Valletta were drawn to face old rivals Ħamrun Spartans in the semi-finals of the U*Bet FA Trophy as the draws of the knock-out competition were held yesterday.

The winner of this match will face either Qormi or Tarxien Rainbows, who meet in the second semi-final. The final is scheduled for Sunday, May 23 at the National Stadium.

The tie between Valletta and Ħamrun Spartans will be played on Monday, May 17. This match is set to revive memories of the keen rivalry that existed between these two clubs as they contended most of the major honours in the 1980s and early 90s.

Since then the Spartans have failed to remain among the leading teams in the country but this season they retained their status in the Premier League and eliminated Sliema Wanderers in the Trophy quarter-finals after an impressive 5-2 win.

Valletta, who beat Birkirkara 3-1 in the last eight, will want to make up for the league upset by winning the competition and complete a cup double after winning the Anniversary Cup last month.

In the two league meetings played this season, the Citizens came out on top twice, winning the first round match 3-2 and also prevailed in the second round 4-0.

The semi-final between Qormi and Tarxien Rainbows, which will be played on Tuesday, May 18, looks to be more balanced than the other. Both will be vying for a place in the final, and perhaps, clinch their first major honour in club history.

The Yellows, who reached the last four after ousting Mqabba, St Patrick and Hibernians, have been among the positive aspects of the season and are harbouring hopes of ending the campaign on a high after completing the Championship Pool in joint-third place following a series of positive results.

Tarxien ousted Mosta, Floriana and Balzan in previous rounds. Like Qormi, the Rainbows also had a positive run in the Championship Pool and finished fifth ahead of neighbouring rivals Hibernians.

The Qormi-Tarxien head-to-head record in the league is balanced, with two wins apiece.

Semi-finals (National Stadium)

May 17: 19.30 Ħamrun Spartans vs Valletta.

May 18: 19.30 Qormi vs Tarxien Rainbows.

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