U*BET FA Trophy: Difficult task for last season's finalists

bkara-qormi130202Qormi – finalists in the last two editions of the U*BET FA Trophy – have a difficult task in trying to secure a place in the semi-finals as they take on BOV Premier League leaders Birkirkara in one of the two quarter-finals in programme on Saturday at the Hibernians Stadium.

The Yellow-Blacks will be playing in the Relegation Pool after finishing joint-second from bottom on sixteen points with just four wins and four draws from twenty-two matches. They have gone eight matches without a win. Birkirkara, on the other hand, finished their first phase commitments with fifty-six points thanks to eighteen wins and two draws. However Qormi managed to hold Birkirkara in a 1-1 draw in the first round although the second round clash ended in a 1-1 draw for Paul Zammit’s side.

The Stripes reached this stage after defeating Vittoriosa Stars 4-1 in the third round and First Division side St. Andrews 4-0 in the fourth round. Qormi, on the other hand, beat Gozitan side SK Victoria Wanderers 1-0 in extra-time and Tarxien Rainbows 6-5 on penalties following a goalless draw at the end of extra-time.

The winner will face Sliema Wanderers or Pietà Hotspurs in the semi-finals, scheduled for March 19.

naxxar-valletta130921pzcIn the other quarter-final, Naxxar Lions take on Valletta.

The Citizens will seek revenge after suffering a 1-2 defeat to Naxxar in the BOV Premier League second round after a narrow 1-0 win in the first round. Valletta will be playing in the Championship Pool after finishing second on 53 points thanks to seventeen wins and two draws in twenty-two matches. Naxxar, on the other hand, just missed out on a place in the Championship Pool after finishing seventh on 27 points, one point behind Balzan. They are coming from four consecutive defeats.

Naxxar beat First Division side Gujda United 3-0 in the third round of the U*BET FA Trophy and Floriana 1-0 in the fourth round. The Citizens, on the other hand, beat First Division side Melita 3-1 and Mosta 3-0.

In the semi-finals, the winner will be facing Gzira United or Rabat Ajax.

In these quarter-finals, extra-time will be played if necessary and 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.

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