U*BET FA Trophy: Qormi target third consecutive final

sliema-qormi131005Qormi will be aiming to reach the third consecutive final of the U*BET FA Trophy as they take on Sliema Wanderers in one of the two semi-finals which will be played on Wednesday.

Losing finalists to Hibernians in the last two editions of the competition, Qormi hope to be third time lucky by first eliminating the Wanderers. In the third round, Qormi beat SK Victoria Wanderers 1-0 after extra-time, defeated Tarxien Rainbows on penalties in the fourth round and eliminated champions Birkirkara with a 3-1 score in the quarter-finals.

The Wanderers, winners of the competition twenty times, defeated Zebbug Rangers 3-1, Balzan on penalties and Pietà Hotspurs 2-0.

Sliema are currently fourth in the Championship Pool while Qormi are third in the Relegation Pool. The Blues defeated Qormi 4-0 and 3-1 in the BOV Premier League first phase.

Meanwhile in the first semi-final, Valletta take on First Division side Gzira United.

The Citizens, winners of the FA Trophy twelve times, defeated Melita 3-1, Mosta 3-0 and Naxxar Lions 1-0. They are currently second in the BOV Premier League just two points behind leaders Birkirkara.

To reach this stage, Gzira United, who had won the FA Trophy in 1973, beat Zurrieq 5-1, Pembroke Athleta 1-0, St. George’s 2-1 and Rabat Ajax 2-1. They are currently sixth in the BOV First Division.

In these semi-finals, extra-time will be played if necessary and if the result is still draw at the end of extra-time, penalty kicks will be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

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