Rivals Floriana, Valletta cross swords in National League 100 Anniversary Cup final

Rivals Floriana and Valletta will be fighting for a prestigious cup on Tuesday – the National League 100 Anniversary Cup. The final will be held at the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:30.

This one-off competition, which marks the hundredth anniversary since the first ever league which was organised in Malta, was open for all member clubs from the Premier League to the Third Division. Ironically it will put against each other the two bitter rivals almost ten years after Valletta had defeated Floriana 3-1 in the final of the Centenary Cup – a competition which was held on the hundredth anniversary of the Malta Football Association.

Both sides entered the competition in the third round.

Floriana defeated three First Division sides on their way to the final. They beat Mqabba 2-0 in the third round, Melita 1-0 in the fourth round and Mosta 3-1 after extra-time in the semi-finals after beating Hamrun Spartans 8-7 following a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals.

Valletta, on the other hand, defeated Second Division side Gozo 7-0 in the third round, First Division side Vittoriosa Stars 3-0 in the fourth round, Hibernians 2-0 in the quarter-finals and Tarxien Rainbows 3-1 after extra-time in the semi-finals.

The Citizens start as firm favourites to claim the trophy. In fact, Floriana and Valletta met twice this season with Ton Caanen’s side obtaining comfortable wins – 6-0 in the first round and 4-0 in the second round. The Citizens are currently engaged in the battle for the championship, lying in second place, four points behind leaders Birkirkara with sixteen wins and four draws out of twenty-four matches. The Greens, on the other hand, secured their Premier League status during the weekend after beating Hamrun Spartans 1-0.

However in such games, even more so in this derby, everything can happen.

Extra-time will be played if necessary and if the result is still draw at the end of extra-time, penalty kicks shall be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

On this occasion, the MFA will be publishing a match programme which will be freely distributed to the spectators.

Prior to the start of the match the MFA President will unveil a commemorative plaque at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali.

Furthermore Maltapost will be issuing a stamped envelope including a commemorative stamp on Tuesday. First Day covers will be available for sale for the price of €10 from the Malta F.A. Headquarters, Floor 2, Millennium Stand, National Stadium, Ta’ Qali.