In 1933, Ġianni Bencini, in a famous speech made on the occasion of the founding of Melita FC, solemnly promised his audience that one day he would lead the new club to the top division of Maltese football.
Bencini’s dream came true in 1937-38 when Melita won Section B of the First Division league. That year the championship was divided in two pools.
Section A was made up of Sliema Wanderers, Floriana, Valletta City and St George’s.
The four leading amateur clubs – Melita, Sliema Rangers, Floriana Tigers and Msida St Joseph – were in Section B.
When in 1937, Leo Drucker left St George’s, Bencini shrewdly lured the Austrian to his club.
With Melita, Drucker found a fertile ground in which to sow his ideas and under his guidance the team developed into a formidable combination.
Melita’s first game in the First Division was played on October 18, 1937 against Msida St Joseph.
Pullicino’s 35th-minute goal gave them a 1-0 victory. Melita’s chief challengers in the group were Sliema Rangers who beat Floriana Tigers 2-0.
The two contenders met in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash on November 14.
Sliema Rangers scored first when Victor Meli rushed in to head a free-kick past Doublet.
Melita, however, were not beaten yet.
Podesta equalised and Maurice DeCesare scored the winner from the penalty spot.
Melita retained their unbeaten record in the opening round by beating the Tigers 2-0. Both goals for the Amateurs were scored by DeCesare.
One of the best matches of the group was that between Sliema Rangers and Msida. Rangers won 1-0 but the Saints deserved at least a point for their efforts.
Rangers, however, came a cropper in their next match against the Tigers.
The Greens unexpectedly beat the Blues 4-2. This result should have given the championship to Melita but Rangers successfully protested that the Floriana team had made use of an ineligible player.
Rangers’ chances, however, were dashed when they lost 1-3 to Melita in their next match.
The race was now as good as over. The Amateurs only needed a point from their last two matches to make sure of the ‘B’ title.
The issue was decided when Melita became worthy group winners after beating Msida 1-0 with a goal by Pullicino. Melita were somewhat anxious in this game and, at times, the Saints seriously threatened to upset them.
The big moment came when Melita beat Floriana Tigers 1-0 to carry off the championship with maximum points. At last, Bencini’s prophecy had come true.
1938 was a great year for Melita. Apart from winning their group without a defeat, they also won the Amateur Cup for the second year in succession.
This competition was the showpiece of the season, at least as far as amateur football was concerned.
In those days nearly all the clubs were run on an amateur basis, making them eligible to take part in the competition.