The draw for the opening two rounds of the 76th U*Bet FA Trophy, reserved for lower league and Gozitan teams, were held yesterday with the second-round clash between rivals Pietà and Ħamrun being the most interesting pairing of the lot.
The new format introduced in 2011 saw all clubs in the national championships in Malta and Gozo taking part, with those from the Premier League making an entry as from the third round.
The move was deemed a success with a few under-dogs also succeeding in reaching the final stages of the KO tournament.
“We were all surprised to see some lower-ranked teams performing so well in the last two tournaments,” MFA CEO Bjorn Vassallo said.
“That vindicated our deci-sion to revamp the com-petition so we are looking forward to another exciting cup competition next season.
“I would like to thank Maltco Lotteries whose financial support is crucial for the success of the FA Trophy.”
Due to a congested prog-ramme of league matches on Saturdays and Sundays next season, the MFA was forced to shift some ties to week days.
In fact, next season, matches from the third and fourth rounds, as well as all four FA Trophy quarter-finals will be played in midweek.
“Hosting cup matches in midweek is a common feature in other countries across the continent and I’m sure that it will not keep fans away from watching their teams in action in our competition,” Vassallo contended.
Hibs are the holders of the FA Trophy. Last May, they beat Qormi 3-1 in the final.
The draw
Preliminary round (Sept. 1)
Attard vs Qala Saints
First round (Sept. 4-9)
1. Victoria Hotspurs vs Munxar
2. Kerċem vs St Lawrence Spurs
3. Sta Venera vs Xagħra
4. Oratory vs Mtarfa
5. Nadur vs Għaxaq
6. Xgħajra vs SK Victoria Wand.
7. Attard/Qala vs Mġarr United
8. Xewkija vs Kalkara
9. Sirens vs Sannat
10. Swieqi vs Qrendi
11. Sta Luċija vs Luqa
12. Għajnsielem vs Ta’ Xbiex
Second round (Oct. 25-27)
Winner 4 vs winner 1; winner 2 vs winner 11; winner 10 vs Siġġiewi; winner 7 vs St Andrew’s; Senglea vs Kirkop; winner 9 vs Marsa; Żurrieq vs Gżira; Ħamrun vs Pietà; St George’s vs Żabbar SP; Melita vs winner 5; Birżebbuġa vs Msida; Fgura vs Mdina; Żebbuġ vs Dingli; Marsaxlokk vs San Ġwann; winner 3 vs Mqabba; Għargħur vs Mellieħa; winner 12 vs Pembroke; Żejtun vs Gudja; Marsascala vs winner 6; Lija vs winner 8.