Holders Hibs to face Valletta in semi-finals

The draw of the FA Trophy semi-finals was held yesterday with holders Hibernians drawn to face Valletta while Sliema Wanderers will take on Msida St Joseph next month.

Hibernians, winners of the 2006 competition, have a tough task in their hands as they face a Valletta team who will be fancying their chances of going all the way this season after eliminating Premier League leaders Marsaxlokk in a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals.

However, the Paolites, who cruised to the semi-finals after a comfortable 4-0 win over Marsa, can bank on a good record against the Citizens this season. They are unbeaten from their three league meetings, winning the first two 3-1 and 2-1 with their Championship Pool match ending in a 2-2 draw.

With the FA Trophy representing the best chance of reaching European football next season for Valletta and Hibernians, their semi-final meeting, scheduled for May 18, will have a huge bearing on their hopes playing in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup.

The second semi-final, pencilled for Sunday, May 20, will pit against each other Sliema Wanderers and Msida St Joseph.

While the Wanderers are bidding to win the competition for a record 20th time, Msida will be looking to secure their second final appearance in three years.

Sliema start as firm favourites to reach their 37th FA Trophy final. Looking at their results against Msida this season, the Wanderers hold a clear edge as after drawing their first meeting 1-1, they won their next three matches 3-0, 1-0 and 3-2.

Also yesterday, the semi-final draw of the First Division knock-out was held.

Mosta were drawn to face Senglea Athletic while St Patrick take on Tarxien Rainbows.

These matches will be played in the weekend of May 18 and 20.

Intertoto Cup

The Maltese team in this year's Intertoto Cup will be facing a side from Slovenia in the opening round. The local side, still to be named, play at home on June 23/24 before the return leg a week later.

A team from Serbia awaits the winner in the next round (July 7/8 and 14/15).