Holders Floriana face Sta Lucia in FA Trophy Last 32

Ħamrun Spartans and Valletta on collision course

Holders Floriana were handed a tricky draw in the Last 32 of the FA Tropy when they were drawn to face fellow Premier League side Sta Lucia.

Valletta, last year’s finalists, were handed a comfortable start as they picked Żabbar St Patrick while Ħamrun Spartans and Birkirkara face Gozitan opposition in the form of Għajnsielem and Nadur Youngsters respectively.

Floriana, who lifted the FA Trophy last May after defeating their neighbouring rivals Valletta in a thrilling final, will surely be hopeful they can have another deep run in the cup competition and will fancy their chances of overcoming a Sta Lucia side who are struggling for results in the Premier League this season and are battling relegation.

Should the Greens reach the next round they could potentially face another Premier League side as they face the winner of the tie between Żejtun Corinthians, of the Challenge League, and top-flight side Marsaxlokk.

Old-time rivals Ħamrun Spartans and Valletta are on collision course for a clash in the Last 16 of this season’s competition.

The Spartans, who are currently at the top of the Premier League standings, face Gozitan side Għajnsielem but should they progress, as expected, they will come up against Valletta in the next round should the Citizens overcome National Amateur League side Żabbar St Patrick.

Birkirkara could also be handed a derby clash in the round of 16.

The Stripes face a tricky tie against Gozitan champions Nadur Youngsters in the Last 32 and should they come out unscathed they could face neighbours Balzan should the latter overcome Tarxien Rainbows in their first match of the competition.

Gżira United face a tough-looking opening hurdle when they landed neighbours Sliema Wanderers who are determined to bounce back from relegation to the Challenge League last season.

Hibernians should find litte difficulty in seeing off Żurrieq in the Last 32 while Mosta take on Melita.

Sirens face Challenge League side Mqabba while Gudja United take on First Division side Naxxar Lions.

Pieta Hotspurs will face Gozitan opposition in the form of Xewkija Tigers.