In 1994-95, the Malta FA signed a new contract with Rothmans covering the sponsorship of the FA Trophy.
It was a good deal, from a financial point-of-view, but, under the terms of the agreement, the MFA had to make alterations to the historical trophy to inscribe the sponsors’ emblem on its base.
It was an insensitive move and, in the circumstances, it would have been better to retire the FA Trophy and introduce a new cup. After all, this was not the first time since 1911 that the competition had changed sponsors.
The first edition of the new Rothmans Trophy will always be remembered for the way Valletta stormed to victory.
The early honours of the competition fell to Mosta who knocked out two Premier League sides on their way to the quarter-finals.
In the first round, they eliminated rivals Naxxar Lions 3-0 and then Pietá Hotspurs 3-1. Their run came to an end in the quarter-finals when they were soundly beaten 3-0 by Zurrieq.
In the quarter-finals Valletta ousted Floriana 3-2 before beating Sliema Wanderers 2-0 in the semis.
Despite their clear superiority over Floriana, Valletta had to wait until six minutes from the end to secure their win. The Citizens deserved their victory but had been shocked when Nenad Veselji opened the scoring for Floriana.
The Whites reacted immediately, hitting back with two great goals from Danilo Doncic. Floriana, however, were not dead yet and late in the game, a cross from Albert Busuttil hit Joe Zarb and rebounded into the City net.
The game seemed heading for extra-time when Gilbert Agius came to Valletta’s rescue as he beat Floriana goalkeeper David Cluett with a low shot.
Against Sliema, Valletta won an exciting game with well-taken goals by Zarb and Doncic.
Once again, Valletta dominated the game and were superior to their rivals in every department.
In fact, had it not been for the upright and Agius’s saves in the Sliema goal, the final scoreline would have been bigger.
In the final Valletta met Ħamrun Spartans, fresh from their unexpected victory against Hibernians. The Reds turned the tables on the Paolites with a merited 2-1 victory.
The stage was therefore set for a pulsating final. The game, played on May 25, 1995, was followed by the season’s biggest attendance.
Valletta immediately made their presence felt with a series of dangerous incursions into their rivals’ penalty area. They kept up their bombardment of the Spartans’ fort and it seemed a certainty that they would score but Ħamrun defended valiantly.
Their well-oiled defence, ably marshalled by goalkeeper Sean Sullivan, weathered Valletta’s efforts. Then, with the end of normal time looming, Ħamrun came out of their defensive shell and ventured into their opponents’ penalty area.
For a short period, Valletta were ruffled and with a bit of luck Ħamrun could even have snatched victory. At the final whistle, however, the scoresheet was still blank and the game went into extra-time.
The extra half-hour continued on the same pattern. This time, however, Valletta managed to break the deadlock. An accurate pass from Zarb found Doncic in a perfect position and the Serbian striker blasted past Sullivan.
Valletta celebrated their victory in their customary jubilant style.
Ħamrun, on the other hand, left the ground with their heads held high. Their lion-hearted endeavour was appreciated by their loyal supporters who gave them a standing ovation.