Valletta seek double as they take on Sliema in U*BET FA Trophy final

valletta-sliema131006Champions Valletta seek their first double since 2001 as they take on Sliema Wanderers in the final of the U*BET FA Trophy on Thursday, kick-off at 17:00.

The Citizens claimed the BOV Premier League title after defeating Birkirkara 2-0 in a decisive clash on Saturday and further success in the U*BET FA Trophy would be the cherry on the cake. Valletta won the U*BET FA Trophy twelve times – the last being in 2010 when they beat Qormi 2-1.

Sliema had an overall disappointing Premier League campaign as they finished fifth although they still managed to secure a place in the UEFA Europa League no matter if they win or lose on Thursday since Valletta will be playing in the UEFA Champions League. Five years ago, the Wanderers set a new record of twenty FA Trophy wins as they beat Valletta 4-3 on penalties following a 3-3 draw at the end of extra-time. That was the last cup won by the Blues and therefore they hope to end this drought with a win over Valletta.

To reach the final, Sliema beat Zebbug Rangers 3-1, Balzan 9-8 on penalties, Pietà Hotspurs 2-0 and Qormi 1-0. Valletta, on the other hand, defeated Melita 3-1, Mosta 3-0, Naxxar Lions 1-0 and Gzira United 2-0.

In league matches, Valletta defeated Sliema twice this season – 3-0 and 2-0 with the second and third round clashes ending in two draws 0-0 and 1-1.

John Mintoff is ruled out for Sliema after being sent off in the semi-final against Qormi. Valletta, on the other hand, could not count on Steve Borg and Abdelkarim Nafti after both were suspended after the final league game.

Photo: Copyright © www.stephengatt.com