Holders Hibernians will start their defence of the U*BET?FA?Trophy against neighbours Senglea Athletic from Division2 as they entered the fray in the third round, the draw of which was made yesterday at the National?Stadium.
All Premier League clubs join the rest of the teams at this stage of the competition, with matches being played between Friday 22 November and Wednesday 27 November.
The only direct encounter between two Premier teams is that of Birkirkara FC who play Vittoriosa Stars.
Otherwise, Valletta, Mosta, Balzan FC and Naxxar Lions face opponents from Division 1 in thelikes of Melita, Lija Athletic, Birzebbuga St?Peter’s and Gudja United respectively.
Tarxien Rainbows will play Mellieha from Division 2 while Rabat Ajax were handed a favourable draw against Division 3 opponents Sirens.
Two of the three remaining team from Gozo face Premier League opposition. S.K. Victoria Wanderers meet Qormi and Victoria Hotspurs play Floriana.
The draw might have brought bad memories for other Premier side Sliema Wanderers. They will face Division 1 side Zebbug Rangers again in a repeat of last season’s fixture, when Zebbug eliminated the favourites.
The fourth round draw was also made yesterday, where Valletta will meet Mosta if the two sides progress from Round 3 in the only chance of a direct clash between Premier sides. The matches for fourth round will be played bewteen Saturday 18 January and Wednesday 22 January next year.
The competition is again sponsored by Maltco Lotteries for the ninth year and the company’s CEO showed satisfaction that Maltco Lotteries is supporting local talent.
According to new UEFA regulations, only the winner of the FA?Trophy will take part in the UEFA?Europa League next season. If the winner would have already qualified for European football, the three Maltese participants in the Europa League will be those teams placing second, third and fourth in the BoV Premier League.
Third Round Draw
Birkirkara-Vittoriosa S; Mellieha-Tarxien R;Sliema W-Zebbug R; Melita-Valletta; Hibernians-Senglea A; Lija A-Mosta; Balzan FC-Birzebugga SP; St?Andrews-San Gwann; Floriana-Victoria H; Pembroke A-Gzira U; Siggiewi-St George’s; Naxxar L-Gudja U; Pieta H-Mqabba; Qormi-SK?Victoria W; Mdina Knights-Kercem Ajax; Sirens-Rabat?A