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Big guns progress to BOOST Diesel FA Trophy semis

Published: 18-02-2018 09:50
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Valletta, Birkirkara, Balzan and Sliema Wanderers advanced to the semi-finals of the BOOST Diesel FA Trophy after winning their respective quarter-finals on Saturday. The Citizens ended Żejtun Corinthians’ fairytale run after beating them 2-0 at the National Stadium. Kyrian Nwoko fired Valletta ahead on 26 minutes and Steve Borg’s header from Miguel Alba’s free-kick 20 minutes from time sealed their passage to the semi-finals. Birkirkara, who face rivals Valletta in their next BOV Premier League match, saw off Qrendi’s challenge. Cain Attard’s close-range effort gave Birkirkara the lead late in the first half. Eleven minutes into the second half, Birkirkara made it 2-0.  Srdjan Dimitrov’s corner was met by Nikola Vukanac who headed home. A brilliant shot from Edward Herrera secured Birkirkara’s win late on, extending their winning run in league and cup to 11 matches. Sliema Wanderers stayed on course to reach the FA Trophy final for the third year in a row. They overcame a tough hurdle, beating Hibs 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw. The Blues scores their opening four penalties through Frank Temile, Matias Muchardi, Peter Xuereb and Michele Sansone but Jackson Lima and Jorginho missed from the spot for Hibs. Balzan boosted their hopes of winning the FA Trophy for the first time after beating neighbouring rivals Lija Athletic 3-1 in their quarter-final at the Hibs Stadium. Alex De Paixao Alves (Lecao) and Uros Ljubomirac scored inside the opening 15 minutes to fire Balzan 2-0 ahead but Aaron Sammut revived Lija’s hopes with a perfectly-flighted free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Balzan assured themselves of a berth in the semi-finals when Cadu latched on to a pass from Siraj Arab to slot home the third goal. The BOOST Diesel FA Trophy semi-finals are scheduled to be played on April 28/29, 2018.