Six teams chase FA Trophy semi-final spot

The FA Trophy takes centre stage on Friday as six teams chase a place in the semi-finals in three out of the four quarter-finals in programme.

At the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:00, the quarter-final between Pietà Hotspurs and Gzira United will be resumed from the 89th minute after being abandoned on February 23rd due to a hailstorm at the Hibernians Stadium. Therefore should no goal be scored in the dying minutes, the game will go into extra-time.

Gzira finished third in the BOV Premier League while Pietà were relegated after finishing bottom of the table. Following a 1-1 draw in the first round, Gzira defeated Pietà 5-2 in the second.

To reach this stage, the Hotspurs defeated Mdina Knights 4-1 and Zejtun Corinthians 2-0. The Maroons, on the other hand, beat Rabat Ajax 4-0 and Melita 4-2.

In the second match at the National Stadium, kick-off at 20:00, Mosta face Birkirkara.

The Stripes finished their league campaign in a most disappointing seventh place – the worst placing in twenty-five years – after losing five out of the last six matches. Mosta, on the other hand, placed ninth thanks to five positive results in their last five outings. In November, Birkirkara had defeated Mosta 3-0 in the BOV Premier League first round but last month, Mosta registered a 2-1 win.

Mosta eliminated Senglea Athletic in the FA Trophy third round, beating them 3-2 after extra-time and went on to defeat Sliema Wanderers 2-1 in the fourth round. Birkirkara, on the other hand, beat Nadur Youngsters 4-0 and Hamrun Spartans 2-1.

At the Hibernians Stadium, kick-off at 19:00, Tarxien Rainbows take on Balzan.

Balzan finished their league commitments in sixth place and therefore count on winning the FA Trophy should they want to participate once again in the UEFA Europa League for a fifth consecutive year. Tarxien, on the other hand, placed tenth. Balzan defeated Tarxien 3-1 and 2-0 in the two league matches.

Balzan had a comfortable path in the FA Trophy after defeating Qrendi 5-1 and Xewkija Tigers 6-1. Tarxien, on the other hand, eliminated two First Division sides – Vittoriosa Stars 3-0 and Zebbug Rangers 5-0.

The other quarter-final between Hibernians and Valletta will be played at the National Stadium on Wednesday May 8, kick-off at 18:30.

In these quarter-finals, extra-time will be played if necessary and if the result is still draw, penalty-kicks shall be taken.