The 2011/2012 season will come to an end this evening at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium where the U*BET FA Trophy final between Hibernians and Qormi is being played, starting at 6pm.

The match is expected to attract quite a large crowd, especially the fans of both teams who have been preparing to give their favourites all out support.

Both sides had a mixed season. Some may argue that it was disappointing for both, especially for Qormi who had to accept playing in the Relegation Pool rather than among the Top Six in the Premier League.

On the other hand, Hibernians provided champions Valletta with a good challenge, but fell apart in the Championship Pool, especially after losing the direct clash with the citizens.

Now both sides are aiming to finish the season on a high by winning the FA Trophy – the second major honour in local football.

For Hibernians it will be their ninth victory while Qormi are still seeking a first victory which would also be their first major honour in local football.

The two sides had to fight hard to get through to the final. In the semifinal, Hibernians beat Hamrun Spartans 2-1, perhaps more convincingly than the score suggests, but Qormi had to beat none other than champions Valletta – a 4-3 win in a thrilling match.

In previous rounds, Hibernians had eliminated Pembroke Athleta, Rabat Ajax and Floriana, while Qormi had defeated Gzira United, Mellieha and Pieta Hotspurs.

Considering everything and the talent in both squads, Hibernians must be considered firm favourites to lift the Trophy, but in such matches, I think one might make a mistake to consider any team as the favourite.

In fact, I expect Qormi to offer a very serious challenge to the Paolites, especially after their brilliant performance last week thanks to which they managed to beat Valletta. On that day, they showed that they can rise to the occasion. Now they are arguing: “Why cannot we do the same against Hibs?”

The Yellow Blacks, under the charge of Stephen Azzopardi are again just one match from a major success. Two years ago, they had also reached the final, but were beaten 2-1 by Valletta.

They have been through a very hectic week and the players are now urging their numerous supporters to give them their full backing in the hope that they will write a new chapter in the club’s history.

On their part, Hibernians will be seeking a ninth Trophy success. But if they entertain hopes of winning this match, they must be very careful as Qormi seem to have struck their best form at the right time.

Both sides have their own match-winners. On the Hibs side, caretake coach Richard Mercieca, who has all players at his disposal, there is Luis Edison dos Santos and among the Qormi ranks, there is Jorge Pereira, their hat-trick hero in the semifinal victory against Valletta. On their day both can perforate opposing defences at will. They have been, without any shadow of doubt, two of the best foreigners in local football this season.

The two sides met twice in the League this season. Both matches – in the first phase – ended in wins for Hibernians (2-0 and 4-0).

Extra time will be played if necessary. If the result is still a draw at the end of 120 minutes, then penalty kicks will be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game, to determine the winner.

The National Stadium opens its doors at 4.15pm. Ticket booths at the Millennium Stand (D and F) also open at 4.15pm while those for the West A and West C sides will open only if there are any remaining tickets following the pre-sales.

Hibernians supporters will be staying at West Stand A and Millennium F, while the Qormi supporters will be at West Stand C and Millennium D.

As to parking of cars, the West Stand parking is reserved for Hibs fans who should enter Ta’ Qali from the Mosta end. Qormi supporters are to enter Ta’ Qali from the Rabat side and use the parking areas next to the Millennium Stand.