The preliminary phase of the Knock-Out competition came to end with the match between Mgarr United and Xghajra Tornadoes which was played on Independence Day.

The following eight Second Division teams made it through to the quarter-finals which will be played over two weekends in December: Balzan Youths, B’Bugia St.Peter’s, Mellieha S.C., Lija Athletic, Melita AFC, Dingli Swallows, Rabat Ajax and Gudja United.

During the 42 matches, 149 goals were scored, an average of more than three goals per match. This phase clearly indicated the superiority of Second over Third Division teams.

Group 3

Melita-Zejtun C 5-1 – The Amateurs dominated their match against the Corinthians and in the opening 18 minutes they had already opened a three goal lead through goals scored by Matthew Borg I, Matthew Borg II and Gregory Degabriele. They added a fourth goal through Matthew Borg I before the interval with Julian Galea increasing Melita’s lead in the 51st minute. Zejtun’s consolation goal was scored by Mario Farrugia four minutes from time.

Referee: Darren Calleja.

Group 5

Sirens-Santa Lucia 0-1 – Although Sirens dictated the run of play for long stretches, it was the Saints who managed to obtain the three points with Andrew Sciortino obtaining the decisive goal on 68 minutes following good work by Kurt Grima.

Referee: Glen Tonna.

Group 6

Fgura U-Dingli S 1-6 – Dingli confirmed their potential as they ended top of their Group with maximum points from three matches. Fgura shared the exchanges during the first-half but were completely dominated after the break. Dingli took the lead in the 45th minute through a Jeffrey Zammit free-kick with Chris Ciappara making it 2-0 on 51 minutes from the penalty spot. Dingli sustained the pressure as they added four further goals through Jeremy Agius, Chris Ciappara and a brace by substitute Jonathan Sapiano. Eric Lia pulled a goal back for Fgura United in the 66th minute.

Referee: Trustan Farrugia Cann.

Mgarr U-Xghajra T 1-2 – This was a fair result with Mgarr taking an early lead through a Luke Muscat dipper. From then onwards, Xghajra played the better football and on 62 minutes they deservedly drew level through an Anton Muscat grounder. Six minutes from time Lizio Grech headed in Xghajra’s winner.

Referee: Duncan Sultana.

Group 7

Kalkara-Rabat A 0-5 - Joe Gerada’s team Rabat Ajax qualified to the quarter-finals as they obtained an easy win over Kalkara. Chris Schembri put them ahead on 33 minutes with Chris Muscat adding a second goal ten minutes into the second period. Gradually Kalkara were completely outclassed with Rabat adding three further goals through Alan Zahra, Chris Muscat and Kayne Said.

Referee: Sammy Attard.

Group 8

Attard-Gudja U 1-1 – This was a difficult match for Gudja but they managed to obtain the point they needed to win their Group. Gudja forged ahead on 41 minutes through a Louis Falzon free-kick but Attard in their reaction were always menacing especially through two promising youngsters Mark Saliba and Elon Cassar. On 69 minutes Attard deservedly drew level through an excellent strike by Mark Saliba following a personal effort.

Referee: Andrea Scriha.