U*BET FA Trophy: Kirkop shock Naxxar — Senglea, Msida and Pembroke through to third round

Second Division sides Kirkop United, Senglea Athletic and Msida St. Joseph and Third Division leaders Pembroke Athleta made it to the third round of the U*BET FA Trophy in the second round matches which were played on Sunday.

The wins for Kirkop and Pembroke could be considered as surprise results as they defeated teams from higher divisions.

At the Centenary Stadium, Second Division side Kirkop United managed to beat Naxxar Lions from Division 1 3-1. Rumen Kerekov scored twice with Ivan Stankovic hitting the other. Darren Falzon scored for Naxxar.

In another match, Senglea reached the third round after defeating fellow Second Division side Zebbug Rangers 6-0.

John Ronald Emeka notched a hat-trick for Senglea with the other goals being scored by Brady Zerafa, Glenn Brincat and Royter Degorgio.

At the Luxol Stadium, Msida beat Third Division side Fgura United 3-2.

Ryan Xuereb and a brace by Martyn Curtis did the job for the Saints. Ricardo Severino Goncalves and Robert Adami scored Fgura’s two goals.

On the other hand, Third Division side Pembroke Athleta defeated Gudja United from Division 2 2-1 after extra-time.

Carlo Leonardi and Lydon Cilia scored for Pembroke, William Camenzuli for Gudja.

The teams which make it to the third round are therefore:
Lija Athletic, Vittoriosa Stars, St. Patrick, Dingli Swallows, St. George’s, Pietà Hotspurs, Zejtun Corinthians, Rabat Ajax from Division 1;
Senglea Athletic, Msida St. Joseph, San Gwann, Gzira United, Siggiewi, Gharghur, Mellieha, Luqa St. Andrew’s and Kirkop United from Division 2;
Pembroke Athleta from Division 3;
Victoria Hotspurs and Xewkija Tigers from Gozo.

They will be joined by the twelve Premier League clubs.

The draws for the third round which will be played on December 16, 17 and 18 will be held next Tuesday.