Premier teams avoid each other in second round

There will be no all-Premier League clashes in this month's FA Trophy second round matches.

Yesterday's draw pitted the four Division One teams against opponents from the top flight, giving them little chance of figuring in the quarter-finals next April.

Mosta could entertain different ideas however. In a first round match in November, they surprised Floriana 2-0 and now the Division One strugglers will be looking to continue with their giant-killing act by ousting Msida SJ from the second round.

St Patrick were paired with Pietà Hotspurs and promotion hopefuls Tarxien will test their wits against Marsa.

An interesting tie could be the one involving Division One leaders Mqabba and Valletta. Mqabba also eliminated a Premier League side in the previous round. They beat St George's 5-3 after extra time.

The two fixtures of Sunday, February 18, at the Hibs Ground, will be played in the morning not to clash with the Carnival parade. The February 17 ties are scheduled for the National Stadium.

Second round draw: St Patrick vs Pietà; Tarxien vs Marsa; Valletta vs Mqabba; Mosta vs Msida.