Holders Sliema Wanderers face Ħamrun in Trophy quarter-finals

Birkirkara to renew rivalry with Valletta

Holders Sliema Wanderers will face Malta champions Ħamrun Spartans in the Meridianbet FA Trophy quarter-finals as the draws of the cup competition were held on Thursday.

Birkirkara will renew their rivalry against ‘old rivals’ Valletta while Floriana face a tricky tie against Mosta.

Hibernians will be the happier of the lot as the Paolites were drawn to face Premier League strugglers Naxxar Lions.

The pick of the round is the clash between Sliema Wanderers and Ħamrun Spartans, two teams who have already faced off for the first honour of the season.

Last December, the two side faced each other in the Super Cup final and on that day it was Ħamrun Spartans who came out on top when they retained the competition following a 2-0 win.

Floriana may start as favourites against Mosta but the Greens will be aware of the threat posed by the Blues who reached the Last Eight after knocking out Marsaxlokk and Qrendi.

There will also be great interest for the tie between Valletta and Birkirkara, two teams who battled for honours in the 1990s and 2000s.

Valletta may be playing in the Challenge League but Thane Micallef’s side have already shown their threat when knocking out Gżira United in the previous round so Birkirkara cannot afford to underestimate them.

Hibernians will start favourites to progress when they take on Naxxar Lions.

The Paolites will be desperate to go far in the KO competition in their quest for European football but will need to be at their best to avoid any surprises against a resurgent Naxxar side.

QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Birkirkara vs Valletta  

Floriana vs Mosta       

Ħamrun S. vs Sliema W.           

Hibernians vs Naxxar L.

Note: Matches to be played on March 4-5.