SLIEMA WANDERERS-1, BIRKIRKARA-0
Sliema Wanderers will contest the final of the FA Trophy after beating Birkirkara 1-0 in the first semi-final this evening.
On the back of their recent performances, Birkirkara were regarded as favourites to advance and keep their FA Trophy defence bid alive but they were overwhelmed by a disciplined Sliema Wanderers side who won thanks to Denni's goal before half-time.
Sliema, now eyeing a record-extending 21st FA Trophy title, will meet the winner of the second semi-final between Balzan and Pembroke Athleta.
The first half failed to live up to expectations as scoring chances were few and far between.
Birkirkara had the better of the early exchanges but Sliema improved as the first half moved on.
Gary Muir's free-kick for the Blues was wide and Marko Potezica miscued his shot around the 16th minute mark.
Birkirkara were finding it hard to break down Sliema's solid rearguard while in midfield, the likes of Gareth Sciberras and Mislav Andelkovic struggled to make their mark.
Ryan Camenzuli was wide from the distance for Birkirkara but, on the stroke of half-time, Sliema scored. Mark Scerri ran into the box after exchanging passes with Jean Paul Farrugia before teeing up Denni who drilled the ball home.
Ryan Darmanin came on for Kurt Zammit at the start of the second half as Birkirkara coach Drazen Besek sought to boost his attack.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Birkirkara threatened as Sliema goalkeeper Entonjo Elezaj could only deflect Goran Mujanovic in to the path of Cain Attard whose effort was cleared away by Peter Xuereb.
Elezaj then saved a Darmanin drive.
A poor pass from Farrugia after Sliema had cleared a Camenzuli corner presented Mujanovic with a shooting opportunity but his drive whistled past the near post.
Njongo Priso came on for Denni who was stretchered off.
Sliema were dealt another setback when Muir was sent off after getting his second booking for a late tackle on Temile.
Despite their numerical advantage, Birkirkara failed to capitalise as Sliema defended well to hold on to their lead and book their place in the final.