Ħamrun Spartans face Birkirkara in FA Trophy quarter-finals

Hibs face Marsaxlokk, Gżira take on Gudja United

The FA Trophy quarter-final draw on Friday produced a mouthwatering clash between Premier League leaders Ħamrun Spartans and Birkirkara.

Hibernians face a derby of the south when they were drawn against Marsaxlokk while Gżira United face fellow Premier League side Gudja United.

Mosta were handed the best draw as the Premier League side will be up against San Ġwann, from the Challenge League.

No doubt, the clash between Birkirkara and Ħamrun Spartans will be the most awaited clash of the round as both teams are desperate to lift the knock out competition after several years.

Both Ħamrun Spartans and Birkirkara had to dig deep into their reserves to reach the quarter-finals.

In fact, the Spartans had to come from a goal down to overcome Valletta 2-1 last Wednesday.

On the other hand, Birkirkara needed an injury-time goal from Cain Attard to take their tie against Balzan to extra-time following a 2-2 before they prevailed 5-4 on penalties.

This match holds special significance for both sides as the Spartans are looking to win the FA Trophy for the first time after an absence of 30 years as well as completing a league and cup double.

On the other hand Birkirara last won the Cup in 2015 when they beat Hibernians 2-0 to lift the FA Trophy for a fifth time.

The Stripes are desperate to lift the FA Trophy to ensure a return to European football next season.

This season, Ħamrun and Birkirkara met once in the Premier League, with the match finishing in a goalless draw and will meet again in the championship on Sunday.

On the other hand, Hibernians and Gżira United will fancy their chances of reaching the semi-finals when facing Marsaxlokk and Gudja United respectively.

The Paolites, now under the charge of Silvio Vella, have made the FA Trophy a huge priority to qualify for European football after their recent struggles in the league. While they are firm favourites against Marsaxlokk, they will surely be wary of the threat posed by the southerners who have upset some big guns this season.

On the other hand, Gżira United are also favourites to overcome Gudja United and reach the last four, particularly after showing great consistency in the league this season.

On their part, Gudja have nothing to lose and will relish the chance to try and reach the Last Four of the competition for the first time in their history.

In the other tie, Mosta are sure favourites to overcome San Ġwann, this year’s surprise package of the competition, as the Blues look to return to European football after a three-year absence.

THE DRAW

Birkirkara vs Ħamrun Spartans             

Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk       

Gżira United vs Gudja United

Mosta vs San Ġwann

Matches to be played on February 25 and 26.