Hibs, Sliema seek respite from league failures

For this season's underachievers, the FA Trophy represents their only path to redemption. The likes of Hibernians, FA Trophy winners for the past two seasons, and Sliema Wanderers, are certainly on the same wavelength in that both have failed to live up to their tag as serious title candidates, especially the Paolites whose predicament has been compounded by their descent into the Relegation Pool.

These two slumbering giants, who incidentally met in last season's FA Trophy final, are hellbent on going all the way but the road ahead is fraught with hurdles, starting with this weekend's quarter-final ties.

Having been awarded a bye in the first two rounds of the FA Trophy thanks to their success last season, Hibs launch the defence of their title with a daunting clash against Valletta, the Premier League leaders, this afternoon at 5.

Sliema must contend with Old Firm rivals Floriana tomorrow. Hamrun Spartans have the easiest match, on paper at least, as they take on Dingli Swallows, the only Division One team left in the competition, while Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara complete the quarter-final schedule tomorrow.

Hibs coach Robert Gatt is undeterred by the prospect of facing Valletta. "Success in the FA Trophy is a must if we are to save our season," Gatt told The Times. "When it comes to cup ties, past form usually counts for nothing as much depends on the teams' performances on the day.

"Valletta are the most in-form team in the Premier League and they will be tough opponents but I believe we can hold our own against them."

Gatt is expected to recall the big guns, the likes of goalkeeper Mario Muscat, Andrew Cohen and Pablo Doffo, who were rested for last weekend's 4-2 win over Mqabba. Ben Camilleri is struggling to shake off the injury that kept him out of Sunday's league match and Edmond Agius is doubtful.

Four points clear at the top of the Premier League with only five matches left, Valletta are on a high.

With their title bid on track, the Citizens will be aware that a victory today would strengthen their chances of winning a league and cup double but coach Paul Zammit urged caution.

"This is another competition, one that every club in Malta would love to win," Zammit said. "As far as we're concerned, we want to win and extend our positive run but it's not going to be easy. Hibs can make life difficult to any team."

Nigerian Frank Temile is poised to make a return for the Citizens after missing the victory over Marsaxlokk due to suspension. Valletta breezed through the first two rounds of the FA Trophy after victories over Division One sides St Patrick (4-0) and Tarxien Rainbows (5-0).

Valletta and Hibs faced each other twice in the league this season, both matches ending in a draw.

Spartans favourites

The quarter-final draw will have increased the Spartans' optimism of a crack at KO glory as they came up against Dingli. Yet, the Spartans know that surprises are synonymous with KO competitions and Dingli, who have several experienced players like Jeremy Agius, Mark Galea and Fabio Cauchi in their ranks, will surely do their best to cause an upset.

The Spartans' hopes are boosted by the return from injury of midfielder Rupert Mangion. Stefan Sultana is out for two weeks and Evano Briffa is still recovering from a long-term injury.

After beating Mosta 2-0 in the first round, Hamrun edged Pietà 1-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Dingli hammered Marsa 7-0 in their opening match and scraped through to the last eight with a 1-0 win over Premier League strugglers Mqabba.

The quarter-final between rivals Sliema and Floriana is the second meeting between these two teams in eight days. Last week, Floriana beat Sliema 2-0 to maintain their unbeaten record over their rivals this season.

With Sliema out of contention for the title, coach Stephen Azzopardi opted to reshuffle his team for last Saturday's match but he's expected to pin his hopes on his most experienced personnel for tomorrow's quarter-final.

Defender Ian Ciantar is sidelined with a hamstring strain for Sliema.

"All the players who are fit and available will be considered for selection for this match," Azzopardi said.

"Success in the FA Trophy is always a target for Sliema, let alone now that we are out of the title hunt."

Like Sliema, Floriana have fallen by the wayside in the title race but their goal this season was to make the top six. Nevertheless, the Greens are expected to give their all in a bid to end their long wait for a major honour.

Their 2-0 success over Sliema last weekend gave them a psychological tonic but coach Danilo Doncic said tomorrow's KO tie is an entirely different proposition.

"This is a new match and a different competition," Doncic said. "It's hard to beat any side twice in a week, never mind a team of Sliema's calibre. That said, I believe that we can do it if the players show 100 per cent commitment."

It remains to be seen if Doncic will keep faith with the youngsters who helped Floriana to their 2-0 win over Sliema or recall established players like Christian Cassar and Mano Micallef.

In goal, Juergen Micallef is certain to keep his place as Simon Agius is suspended after his red card in the 3-2 victory over Senglea in the second round. Defender Darko Krsteski is also out of the equation as he was also sent off against Senglea. In the first round, Floriana were 7-1 winners over Mellieha. Sliema were not involved in the opening two rounds.

Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk, two teams who still harbour hopes of overhauling Valletta for the Premier League title, face off in the final quarter-final tomorrow (5 p.m.).

Birkirkara, unbeaten in their last six matches, must make do without Adrian Ciantar who pulled a thigh muscle on the eve of his side's 4-0 rout of Hamrun last weekend.

Injuries have stretched the resources at the disposal of Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot and Peter Hartshorne, his right-hand man. Julio Alcorse (hamstring) and Cleaven Frendo (ankle) are out of the frame while Gareth Sciberras is ruled out for the rest of the season with an eye injury. Defender Charlò Magro will miss tomorrow's quarter-final as he is abroad.

Birkirkara have beaten Marsaxlokk twice this season, 2-0 in the first round and 2-1 in the Championship Pool while the Blues prevailed in the second round encounter, 3-1.