Women’s K/O 1st round preview

 Gianluca Lia  Swieqi United vs Mgarr United (Tuesday 15th December, 20:15, Luxol Stadium):Swieqi United will be delighted to face Mgarr United during this period, following their incredible scoring form in their recent couple of outings; 12 goals in just two matches against Kirkop United Team B last week and Mosta FC the week before. The Oranges are currently sitting in second place, five points behind 2nd Division leaders Gozo FC. Meanwhile, 1st Division side Mgarr United will target this encounter as an opportunity to seek a place in the next round and also set their eyes on the prize knowing that either Hibernians or Birkirkara have to be eliminated in their direct encounter. They are currently in third place with 11   points, 13 points behind leaders Hibernians and 10 points behind second place Birkirkara. Mosta FC vs Gozo FC (Tuesday 15th December, 18:00, Mgarr Ground):Leading the 2nd Division with 24 points (8 win from 8), 5 points ahead of the second place team and with a game hand, Gozo FC are the clear favourites to win the title and also securing a place in next season’s 1st Division. To add to their excellent season, the Gozitans will be hoping to have a good cup run and also relishing opportunities of meeting 1st Division sides. On the other hand, the youngsters of Mosta FC may have wanted a different draw but in the same time they know that this is a good check-up for them to see where they have gone so far. Mosta are in fifth place together with Tarxien Rainbows at five points. Hamrun Spartans vs Pembroke Athleta (Tuesday 15th December, 20:15, Mgarr Ground):Our second 1st Division vs 2nd Division encounter will be promotion contenders Hamrun Spartans vs Pembroke Athleta. Having won three consecutive matches, the Spartans are now back on track in their promotion race, sitting third at 18 points. They will be striving to extend their winning streak also in the cup having been drawn against 1st Division minnows Pembroke Athleta. Meanwhile, Pembroke Athleta will want to leave their negative league run behind and seek an important qualification which would boost them. Pembroke are currently sixth with just one point. Sliema Wanderers vs Kirkop United Team B (Tuesday 15th December, 20:15, Zebbug Ground):Despite seeing their unbeaten run being halted by Gozo FC, Sliema Wanderers have proven that they have what it takes to be amongst the protagonists of this season. As they are challenging for a place in next season’s elite division, the Blues will be hoping to book a place in the domestic cup’s next round as they will lock horns with 2nd Division minnows Kirkop United Team B. Meanwhile, Kirkop B Team’s aim was to give more playing time to their players and although they have only managed to get one point in the league, they are keen to give more playing time to their players. Nonetheless, they will still challenge Sliema Wanderers hoping to cause an upset and qualify. Tarxien Rainbows vs Kirkop United (Wednesday 16th December, 20:15, Mgarr Ground):Two teams that do not have lot to ask for this season but will be striving to extend their K/O journey. While Tarxien Rainbows have only five points in the 2nd Division, aiming more to give their promising youth players more playing time, Kirkop United put up some impressive performances in their recent outings, drawing 0-0 against Mgarr United and also giving a hard time to both Hibernians and Birkirkara. A place in the next round would encourage both teams in their domestic league’s fixtures.