The FA Trophy, powered by Boost Diesel, takes centre stage this weekend with Saturday’s quarter-finals. Six Premier League clubs and another two from the BOV First Division chase a place in the semi-finals, scheduled for the last weekend of April.
In the first match at the Hibernians Stadium, Qrendi take on Birkirkara. Qrendi are currently eighth in the BOV First Division. They reached this stage after defeating Zurrieq 3-1, Qormi 2-0 and Kercem Ajax 4-3 (after extra-time). The Stripes, on the other hand, moved third in the BOV Premier League following an impressive run of eight successive wins. They defeated Santa Lucia 5-0 and San Gwann 2-1 (after extra-time).
In the second match at the Hibernians Stadium, Lija Athletic and Balzan cross swords in the derby. Thirty seven points separate the two teams in the BOV Premier League as Balzan lead the way with 42 points and Lija lie at the bottom of the table with just five points. However in the first round, Lija gave Balzan a hard time despite the latter’s 4-3 win. Lija defeated Kalkara 4-0 and Tarxien 2-1. Balzan, on the other hand, beat Gudja 4-1 and Naxxar 2-0.
At the National Stadium, Valletta take on Zejtun Corinthians. The Citizens are currently second in the BOV Premier League, one point behind the leaders. Zejtun, on the other hand, are joint-fifth in the BOV First Division. The Corinthians defeated Dingli 5-0, Marsaxlokk 3-0 and Mosta 2-1 in the previous rounds while Valletta eliminated Senglea and Pietà, beating them 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.
In the second match at the National Stadium, Hibernians face Sliema Wanderers. The Paolites are currently fifth in the BOV Premier League six points ahead of the Blues, who reached the FA Trophy final last season. However the Blues defeated Hibs 1-0 in the first round. To reach this stage, Hibs beat Victoria Hotspurs 2-1 and Xewkija Tigers 3-0. The Wanderers, on the other hand, defeated St. Andrews 3-1 and Hamrun 1-0.
In these quarter-finals, extra-time will be played if necessary and if the result is still draw, penalty kicks shall be taken.