U*BET FA Trophy second round takes centre-stage

The second round of the U*BET FA Trophy takes centre-stage this weekend as eight teams seek a place in the quarter-finals of the competition where they will join Birkirkara, Valletta, champions Hibernians and holders Sliema Wanderers.

Saturday’s matches put against each others teams from the Premier League and teams from Division 1. Marsaxlokk take on Hamrun Spartans and St. Patrick face Qormi.

In the first match, BOV First Division leaders Marsaxlokk meet Hamrun.

After being demoted from the Premier League, the Southseasiders seemed to find life quite easy at first. After claiming maximum points from the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out group stage, they eliminated Birkirkara from the National League 100 Anniversary Cup. They won the first four matches in the BOV First Division, they won the first four matches but then dropped nine points in the next six matches after being held in three draws and losing to St. George’s.

Marsaxlokk are coming from a 2-0 win over Melita in their last outing. They lead the table with 21 points from ten matches but second-placed Vittoriosa Stars, who lie one point behind them, have a game in hand.

Hamrun Spartans will be playing in the Relegation Pool after finishing the first phase in eighth place with 21 points from eighteen matches. In their last outing, they came back from two goals down to hold Tarxien Rainbows in a 2-2 draw.

In the first round of the U*BET FA Trophy, Hamrun defeated St. George’s 3-0 while Marsaxlokk beat Pietà Hotspurs 2-0 after extra-time.

In the second game, St. Patrick take on Qormi.

The Saints are currently joint-sixth in the BOV First Division with ten points from ten matches. They are coming from a goalless draw with Pietà Hotspurs in their last outing.

Qormi, on the other hand, will be starting the BOV Premier League just two points behind joint-leaders Valletta and Birkirkara after placing third with 35 points from eighteen matches.

In the first round, St. Patrick defeated Gozitan champions Sannat Lions 2-1 while Qormi beat First Division side Mqabba 3-0.

On Sunday, Balzan Youths take on Dingli Swallows while Floriana face Tarxien Rainbows in the only clash between two Premier League sides.

In these matches, extra-time will be played in necessary. If the result is still draw at the end of extra-time, penalty kicks shall be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game.