FA Trophy fourth round takes centre stage this weekend

The FA Trophy, powered by Boost Diesel, takes centre stage this weekend with matches from the fourth round of the competition scheduled between Friday and Sunday.

Ten teams from the BOV Premier League are joined with First Division sides Pieta Hotspurs, Qrendi, San Gwann and Zejtun Corinthians and Gozitan duo Kercem Ajax and Xewkija Tigers.

On Friday, Birkirkara take on San Gwann at the Centenary Stadium. The Stripes beat Santa Lucia 5-0 in the third round while San Gwann defeated St. George’s 2-0 and Melita 3-0 after extra-time in the previous rounds.

In the first match at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday, Tarxien Rainbows take on Lija Athletic. Both teams defeated teams from Division 2 in the third round as the Rainbows defeated Swieqi United 3-0 while Lija beat Kalkara 4-0.

In the second match, Balzan take on Naxxar Lions. The BOV Premier League leaders registered a 4-1 win over Gudja United in the previous round with Naxxar shocking holders Floriana, beating them 3-1 after extra-time.

In the first match at the Hibernians Stadium, Mosta take on Zejtun Corinthians. Mosta beat Mqabba 2-1 while Zejtun defeated Dingli Swallows 5-0 and Marsaxlokk 3-0 in the previous rounds.

In the second match, Hamrun Spartans take on Sliema Wanderers. The Spartans eliminated Gzira United after beating them 1-0 after extra-time while the Wanderers defeated St. Andrews 3-1.

At the Kercem Ajax Stadium, Kercem Ajax host Qrendi. Kercem defeated Oratory Youths on penalties following a 4-4 draw, Attard 2-0 after extra-time and Zebbug Rangers 5-1. Qrendi, on the other hand, beat Zurrieq 3-1 and Qormi 2-0

In the first match at the National Stadium on Sunday, Hibernians face Xewkija Tigers. The Paolites defeated another Gozitan side – Victoria Hotspurs, beating them 3-1.  Xewkija, on the other hand, entered the competition in the Preliminary Round, defeating Marsaskala 4-1, SK Victoria Wanderers 4-1, Xghajra Tornados 5-2 and Vittoriosa Stars 4-0.

In the second match, Pietà Hotspurs face Valletta. The Hotspurs managed to beat Pembroke Athleta 3-1 and Siggiewi 3-2 after extra-time. On the other hand, Valletta beat Senglea Athletic 2-0.