Birkirkara drawn against Vittoriosa Stars

by Ayrton Galea - 22nd November 2011

Birkirkara FC were drawn to play against Vittoriosa Stars in the third round of the U*BET FA Trophy. The draws were held during a press conference held today at the MFA's Centenary Hall, at Ta' Qali.

Mr. Bjorn Vassallo, the CEO of the MFA opened the conference by giving a warm welcome to the CEO of Maltco Lotteries, Dr. John Katakis. Mr. Vassallo said that the conference was organised since we are heading for the third round of the FA Trophy. He mentioned the positive feedback by all those involved in football about the revamping of the competition's format which brought new enthusiasm.

He mentioned the surprises witnessed so far in this competition such as two Gozo sides and one team from the third division managing to advance to the third round. Mr. Vassallo said that this competition produces a lot of enthusiasm especially in the final stages. From this year the teams will be rewarded financially according to which round they reached.

Going through some statistics Valletta is the team that has won this competition most times, since the first competition was held at the National Stadium. Valletta won it seven times, followed by Hamrun Spartans who won it six times, and then by Birkirkara, Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians who all won it four times.

Dr. John Katakis spoke about the competition and the relationship between the MFA and the Maltco Lotteries. He said that it is an honour for him and his company to be sponsoring this competition. He mentioned as well that in the next years Maltco are interested in sponsoring other competitions, not necessarily related to football.

This was followed by the draws, by Mr. Bjorn Vassallo and Dr. John Katakis.

In this round there will be thirty two teams. The six teams that played in the Championship Pool of the previous Premier League are seeded. This is the only round in this competition that will have teams seeded.

The 16 matches of the third round will be as follows:

Hamrun Spartans vs. Dingli Swallows
Floriana vs. Luqa St. Andrew's
Tarxien Rainbows vs. Pieta Hotpsurs
Valletta vs. St. Patrick's
Birkirkara vs. Vittoriosa Stars
Marsaxlokk vs. San Gwann
Xewkija Tigers vs. Senglea Athletic
Mellieha vs. Siggiewi
Msida S.J. vs. Mosta
Hibernians vs. Pembroke Athletha
Kirkop United vs. Rabat Ajax
Mqabba vs. Sliema Wanderers
Zejtun Corinthians vs. Balzan Youths
Gharghur vs. St George's
Gzira United vs. Qormi
Lija Athletic vs. Victoria Hotpsurs

These matches are scheduled for Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December 2011. The fixtures will be published in the coming days.

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