Benefit day at the stadium

This week's photograph dates back to 1946, a time when Malta was slowly recovering from the difficulties and suffering caused by a terrible war. Football was also re-emerging after a long slumber devoid of all competitions.

The post-war period was a really exciting one in the history of the game. Although it was passing through a period of reconstruction, the interest was still sky-high. This was understandable after such a long period of deprivation.

In February 1946, the Malta FA decided to test its representative XI against the Services XI in preparation for future tourneys and at the same time channel some much needed funds into the empty coffers of the clubs.

The full MFA XI played against the strong Navy XI, winning a great encounter 4-1 while the MFA 'B' XI flexed its muscles against the Army XI.

In those days the Army was still full of British professionals. In spite of their reputation, however, the 'B' side won a hard-fought encounter 5-2.

In the first match of the afternoon, the Army scored first but midway through the first half Hopkins saved Calleja's shot at goal. The goalkeeper, however, did not hold the ball and Freddie Andolina was on hand to hit in the rebound.

Then, minutes before the half-time whistle, 'Dindu' Bartolo beat the Army goalkeeper with a dipping shot from near the centre circle.

In the second period, the Army pressed hard for an equaliser but it was Buttigieg who put the Maltese further in front. This goal continued to lift the spirits of the team. Their short-passing game troubled the soldiers and it was no surprise when Calleja scored another goal.

The Army made some tactical changes which led to Gregson scoring their second goal. The Maltese, however, shrugged off this temporary setback and Buttigieg scored again to give his side an emphatic 5-2 victory.

In the second match of the afternoon the full MFA XI continued the good work started earlier by their juniors. They gave another top-class performance against a very strong Navy XI.

The game started with the sailors on the offensive. Despite the sailors' pressure, however, Wenzu Gabaretta was never seriously tested. Although the Navy had the best of the exchanges, it was the civilians who drew first blood.

Salvinu Schembri surprised Abrahams with what should have been an easy ball to handle.

The Maltese celebrations were cut short two minutes later when Stirling lobbed the ball over Gabaretta.

After the interval, the Maltese stepped up their game, forcing the Navy defence to work overtime.

It was the opportunist Stirling, however, who nearly put his side in front. Then, in a swift counter-attack the civilians drew ahead. Tony Nicholl produced a pile-driver which stunned Abrahams.

Minutes later, Nicholl was again on target when he headed in a Schembri corner-kick. The latter was back in the picture a few minutes later when he reached a through-pass by Nicholl to score from close range the last goal of a very entertaining afternoon of football.

For the record

February 24, 1946 - The Empire Stadium, Gzira

MFA Benefit Matches

MFA 'B' vs Army 5-2

MFA 'B': Calleja, Preca, Borg, Zarb-Mizzi, Attard, Bartolo, Gillies, Buttigieg, Andolina, Calleja, Falzon.
Army: Hopkins, Elliott, Reefe, Stephens, Hardcroft, Plumb, Hillman, Grant, Mountfort, Gregson, Woods.

MFA XI vs Navy 4-1

MFA XI: Gabaretta, Demicoli, Portelli, Bennetti, Dowling, Bencini, Schembri, Nicholl, Calleja, Cauchi, Herbert.
Navy: Abrahams, Littler, Pyle, White, Edwards, Morris, Duggan, Baker, Stirling, Smith, Street.