Sliema and Valletta clash in fourth round

Valletta have been handed a very tough route to the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy after being paired with fellow Premier League side Sliema Wanderers yesterday.

The clash between Valletta and Sliema is the stand-out tie of the fourth round after the draw was made at the Centenary Hall, yesterday.

Holders Floriana will face Balzan Youths while Birkirkara take on Ħamrun Spartans in the third all-Premier League encounter of the fourth round.

Between them, Valletta and Sliema Wanderers have won the FA Trophy 32 times with the Wanderers heading the all-time winners’ list with 20 triumphs.

After losing 1-0 to rivals Floriana in last year’s final, Valletta are determined to atone for that upset by going all the way in the KO this season but they face a side, led by former City striker Danilo Doncic, who have earned a reputation as one of the toughest opponents in the top division.

Valletta eased past Division One side St Patrick (2-0) in the previous round while the Wanderers overcame Mqabba 4-2.

Floriana, 6-1 winners over Luqa St Andrew’s in the third round, have also been handed a tricky draw as Balzan Youths have been the revelation of the Premier League so far this season.

Balzan edged out Żejtun Corinthians 2-1 in the last round.

The meeting between Birkirkara and Ħamrun Spartans is a repeat of the 2008 final, won 2-1 by the Stripes. Birkirkara trounced Vittoriosa Stars 4-0 while Ħamrun beat Dingli Swallows 3-1.

Hibernians, 5-3 winners over Pembroke, will meet Division One side Rabat Ajax who beat Kirkop 3-0 in the previous round.

After claiming the scalp of Premier League side Tarxien Rainbows, Pieta Hotspurs will be fancying their chances of advancing further after being pitted against Marsaxlokk.

The other two Premier League teams, Qormi and Mosta, have been drawn against Mellieħa, the only Division Two team left in the draw, and Xewkija Tigers, the sole GFA survivors, respectively.

St George’s will face Lija in an all-Division One tie of the fourth round.

The draw
Marsaxlokk vs Pieta Hotspurs
Mosta vs Xewkija Tigers
Mellieħa vs Qormi
Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta
St George’s vs Lija Athletic
Birkirkara vs Ħamrun Spartans
Rabat Ajax vs Hibernians
Balzan Youths vs Floriana

Note: Ties to be played on weekend of January 21-22.