Valletta, Birkirkara clash in QFs

Birkirkara and Valletta, the top two teams in the Premier League this season, were drawn to face each other in the quarter-finals of the U*Bet FA Trophy.

Holders Sliema Wanderers open their title defence against Ħamrun Spartans while Hibernians face Qormi in the other all-Premier League tie drawn yesterday. The last quarter-final pits against each other Tarxien Rainbows and Balzan Youths, the only Division One team still in the competition.

The tie between Birkirkara and Valletta steals all the limelight at this stage of the competition, with the two rivals going all out for victory that would keep them on track for a league and cup double.

Valletta and Birkirkara have met twice this season with the Citizens winning the first round meeting 3-1 while the second round match finished in a 1-1 draw.

Sliema, winners of the 2009 FA Trophy after beating Valletta in the final on penalties, have a tricky route to the semi-finals when they face Ħamrun. The Wanderers beat the Spartans 5-1 in the first round of the league but then suffered a surprise 3-0 defeat in the second round.

FA Trophy Quarter-Finals

Ħamrun S. vs Sliema W.
Valletta vs Birkirkara
Hibernians vs Qormi
Tarxien R. vs Balzan Y.

Ties to be played on April 3 and 5.