In 1922, a few days after the inauguration of the Empire Sports Ground, the HMS Malaya team, the football champions of the Atlantic Fleet, arrived in Malta for a short visit.
It seemed, at first, that this was a routine stop but it soon became apparent that the sailors had another motive. Such was the fame of Floriana FC in those days among the Services that as the ship moored, a challenge was sent to the Greens.
The ship arrived in Malta on November 22, 1922 and the match was arranged for the same afternoon. The weather was quite stormy but since the ship had to sail on the morrow the sailors insisted that the game be played.
Reluctantly, Floriana accepted the challenge and the match went on as planned.
HMS Malaya had a very strong team and on the slippery ground of the Empire they tried their best to lower the colours of Floriana.
Although the bad conditions made it next to impossible to play good football, the game was very exciting and those who braved the weather went home satisfied. The match ended 1-1.
Nearly two years after their first visit, on March 1, 1924, HMS Malaya were back, this time as part of the Mediterranean Fleet and the team again challenged Floriana.
This time Malaya brought with them a great reputation, being the holders of the King's Cup. This was the biggest honour that a Navy football team could win in those days.
The sailors' previous performance on the muddy pitch of the Empire was still fresh in the minds of the Maltese. There was, therefore, a huge outcry when the game was announced.
At first, it was planned to hold the match at the Empire but since Floriana were in the middle of a hot dispute with the management of the ground over the issue of gate-money, the game was transferred to the old Mile End stadium.
The Greens, at the time, were enjoying a run of 37 unbeaten matches . They were quite confident of beating the Atlantic Fleet champions. However, they were in for a surprise because after only five minutes Kemp scored a penalty for Malaya.
Encouraged by this early success, the sailors kept up the pressure.
For the rest of the first half the 'Boys from the Atlantic' as the Malaya footballers were affectionately known, dominated Floriana.
The Greens defended well and in the second half the tables were turned. Floriana now became the aggressors. They launched one attack after another but without reward. At the final whistle Malaya emerged 1-0 winners.
Floriana just could not stomach their disappointment. Things took another turn when Sliema Wanderers, learning of Floriana's defeat, challenged Malaya. This game was played at the Empire Sports Ground on March 4, 1924.
Sliema obtained a better result than Floriana, holding the sailors to a 1-1 draw. The Blues' goal came from a Ruġġieru Friggieri penalty.
Floriana immediately asked Malaya for a return contest and as an added incentive they suggested that the game would be played for a silver cup. The sailors agreed and the game was set for March 6, 1924.
A huge crowd filled every nook and corner of the Mile End. Another great game was anticipated but this time it had a very different story.
Floriana played up to their reputation and won the game 5-0 with goals from George West (2), Gejtu Psaila (2) and Jack Herbert.