Hibs-Sliema headlines BOOST Diesel FA Trophy quarter-finals

Two of the heavyweights of Maltese football will go head to head in the quarter-finals of the BOOST Diesel FA Trophy after Hibernians were drawn against Sliema Wanderers.  Both Hibs, the current champions, and Sliema harbour high hopes of going all the way in this season’s FA Trophy. Hibernians reached the last eight after a 3-0 win over Xewkija Tigers while Sliema, who last won the cup in 2016, edged out Ħamrun Spartans. The quarter-final draw, held earlier on Monday, produced some enticing ties as Valletta were paired with fellow crowd pullers Żejtun Corinthians. Żejtun, one of two Division One teams to have progressed to the last eight of the KO competition, had the better of BOV Premier League side Mosta 2-1 in the fourth round while Valletta knocked out Pietà Hotspurs. In the other two quarter-final ties, Birkirkara, 2-1 extra-time winners over San Ġwann, will meet Qrendi who overcame Kerċem Ajax 4-3 after extra time, while Lija will face neigjhbouring rivals Balzan. Lija beat Tarxien Rainbows 2-1 in the previous round while Balzan eliminated Naxxar Lions 2-0. The four FA Trophy quarter-finals are scheduled to take place on February 17 and 18.