FA Trophy - Floriana FC vs. Birkirkara FC
by Ayrton Galea - 1st March 2020
In-form Birkirkara FC will be hoping to carry their league form in their FA Trophy campaign as they take on league leaders Floriana FC in today's quarter-final match that will be played at the National Stadium (Kick-Off: 16:15).
Four wins in their last five matches, including the victory that secured their passage to this stage of the FA Trophy, the Stripes are turning their fortunes in this year and they are back in the challenge to earn a spot in European competitions next season.
Their last two victories have been anything than impressive. They demolished current champions Valletta FC with a 4-1 score and produced an electrifying performance to defeat Hibernians FC with a 2-1 score to register the double in the league campaign over the Paolites.
However, figures and statistics have little impact in knock-out competitions and throughout the years, the FA Trophy produced some of the most surprising results and unpredictable winners.
To make it to this round, the Stripes eliminated Gozitian side Nadur Youngsters FC with a late goal by Federico Falcone and they defeated Mosta FC with a 2-1 score in the fourth round courtesy of a brace by Caio Rocha.
Birkirkara's draw in this round can be considered as the most unlucky, as they were draw against Floriana who are brimming with confidence after leading the league table at this stage following an absence of several years.
The Greens are coming from a comfortable 4-0 victory against bottom-placed Tarxien Rainbows following defeats to Valletta and Gudja United with a draw against Gzira United in between.
To reach this stage, Floriana defeated BOV Second Division League side with a comfortable 6-1 score, but they struggled more than expected and had to rely on two goals in added time to defeat Senglea Athletic FC in the fourth round.
The league results in the direct clashes Birkirkara and Floriana make this match more interesting as both teams have a won a match each with an identical 1-0 score. Floriana won the first-round match while Birkirkara emerged as winners in the second-round match.
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