Sannat paired with St Patrick in first round

U*Bet FA Trophy newcomers Sannat Lions were paired with Division One side St Patrick as the draws of the opening rounds of the knock-out competition were held yesterday.

This season, the first phase of the competition sees the participation of 17 teams as for the first time the Gozo FA champions were included in the draw.

Sannat's entry required an extra preliminary round which this year will be contested by two Division One teams, Vittoriosa Stars and Melita AFC later on this month. The winners of this match will play against Premier League side Dingli Swallows in the first round.

The eight first-round matches pitted together the six top-flight teams against Division One opposition.

Floriana, who won the competition 18 times, were drawn to face a San Ġwann team coached by former Greens player Joe Brincat.

Ħamrun Spartans will play St George's and Msida St Joseph take on Balzan Youths.

The other two Premier League teams in the draw, Qormi and Tarxien Rainbows, will face Mqabba and Mosta respectively.

Marsaxlokk, will play against fellow Division One side Pietà Hotspurs.

Holders Sliema Wanderers will enter the competition in the quarter-finals stage along with Valletta, Birkirkara and Hibernians.

The first round matches will be played on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

Preliminary round: Vittoriosa Stars vs Melita.

First round: Msida vs Balzan; Winner preliminary round match vs Dingli; Ħamrun Spartans vs St George's; Mqabba vs Qormi; Floriana vs San Ġwann; Mosta vs Tarxien; Sannat vs St Patrick; Marsaxlokk vs Pietà Hotspurs.