The 14 BOV Premier League clubs join 18 teams who have progressed from the early stages of this season’s Knock-Out competition in this weekend’s third-round fixtures of the BOOST Diesel FA Trophy.
Holders Floriana FC begin their bid to defend the FA Trophy with a tricky match against Naxxar Lions while the stand-out fixture of the third round is the all-Premier League clash between Gżira United and Ħamrun Spartans. Four games will be played today, Friday. Lija Athletic take on Kalkara who eliminated Sta Venera Lightnings in the second round while Siġġiewi, who advanced to the third round at the expense of Luqa St Andrews, face a difficult task against Division side Pieta Hotspurs. The latter had the better of Pembroke Athleta. San Ġwann, 2-0 winners over St George’s in the third round, now face Melita who edged out Gozitan side Għajnsielem 7-5 on penalties after their exciting encounter ended 3-3. Premier League side Mosta will fancy their chances of progressing to the fourth round as they meet Division One team Mqabba who progressed to third round after easing past Mġarr United. Six games are scheduled for Saturday. Two BOV Premier League teams, Sliema Wanderers and St Andrews, will battle it out for a place in the fourth round at the Hibernians Stadium. Hibernians are unlikely to underestimate Gozitan side Victoria Hotspurs after the Paolites suffered a shock FA Trophy exit at the hands of Senglea Athletic, then in Division One, last season. Victoria Hotspurs overcame Birżebbuga St Peters in the second round. Birkirkara start their KO campaign with a match against second division promotion challengers Santa Lucia. The latter advanced to ther third round after beating Marsa. BOV Premier League leaders Balzan take on second division outfit Gudja Utd who eliminated first division side Rabat Ajax in round two. The remaining fixtures on Saturday involverd four top-flight teams. At the Hibernians Stadium at 16.15, Floriana meet Naxxar Lions while the Centenary Stadium will be the setting for the game between Valletta and Senglea Athletic which also kicks off at 16.15. Another six games will be played on Sunday. Division One high-flyers Żejtun Corinthians will go head to head with neighbours Marsaxlokk at the National Stadium. Marsaxlokk, currently playing in the second division, thrashed first division side Żabbar St Patrick 5-0 in the second round, while Żejtun also best Dingli Swallows with a 5-0 scoreline. Second division leaders Swieqi United face Tarxien Rainbows. Swieqi eliminated Mellieħa in the second round. Gozitan team Xewkija Tigers play against Vittoriosa Stars at the Kerċem Ground. The former won their match against Xgħajra Tornadoes in the second round while Vittoriosa reached third round after trouncing Għargħur 7-1. In the meantimem Kerċem Ajax supporters can watch their team at their home ground as they face Żebbuġ Rangers who had the better of Sirens in the previous round. In second round, Kerċem won against Attard. TOP FIXTURE The highlight of the third round is the clash between Premier League teams Gżira United and Ħamrun Spartans on Sunday at the National Stadium. Both teams have high hopes of going far in this season’s KO competition. While Gżira will be looking to replicate their positive performance in the 4-0 league win over Ħamrun Spartans in October, the latter will be going all out to make amends for that defeat. The remaining match sees Qrendi, who beat neighbours Żurrieq in the second round, take on first division leaders Qormi who had the better of Fgura United in the second round. Qormi will be without Kyle Spiteri, suspended.