U*Bet FA Trophy holders Hibernians were handed a comfortable start to their title defence when they were drawn against Division Two side Senglea Athletic as the draws of the third and fourth round of the knock-out competition were held yesterday at Ta’ Qali.
Should the Paolites overcome the challenge of Senglea they will be facing the winner of the third round tie between Pietà Hotspurs and Mqabba.
Champions Birkirkara will feature in the only all-Premier League tie of the round when they were pitted against Vittoriosa Stars while Sliema Wanderers were handed a tricky draw when they were drawn against Żebbuġ Rangers, the team that eliminated them from the competition last season.
Valletta will play Division One side Melita while Floriana were drawn against Gozitan side Victoria Hotspurs.
Matches from the the third round will be played between Nov. 22 and 27 while the fourth round is scheduled for Jan.18 and 22.
Third round draw
1. Birkirkara vs Vittoriosa Stars
2. Mellieħa vs Tarxien Rainbows
3. Sliema Wanderers vs Żebbuġ Rangers
4. Melita vs Valletta
5. Hibernians vs Senglea
6. Lija vs Mosta
7. Birżebbuġa vs Balzan
8. St Andrew’s vs San Ġwann
9. Floriana vs Victoria Hots.
10. Pembroke vs Gżira
11. Siġġiewi vs St George’s
12. Naxxar Lions vs Gudja
13. Pietà vs Mqabba
14. Qormi vs SK Victoria Wanderers
15. Mdina Knights vs Kercem
16. Sirens vs Rabat Ajax
Fourth round
Winner match 8 vs winner match 1
Winner match 15 vs winner match 16
Winner match 5 vs winner match 13
Winner match 10 vs winner match 11
Winner match 9 vs winner match 12
Winner match 14 vs winner match 2
Winner match 3 vs winner match 7
Winner match 4 vs winner match 6