the other hand, were languishing at the bottom half of the table. Yet, they were not bothered by the reputation of their opponents. They went out like lions, scoring the opener in the very first minute.

Then they dropped back and resisted tremendous pressure for the rest of the match to take home an unexpected but very welcome victory.

To make things worse for the champions, the next day Valletta and Sliema beat Floriana and Ħamrun respectively to become joint leaders.

Decisive match

The table remained the same until Hibs met Valletta on March 15, 1980. It was a cold and wet afternoon but a large crowd braved the weather and they were rewarded with a thrilling encounter.

Although no goals were scored, the first half was full of entertaining football. Then, three minutes into the second half, Magro cleverly first-timed the ball past Johnnie Bonello.

Scenting victory, Valletta dropped back. Hibs picked up the challenge and went forward. Valletta’s defence absorbed tremendous pressure as Hibs went all out for the equaliser.

A mighty roar circled the ground when, three minutes from time, Chris Vella headed down to Ġużi Xuereb. He had the goal at his mercy but did the impossible and shot high.

The miss cost Hibs the championship. They never recovered from that setback and slid down to fourth place of the final table.

Hibs’ defeat left only Valletta and Sliema in the race.

When Sliema lost 0-1 to Floriana on April 6, the way was clear for Valletta to breast the tape and the Citizens made no mistake about it.

On April 19, City made sure of the championship with an 11-0 win over Qormi.