Birkirkara have been handed another testing tie in the U*Bet FA Trophy after the fourth round draw, made yesterday at the National Stadium, pitted the Stripes against fellow Premier League side Qormi.

On Saturday, Birkirkara held out for a 1-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows despite playing with 10 men for the last 33 minutes following the dismissal of Joseph Zerafa.

Now, the Stripes are facing another tough obstacle in the shape of Qormi, last season’s beaten finalists who needed extra-time to see off Division Two side Pembroke Athleta in last weekend’s third-round games.

The winner of the Qormi/Birkirkara last 16 encounter will play Balzan or Gżira United in the next round as the quarter-final pairings were also determined yesterday.

While the third round draw had thrown up four all-Premier clashes, Qormi-Birkirkara is the only meeting between sides from the top flight as the other big guns were kept apart.

Nadur Youngsters’ reward for their eye-catching victory over Żejtun Corinthians is a meeting with league champions Valletta.

Interestingly, the winner of this tie will face either Sannat Lions, the other Gozitan team to advance to the fourth round, or Rabat Ajax in the quarter-finals.

Holders Hibs, who eliminated Mosta 2-1, will play Division One side Gudja United and the winner of this tie will be up against Marsaskala or Żebbuġ Rangers in the last eight after the two odd-defying achievers were paired with each other.

Floriana will be positive about their chances of reaching the last four. If the Greens beat Lija Athletic in the fourth round, they will meet the winner of the all-Division One clash between St Andrew’s and Mqabba.

Addressing the media before the draw, Bjorn Vassallo, the Malta FA CEO, said that the surprises emanating from the third round, typified by Żebbuġ Rangers’ extraordinary win over Sliema and the qualification of two Gozitan sides, vindicate the decision to revamp the format of the FA Trophy.

“I believe that the objective of the format change is being attained as the element of surprise has been enhanced,” Vassallo said.

“This is the 75th edition of the FA Trophy and in the first final, Sliema Wanderers beat Floriana 4-0. However, Sliema will not etch their name on the trophy this season after their elimination at the hands of Żebbuġ.

“We believe that the format has increased interest among the supporters of the lower division sides and those from Gozo as well as all of them relish the chance of meeting a team of a certain stature.

“Some of the underdogs have done exceptionally well to advance while other teams from the lower divisions also deserve credit for their performances against more-quoted opponents.

“There is greater enthusiasm surrounding the FA Trophy, especially from the clubs in the lower tiers, and this is a positive feeling because Maltese football is not just about the Premier League.”

Vassallo reiterated his appreciation for Maltco who “were fully behind us when we embarked on this project to create a cup competition for all teams”.

For her part, Iris Camilleri Mifsud, from Maltco, said that her company is willing to explore further incentives to help local football.

4th round draw

1. Balzan vs Gżira
2. Valletta vs Nadur
3. Sannat vs Rabat
4. Marsaskala vs Żebbuġ
5. St Andrew’s vs Mqabba
6. Gudja vs Hibernians
7. Lija vs Floriana
8. Qormi vs Birkirkara

Ties to be played between January 18 and 23.

QF pairings

Winner 1 vs Winner 8
Winner 5 vs Winner 7
Winner 3 vs Winner 2
Winner 6 vs Winner 4

Ties to be played on February 17.

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