The finals of the Super Five Lottery tournament will be played today at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, bringing an end to this year’s commitments for the four clubs involved.
In the match for third place, starting at 2pm, Marsaxlokk will be facing Hibernians, while the final proper, between Sliema and Birkirkara, starts at 4pm.
It is important to note that in both matches, in the event of a draw after normal time, no extra time will be played. Instead penalty kicks will be taken immediately in accordance with the Laws of the Game, to determine the winner.
Sliema and Birkirkara acceded to this year’s final after winning their semi-final clashes last Wednesday. Birkirkara beat Marsaxlokk 2-1 in a come-from-behind victory, while Sliema defeated Hibernians with the same scoreline.
The two teams are expected to make an extra effort to win the honour to finish the year on a positive note, in the hope of better things to come in the forthcoming five months.
Sliema will certainly miss the inspiration of injured midfielder Stefan Giglio as well as veteran Kris Laferla at the back.
On their part, Birkirkara will also have skipper Antoine Zahra missing, still nursing an injury, but it is possible that Roderick Briffa will be making a return to the side as he has recovered from injury and has also been selected to join the national squad for the friendly in Seville against Andalusia next Wednesday.
The match for third place will be an encounter which should see the two sides, Marsaxlokk and Hibernians, producing an entertaining match. With no huge stakes awaiting the two teams, one expects them to play an open match giving the patrons attending at Ta’ Qali a ‘Christmas’ treat.
Previous winners
1990-91 Sliema W.
1991-92 Hamrun S.
1992-93 Valletta
1993-94 Floriana
1994-95 Floriana
1995-96 Floriana
1996-97 Valletta
1997-98 Floriana
1998-99 Birkirkara
1999-2000 Valletta
2000-01 Valletta
2001-02 Sliema
2002-03 Birkirkara
2003-04 Sliema
FA Trophy
The programme today also includes two FA Trophy matches being played this morning at the Hibs Ground.
They are the first two matches in connection with the second round. At 9am, Hamrun Spartans take on Floriana, while at 11am, Pieta Hotspurs are to meet Valletta.
The other two matches will be played tomorrow at the Centenary Stadium. At 6pm, San Gwann face Mqabba and at 8pm, Senglea Ath. meet Msida St Joseph.