ALL SET FOR U*BET FA TROPHY SECOND ROUND THIS WEEKEND

Six different venues, five in Malta and the other in Gozo will host no fewer than 20 matches in the second round of the U*BET FA Trophy between Friday the 25th and Sunday the 27th October. The teams involved comprise the 13 in the First Division, with the others coming from the lower divisions and seven from the Gozo league   The stage is therefore set for a pot-pourri of teams of different levels vying for a place in the third round of what is becoming a crowd pulling competition. Five matches are scheduled for Friday, with two at the Centenary Stadium and two at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, while the other is at Luxol Stadium. The pick of these matches are the St.George’s - Zabbar St Patrick and Zejtun Corinthians – Gudja United matches, with the proximity of the localities bound very likely to generate sporting rivalry. On Saturday there is the all-Gozitan clash between Oratory Youths and Victoria Hotspurs which will be played at the Gozo Stadium. The other six matches will be played at the Charles Abela Stadium, Mosta, Luxol Stadium and Sirens Stadium. The main attraction on Sunday is the Hamrun Spartans – Pieta Hotspurs match, two teams occupying the extreme ends of the 1st Division, with Pieta currenty the leaders. Another match which should evoke romantic memories since it is a clash between two former holders of this competition both in the 1st Division, Gzira, 2-0 winners over Birkirkara in the second replay in 1973, and Zurrieq who beat Valletta 2-1 in a replayed encounter in 1985. Hamrun will meet their neighbours at the Centenary Stadium followed by the Gzira – Zurrieq clash. The other matches will be played at the Gozo Stadium, Luxol Stadium and Sirens Stadium. The 20 matches should definitely whet the appetite of the teams’ fans who will flock in good numbers to watch their favourities in anticipation of further progress in the competition.   All Fixtures http://www.mfa.com.mt/en/cups-competitions/cupscompetitions/bycategory/1/publish_date/asc/0/1/ubet-fa-trophy.htm?feature=fixtures