Action from the tie between St George’s and Ħamrun. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Ħamrun Spartans and Senglea Athletic were among the major scalps picked by underdogs in the FA Trophy second round which involved teams from first, second and third divisions along with those from Gozo.

Twenty teams secured a passage to the third round which sees the entry of the 12 Premier League teams.

The third and fourth round draws are scheduled for the National Stadium, today.

Six-times FA Trophy winners Ħamrun and Senglea are being tipped by many as the leading candidates for promotion to the Premier League this season but their run in the knock-out tournament came to an abrupt end last weekend after bowing out to fellow First Division sides St George’s and Pietà Hotspurs, respectively.

Playing at their own Tedesco Stadium, the Spartans were stunned when Benjamin Ayuba struck the winner for the Saints just before half-time.

The clash between Pietà and Senglea was decided in the final 20 minutes when Christian Grech put the Hotspurs ahead and James Scicluna made it 2-0 soon after.

Terrence Scerri pulled a goal back for Senglea, beaten finalists in 1981, but his effort came too late to save his team.

Meanwhile, First Division league leaders Gżira United experienced no such problems as they crushed Division Three side Sirens 6-0 with Moises Avila Perez netting a double and the other goals coming from Louis Zome, Yanis Tonna, Jonathan Bondin and Simon Shead.

Mqabba won an eight-goal thriller against Victoria Hotspurs 5-3 as Gozitan trio Għajn-sielem, Xewkija Tigers and St Lawrence Spurs survived this round.

Għajnsielem needed extra-time to beat Dingli Swallows 2-1 while Xewkija eased past Marsa 4-2. St Lawrence beat SK Victoria Wanderers 4-2 in an all-Gozitan clash.

Meanwhile, Sta Venera Lightnings are the only Division Three side still in the competition after they came from behind to upset Birżebbuġa St Peter’s 2-1.

Andrea Cutajar put the seasiders ahead in the first half but goals from Dylan Mercieca (59) and Ryan Cauchi (78) ensured Sta Venera progressed to the next round.