Bulls in Malta - From the Archives

For reasons yet unknown Hereford United are trying to get in touch with any supporters who live in Malta.

The Bulls toured Malta back in 1974 and may be this is why.

Anyway it's given BN a good excuse to delve back in the archives and republish this article which originally appeared on www.hu-fc.co.uk

The Bulls travelled to Gozo, a small island near Malta, to play champions Ghajnsielem. United were on a pre-season holiday and had contacted the Maltese FA about playing some matches, and initially Ghajnsielem expressed an interest. This was rejected though, and the Gozo FA agreed to form an island-team to play Hereford. They failed, and had to contact Ghajnsielem to step in.

Both sides at the time were at their peak, with Hereford having gained promotion to the Football League and then into Division Three and national awareness thanks to their victory over Newcastle. Their opponents, Ghajnsielem, held celebrity status on the island, and this was highlighted by their role in being the first Gozitan team to play international opposition.

Much hard-work was required to publicise the match, which was held on May 14th 1974.

The club officials and players spent the day on the island, taking in the sights and experiencing Gozitan hospitality. Hereford United deemed the day a success, especially as it was hastily arranged.

As it was, United won 4-2, but the game meant a lot to the island. The match was played on the last day of the carnival and the sizeable crowd at the Silver Jubilee Ground cheered both sides. Many, though, only supported the Bulls as their opponents were successful within the national league but there was a feeling of disappointment that the island did not unite against the foreigners.

The Bulls took a while to cope with the rock-hard surface, and it was Ghajnsielem who took the lead when Vincent Cutajar dribbled past Emery and passed the ball to Alfred Azzopardi who shot low into the net. Hereford, though, came straight back and scored twice in the space of five minutes, first through Jim Hinch, then Alan Gane.

In the second half, Hereford resumed their pressure and Francis Cauchi had to make a punching save. Then the Blacks almost levelled the score, first when Toni Cauchi shot into the side netting, then when Vincent Cutajar alone in front of Hughes shot high. Hereford punished the Blacks for these missed chances and scored another quick brace of goals through Paul Lee and Brian Evans, one minute apart from each other. Determined to give everything they had in this match, Ghajnsielem kept trying and were rewarded for their efforts in the 72nd minute as Vincent Cutajar took possession in his own half and went on a run that took him past two opponents. He passed to Loreto Galea, who in turn pushed the ball to Cauchi on the right. Cauchi broke loose of Steve Emery and beat goalkeeper Tommy Hughes with a low shot. Just before the final whistle, home stopper Francis Cauchi denied Lee again with a difficult save.

The next day, Hereford played Hibernians, who had finished second in the Maltese first division, and won 3-1. After two promotions in two years, the trip cementing team spirit and by 1976/77, the Bulls were on the same playing field as Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Southampton.

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