Balzan, Birżebbuġa St Peter’s and Victoria Hotspurs became the final three teams to secure their spots in the Round of 32 of the Meridianbet FA Trophy, following the last fixtures of the Preliminary Round played on Sunday.

Balzan Ease Past Qormi with a 4–1 Win

At the Centenary Stadium, Balzan delivered a confident display to overcome Qormi 4–1.

Kyle Azzopardi opened the scoring on 17 minutes, giving Balzan early control of the contest. Qormi responded seven minutes into the second half through Ayrton Azzopardi, briefly restoring parity.
However, Balzan took command late on: Jake Engerer struck on 78 minutes to make it 2–1, Jake Grech added a third in the 84th minute, and Diego sealed the win with a 90th-minute goal.

Balzan now set up a Round of 32 clash against Birżebbuġa St Peter’s.

Birżebbuġa St Peter’s Outclass Nadur Youngsters in Gozo

At the Gozo Stadium, Birżebbuġa St Peter’s produced an impressive 4–1 victory over Nadur Youngsters.

Hubert Vella Genovese put them ahead after just 8 minutes, and David Oliveira doubled the advantage from the penalty spot on 32 minutes.
Nadur fought back as Diego Rodriguez reduced the deficit on 61 minutes, but Birżebbuġa quickly reasserted control. Leo Agius restored the two-goal lead on 71 minutes, before an own goal two minutes later put the result beyond doubt.

This win earns Birżebbuġa a meeting with Balzan in the next round.

Victoria Hotspurs Advance After Beating Xagħra United

In another match at the Centenary Stadium, Victoria Hotspurs defeated Xagħra United 3–1 to book their place in the next round.

Rondinely struck early for the Hotspurs on 14 minutes, but Ibrahim Salis equalised shortly before the break on 39 minutes.
The Gozitan side found another gear late on: Kurt Borg made it 2–1 on 80 minutes, and Wagner converted a penalty in additional time to secure a deserved victory for Oliver Spiteri’s men.

Victoria Hotspurs will now face a challenging test against Ħamrun Spartans in the Round of 32.