In 1974-75 Floriana celebrated their 75th anniversary.
That season, the Greens won the championship after a long struggle with their oldest rivals, St George’s.
In those days, the Saints had a formidable team. It was probably the best since the heady days of the Mile End Sports Ground. In the end, however, Floriana once again jinxed the Saints to add another championship to their tally.
During that campaign, three foreign teams paid a short visit to Malta.
Early in 1974, the Italian amateur club, Juventus Augusta drew 1-1 with Fgura United at the Empire Stadium and on November 26, 1974 Danish League club, Akademisk Boldklub lost 5-2 against an MFA selection.
Unfortunately, both these games were very poorly covered by the newspapers and we know very little about them.
Then, English Third Division club, Port Vale came to Malta to play a friendly match against Floriana in May 1975. This game was part of the Maltese champions anniversary celebrations.
Port Vale are one of the oldest clubs in England. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, the club was formed in 1879.
In 1884 the club moved to the town of Burslem, changing their name to Burslem Port Vale in the process.
When the Second Division of the Football League was formed in 1892, Burslem Port Vale was one of its founder members.
In 1907, the club moved to the Old Recreation Ground in Hanley and its name was changed once again to Port Vale FC. Finally, the club moved to Vale Park in 1950, an all-seater stadium located in Burslem with a capacity of over 20,000. The old stadium was demolished later that year.
Probably the club’s greatest achievement, other than surviving over 130 years, including times of great financial hardship and expulsion from the league, is the FA Cup run of 1953-54 when they reached the semi-finals. The club have twice come close to the highest tier of English football. In 1930–31 they finished fifth and in 1996–97 they came eighth.
The 1974-75 season was Port Vale’s 63rd season in the Football League. It was also their fifth successive season in the Third Division and the first under the charge of manager Roy Sproson.
Their biggest rivals, Stoke City, were at the time competing in Europe and were challenging for the First Division title.
As a result, Vale’s attendances were poor that season and they were the third least-supported club in their division.
Port Vale however, had a very good team and when they came to Malta they were challenging for promotion to the Second Division.
The English club dominated the first period of their game against Floriana but after the change of ends it was the latter who dictated matters.
With a bit of luck, the Greens could have even won this game.
Port Vale looked very sprightly in the first period and with their razor-sharp tackling they put the Greens out of their game. In the second period, however, Floriana seemed to find their feet and their machine started to run better.
Port Vale seemed to be unaffected by the hard ground of the Stadium and as early as the third minute they could have opened the scoring.
Ray ‘Żażu’ Farrugia miskicked his clearance and left Williams with an open path to goal. The latter however, did the impossible and shot high.
Port Vale were not to be denied and in the 18th minute their pressure paid off.
A cross into the area by Griffiths was headed in by full-back Garry Dulson.
Vale continued to hold the upper hand but in the 38th minute, Floriana equalised.
Salvu Bonello streaked through the English team’s defence and placed the ball into the net as Connaughton came out to narrow the angle.
The first few minutes of the second period were evenly matched but as the game progressed Floriana started to take control.
With their midfield working overtime they created several clear-cut chances but somehow either Connaughton or the post came to Port Vale’s rescue.
The game ended in a fair 1-1 draw.