ST ANDREWS                                 1                     

Atkinson 46

SLIEMA WANDERERERS                3

Milinceanu 49

Temile 82

Jefferson 90

Sliema Wanderers, 21-time winners of the FA Trophy, started their Cup quest in a familiar groove after eliminating fellow Premier League side St Andrews 3-1, to claim a fourth-round berth against either Gżira United or Ħamrun Spartans who will cross swords on Sunday afternoon. 

It was the Saints who broke the duck in the early stages of the second half.

Aidan Friggieri took charge of a well-engineered counter-attack before dropping the ball onto Kevaun Atkinson’s feet. The latter dribbled past an opponent before drilling the ball beneath Glenn Zammit’s legs.

The goal looked to been a wake-up call for the Blues as three minutes later, Moldova international Nikoale Milinceanu headed home from a corner to restore parity and put last year’s beaten finalists back into contention.

Late in the game, Jefferson sealed the win when with only the goalkeeper to beat, he concluded with composure to extend Sliema’s life in this tournament.

 

HIBERNIANS               2

VICTORIA HOTSPURS 1

Ten-man Hibernians booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Trophy after a laboured victory over Victoria Hotspurs.

An early own goal by Victoria skipper Ferdinando Apap put Hibs in cruise control and their place in the next round seemed just a formality after the opening 45 minutes.

In fact, Jackson Lima’s inswinging corner was deflected in by defender Apap for an own goal.

Just before the break, Hibs suffered a blow as Brazilian striker Jorge Elias was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Elton Da Silva.

The Hotspurs made the most of their numerical advantage as gradually they came more into the picture and even managed to level the score past the hour mark.

Hibs goalkeeper Rudy Briffa moved off his line to cut Henrique Maciel down just outside the box.

Referee Glen Tonna only showed him a yellow card but there was no reprieve from the ensuing free-kick as Elton’s fiercely struck free-kick gave the Hibernians goalkeeper no chance.

But Hibs showed remarkable resilience as ten minutes from time Johann Bezzina fired home the winner to put the Paolites into the next round.

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