Villa stride into Semi-Final
By Wally Downes - Sunday, 06 March, 2011
Tony McAndrews' side aim for second successive Final.
Aston Villa 3-1 Middlesbrough
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Sixth Round Proper
Sunday 6 March 2011
Aston Villa booked themselves a place in the FA Youth Cup Semi-Final with a comprehensive win over visiting Middlesbrough.
A two-legged affair against either Leicester City or Sheffield United – with that game being played on Wednesday – is now all that stands between the Villains and a place in the Final for the second successive year.
Gerard Houllier has used a number of Academy graduates this season after the class of 2009-10 reached the Final last year – after wins against Fulham and Newcastle – before succumbing to Chelsea at the final hurdle.
That incentive drove Villa's youngsters on to another win and took them one step closer to being able to show their French first-team manager their potential on the biggest stage in English youth football.
Middlesbrough were the latest side to be put to a Villa wielded sword after Bristol Rovers, Peterborough and Leeds United were dispatched in earlier rounds.
Tony McAndrews’ side took the lead on 34 minutes when Villa skipper Daniel Johnson won back possession on the edge of the 'Boro box, turned and drilled a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
The home side were 2-0 up six minutes after the restart. Samir Carruthers reached the ‘Boro by-line with a direct run and clipped the ball to the back post where Graham Burke thumped home a majestic left-foot volley.
Boro got back in the game with 18 minutes left with a Charlie Wyke goal after a long clearance from Connor Ripley, who played for their first team less than 24 hours earlier, in the ‘Boro goal.
But Villa regained their two goal advantage and put the result beyond doubt four minutes later, Carruthers delivered from the left and Middlesbrough defender Matthew Waters sliced in to his own net at the near post.
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