Aston Villa reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Preston North End, ending the hosts’ 15-game unbeaten home run. It was Villa’s first quarter-final appearance since the 2014/15 season.
The first half saw few clear chances. Konsa headed over from an Asensio cross, and Digne’s set-pieces caused no trouble. Preston’s best moment came when Martínez pushed out Brady’s cross to Frøkjær-Jensen, who headed it back to Poroarson, but he missed from close range.
After the break, Rashford missed a one-on-one, but made up for it in the 58th minute with a first-time finish from Digne’s cross. Five minutes later, he scored again from the penalty spot after Hughes fouled Rogers in the box.
Rashford then set up Rogers, who was denied by Cornell, but Villa added a third soon after. Jacob Ramsey fired in a low shot after a fine solo run to seal the win.
Preston showed spirit, especially in the first half, but Villa’s quality showed in the end. The win gives Villa hope of ending their 19-year wait for a major trophy, with five straight wins and five clean sheets.
In the semi-final, Aston Villa will play Crystal Palace.
