U*BET FA Trophy: Hamrun, Valletta target place in final

The rivals of the eighties and early nineties – Hamrun Spartans and Valletta – will be in search of a place in the final of the U*BET FA Trophy as the two teams cross swords in the first semi-final at the National Stadium on Monday, kick-off at 19:30.

After missing out on the title, finishing in the runner-up position, just one point behind BOV Premier League champions Birkirkara, Valletta will be all out to make up for this disappointment by winning the FA Trophy. The Citizens received a bye in the first two rounds, beating Birkirkara 3-1 in the quarter-finals.

The Spartans, on the other hand, finished second in the Relegation Pool and have now set their sights on ending the season on a high by reaching the second FA Trophy final in three years. In the previous rounds, Hamrun Spartans defeated two First Division teams – St. George’s 3-0 and Marsaxlokk 1-0, going on to beat Sliema Wanderers 5-2 in the quarter-finals.

In the first phase of the Premier League, Valletta defeated Hamrun twice. After winning by the odd goal in five in the first round, the second round clash ended in a comfortable 4-0 win.

Valletta will be unable to field their best formation due to the absence of the suspended Gilbert Agius and Edmond Agius and Jamie Pace who is ruled out injured. Hamrun striker Ian Zammit, who is on loan with the club from Valletta, is also ruled out as he serves a one-match ban.