Birkirkara face another tough hurdle in their quest to retain the FA Trophy after being drawn against Floriana in the quarter-finals of the Knock-Out competition.
The clash between two teams currently occupying a top-five position in the Premier League is the stand-out fixture of the quarter-finals, to be played on April 19-20. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 7-8 while the final is set for May 14.
In the other quarter-finals, Balzan take on fellow Premier League side Tarxien Rainbows, Sliema Wanderers meet neighbours St Andrew’s and Pembroke Athleta face Division One side Pietà Hotspurs, the only team outside the top flight to make it through to the last eight.
The absence of heavyweights Valletta and Hibs loomed large over yesterday’s draw as their early exit has lifted the optimism of the remaining eight teams, especially the less-quoted ones, of going all the way in the cup competition.
On paper, the Stripes are one of the favourites to lift the FA Trophy but the holders must do it the hard way as, after knocking out rivals Valletta in the fourth round, they must overcome the resurgent Greens.
The draw pitted Birkirkara and Floriana against each other only three days after they figured in a goalless stalemate for the second time in the championship.
The Balzan-Tarxien tie also promises to be a hard-fought affair as both teams are enjoying a very positive season.
Balzan will be wary of Tarxien’s threat after suffering a 3-0 defeat in their second round league meeting while the first-round clash ended goalless.
Sliema will be optimistic about their prospects of reaching the semi-finals but St Andrew’s will also fancy their chances after bringing in a host of reinforcements during the January transfer window.
The Blues have emerged victorious from their two league matches against St Andrew’s this season.
Pembroke, who are punching above their weight in their maiden season in the top flight, had good reason to be delighted after being paired with Pietà but, as Bjorn Vassallo, the Malta FA general secretary, pointed out in his opening address, the FA Trophy has thrown up a lot of surprises this season.
“The element of surprise has defined this season’s competition,” Vassallo said.
“Two teams that everyone expected to reach the quarter-finals have been eliminated… Hibernians and Valletta.
“The last time Hibs were knocked out before the quarter-final stage of the FA Trophy was in season 1991-92 whereas Valletta had not missed out on a place in the last eight since 1989-90.
“That season, Birkirkara were awarded a walkover as Valletta had been suspended for crowd trouble.”
Rodney Pisani, the MFA deputy general secretary, added that the last seven finals have been contested by either Hibs or Valletta.
The FA Trophy is still without a title sponsor but Vassallo said the MFA are in talks with local companies who are interested in backing the competition from next season.
Quarter-finals
Balzan vs Tarxien
Sliema vs St Andrew’s
Pembroke vs Pietà Hotspurs
Birkirkara vs Floriana
Matches to be played on April 19-20.