The national team back in 1917

During the summer of 1915, the war finally caught up with Malta.

Civilian football was one of the first aspects of the Maltese way of life to suffer. The Mile End ground was requisitioned by the army to be transformed into a temporary hospital. Tents were set up on the pitch, making it impossible to play football.

There was nothing whatsoever to stop the MFA from organising its competitions if it could find an alternative venue but, since no other ground was available, football came to a standstill.

The situation became worse when the services were called into action.

Since the civilian clubs could not even play friendly matches, they did not form their teams and the thousands of Maltese enthusiasts had to seek their pleasures elsewhere.

Fortunately, someone came up with the novel idea of organising a football competition between the staffs of the various hospitals that were scattered all over the island.

It was a splendid idea which led to the formation of the RAMC Football League and, later on, the United Services Football League.

As usual Malta, or rather Maltese football, profited greatly from this situation.

Paradoxically, war always seemed to bring a bonanza to the Maltese... this time it was football.

Many of the British professionals who were drafted into the services were stationed here, thus providing the locals with a great opportunity to watch some of the best British footballers in action.

The Mile End ground remained closed throughout the whole of the 1915-16 football season. However, when the authorities gained control of the situation, the ground was cleared to host football matches and that allowed the MFA to organise the 1916-17 league and cup competitions.

Football was, at last, back to normal.

The 1916-17 season was one of the best of the Mile End era. That season the locals were treated to a feast of football.

The Civilian League was a huge success while the United Service League was the showcase of the many British professional players stationed here.

It was, therefore, something to be expected that a representative game would be arranged between the two organisations. This attractive fixture was played late in January 1917.

The Maltese welcomed this event and in their fertile imagination, they elevated it to the status of an international. For our grandfathers it was not the MFA League XI playing against the United Services League but Malta against England!

The game was given a lot of publicity. This was the first of seven matches played between the two selections between 1917 and 1920.

As was custom in those days, the band of the King’s Own Malta Regiment of Militia entertained the spectators with a selection of popular marches.

Within five minutes of the start, Salvu Troisi had already opened the scoring for the Maltese. This goal, however, only served to put the Services on their mettle and a couple of minutes later, Boxely equalised from the penalty spot.

Encouraged by this quick reversal of fortunes, the Services grew bolder. McMillan missed narrowly but almost immediately Churchill gave the Services a 2-1 lead.

For a while, the Maltese looked a beaten lot but gradually crept back into the game.

Partisan support

Egged on by the partisan crowd the locals increased their efforts and five minutes from half-time, they were rewarded for their efforts after Aitkins shot on the run to even the score.

Aitkins was one of a group of British employees at the Eastern Telegraph Company who, in their spare time, turned out for Sliema Wanderers in the Civilian League.

During the second period, the Maltese had the wind behind them.

They attacked incessantly but unfortunately failed to score. Then, when their fury was spent, Hiscock scored an opportunistic goal to give the Services a rather flattering 3-2 victory.

This game went a long way to boosting the national spirit of the Maltese.

Their team may have failed to beat the English but, led by the legendary full-back Ruġġieru Friggieri, the Maltese showed a lot of commitment and pride in wearing the national shirt.