Valletta vs Birkirkara grabs the limelight

Two of the erstwhile seeded teams, fiery rivals and potential challengers for FA Trophy glory will go head-to-head in the quarter-finals of this season's Knock-Out competition.

Valletta and Birkirkara, the holders, were the first two names to emerge from yesterday's quarter-final draw, broadcast live on the Malta FA's TV programme on Smash.

This meant that these clubs, involved in many an epic clash over the last decade, will face each other for a berth in the semi-finals.

With eight Premier League teams in the draw, the other three ties also promise to be intriguing affairs.

Hibernians, currently fourth in the league, were drawn against Hamrun Spartans, Marsaxlokk were paired with Sliema Wanderers and Msida St Joseph, losing finalists last year, face Floriana. The ties will be played at the National Stadium on the weekend of April 8 and 9.

The duel between 11-times winners Valletta and Birkirkara grabbed most of the limelight yesterday.

Premier League leaders Bir-kirkara, FA Trophy winners on three occasions, had the better of Valletta twice this season, winning 4-2 and 2-0, but their last meeting in the Championship Pool ended goalless, a result which highlighted the Citizens' improving performances in the second phase of the league trek.

Sliema and Marsaxlokk, currently second and third respectively in the league, are unlikely to have been pleased with the draw.

The record in head-to-head clashes this season is even as either side bagged one victory each by the same 2-1 scoreline with the other meeting ending goalless.

Marsaxlokk swatted aside Lija Athletic (3-0) and Marsa (2-0) on their way to reaching the last eight while Sliema, the most successful club in FA Trophy history with 19 triumphs, were one of the seeded teams.

Hibs and Hamrun, the latter through to the last eight after seeing off first division opposition from St George's (2-1) and St Patrick (3-2), have met twice this season.

The Paolites enjoy the upperhand after first phase victories of 1-0 and 2-0. Both clubs have won the FA Trophy six times in their history.

The encounter between Floriana, who disposed of Tarxien (3-1) and Senglea Athletic (4-0) on their way to the quarter-finals, and Msida, who overcame Mqabba (3-0) and San Gwann (2-1 aet), has the look of a balanced tie as these two teams were among the main contenders for a Championship Pool place.

That target was reached by Msida who are now sixth in the six-team Championship Pool whereas Floriana are leading a tight Relegation Pool.

Msida defeated Floriana 4-2 in the first round but their last meeting ended goalless. Floriana have won the FA Trophy 18 times.

The Quarter-Finals

Valletta vs Birkirkara
Hibernians vs Hamrun Spartans
Marsaxlokk vs Sliema Wanderers
Floriana vs Msida St Joseph

Note: Ties to be played on weekend April 8 and 9.

DIV. II/III KO semi-finals

Zebbug Rangers vs Qormi
Gzira United vs Pembroke

Note: Ties to be played on April 15.