Holders Birkirkara paired with Attard while Floriana face tricky test against Naxxar Lions

FA Trophy holders Birkirkara were handed a comfortable start to their title defence when they were drawn to face Challenge League side Attard but Floriana have a tricky start to the campaign when they take on fellow Premier League rivals Naxxar Lions.

Friday’s draw of the FA Trophy Last 32 provided little drama as the majority of the big guns in the Premier League were all-handed winnable ties next month.

Malta champions Ħamrun Spartans picked Challenge League side Lija Athletic while Marsaxlokk were handed a southern derby against Żejtun Corinthians.

Mosta and Santa Lucia were handed what could be tricky ties when they face two teams who are harbouring hopes of promotion to the Premier League this season in the form of Pieta Hotspurs and Marsa.

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Sliema Wanderers, the team who hold the all-time record of victories in the competition, were paired with Marsaskala while Hibernians face GFA Division One leaders Qala Saints.

The other three Gozitan ties in the draw, Nadur Youngsters, Għajnsielem and Xewkija Tigers, were also paired against Premier League opposition in the form of Sirens, Valletta and Gudja United respectively.

THE DRAW

1. Birkirkara vs Attard
2. Nadur vs Sirens             
3. Gżira United vs Fgura United   
4. Hibernians vs Qala Saints        
5. Floriana vs Naxxar Lions           
6. Żabbar SP vs Żebbuġ R.             
7. Sliema W. vs Marsaskala         
8. Balzan vs Żurrieq
9. Marsaxlokk vs Żejtun C.            
10. Luqa SA vs Swieqi Utd 
11. Ħamrun S. vs Lija Athletic
12. Xewkija T. vs Gudja United       
13. Mosta vs Pieta Hotspurs           
14. Valletta vs Għajnsielem            
15. Sta Lucia vs Marsa       
16. Msida SJ vs Mġarr United

LAST 16 DRAW

Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 2

Winner Match 3 vs Winner Match 4

Winner Match 5 vs Winner Match 6

Winner Match 7 vs Winner Match 8

Winner Match 9 vs Winner Match 10

Winner Match 11 vs Winner Match 12

Winner Match 12 vs Winner Match 14

Winner Match 15 vs Winner Match 16