U*BET FA Trophy: Holders Valletta drawn with Hibernians

Holders Valletta were drawn with Hibernians in the quarter-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy. The draws were held on Monday at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali.

Sliema Wanderers will be facing Birkirkara; Qormi meet Floriana while Tarxien Rainbows take on Vittoriosa Stars.

These matches will be played as follows:
Saturday 19th March 2011
14:00 Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara
16:00 Valletta vs Hibernians

Sunday 20th March 2011
14:00 Tarxien Rainbows vs Vittoriosa Stars
16:00 Qormi vs Floriana

All matches will be played at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali

MFA Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Vassallo said that FA Trophy has always attracted large interest from fans. He said the fact that with the new format all clubs, including Gozitan clubs will be involved, the FA Trophy should attract even more interest. Therefore as from September, the competition will be moving to another level with the possiblity of smaller clubs advancing to the latter rounds of the FA Trophy.

Vassallo said the association is currently in discussions with Maltco Lotteries as the current agreement comes to an end this season. Maltco Lotteries were the sponsors of MFA knock-out competitions for the past six years through U*BET and Quick-Keno.

Maltco Lotteries Managing Director Mario Cassar said the company considers the MFA as a partner and not only as an organisation to which it bound by a contract. He said that the discussions between the two parties are showing that together they can look ahead to future projects.

Qormi vs Floriana
Finalists Qormi were awarded a bye. On the other hand, Floriana beat Lija Athletic 3-0 in the first round and Mosta 1-0 after extra-time in the second.

Floriana beat Qormi twice this season in the BOV Premier League first phase – 1-0 and 4-3.

Tarxien vs Vittoriosa
The Rainbows beat Balzan Youths 3-1 in the first round and Hamrun Spartans 3-2 after extra-time in the second. In the first round, Vittoriosa defeated Gozitan champions Victoria Hotspurs 4-2 and then Marsaxlokk 3-0 in the second round.

Tarxien defeated Vittoriosa twice this season. In both matches, the Rainbows won 1-0.

Sliema vs Birkirkara
Sliema and Birkirkara were both awarded a bye after finishing third and champions respectively. The two teams met three times this season. In the Euro Cup, Sliema beat Birkirkara 3-1. In the Premier League, Birkirkara beat Sliema 4-1 while the second round clash ended in a 2-2 draw.

Valletta vs Hibernians
Valletta were awarded a bye. Hibernians, on the other hand, beat Pietà Hotspurs 4-0 and St. Andrews 3-2 to reach this stage.

The first round clash ended in a 2-2 draw. Valletta won 2-0 in the second round.

Photos: Copyright © domenic aquilina/MFA