Another four teams seek place in U*BET FA Trophy semi-finals

One First Division club – Balzan Youths is among four teams seeking a place in the semi-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy as the remaining quarter-finals will be played on Monday at the National Stadium. Tarxien Rainbows take on Balzan Youths and Hibernians face Qormi.

The two teams who qualify from these quarter-finals will join Hamrun Spartans and last year’s finalists, Valletta, in the semi-finals.

In the first match, Tarxien Rainbows face Balzan Youths.

The Rainbows are currently joint-fifth in the Championship Pool, on level points with Hibernians. They reached this stage after beating First Division side Mosta 5-1 and Floriana 4-1 after extra-time.

Balzan, who are currently second in the BOV First Division, were the only team from Division 1 to survive the first two rounds of the competition. They defeated two Premier League sides – Msida St. Joseph 5-0 and Dingli Swallows 2-1 after extra-time.

Steve Sadowski is ruled out for the Rainbows as he serves a one-match ban.

Meanwhile the last quarter-final puts against each other Hibernians and Qormi.

The Paolites were one of four teams to be awarded a bye in the first two rounds. On the other hand, Qormi made it to the quarter-finals after beating Mqabba 3-0 and St. Patrick 5-1, both from Division 1.

Hibs and Qormi met four times so far. Following a 3-1 win for Qormi in the Premier League first round, Hibs beat Qormi on penalties in the National League 100 Anniversary Cup third round. The two teams shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw in the Premier League second round while in the third round, Hibs won 1-0.

Ironically the two teams will be facing each other once again in a Championship Pool match next Sunday.

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

The semi-finals are scheduled for May 17 and 18 while the final will be played on May 23.