Aston Villa secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale. The loss ended Preston’s 15-match unbeaten home run in all competitions.
Aston Villa were aiming to improve their recent FA Cup record, having not reached this stage since the 2014/15 season. For Preston North End, this match marked their first FA Cup quarter-final appearance in 59 years.
The first half saw Aston Villa create the initial chance, with Ezri Konsa narrowly missing a header from Marco Asensio’s cross. Villa’s Lucas Digne also attempted two set-pieces, but both attempts were unsuccessful. Preston then had a chance when Emiliano Martínez saved Robbie Brady’s cross, leading to Stefan Teitur Poroarson heading over from close range.
The first half ended with Villa’s Konsa heading over from a Rashford corner.
In the second half, Rashford was denied by Preston goalkeeper David Cornell after being set up by Morgan Rogers. However, Rashford opened the scoring for Aston Villa in the 58th minute, converting Digne’s cross.
Rashford then doubled Villa’s lead from the penalty spot just five minutes later, sending Cornell the wrong way after Andrew Hughes fouled Rogers.
Rashford nearly added an assist to his goals, but Rogers was again denied by Cornell.
Jacob Ramsey sealed the victory for Aston Villa with a fine individual effort, scoring into the bottom corner.
While the scoreline may have been harsh on Preston, the result continues their poor record against top-flight opposition in the FA Cup.
For Aston Villa, the victory extends their winning streak to five matches in all competitions, all without conceding a goal, raising hopes of ending a 19-year major trophy drought.
