Rashford double fires Aston Villa into FA Cup semi-finals

Sunday, 30 March 2025 18:35

By Reuters

Marcus Rashford scored twice as Aston Villa defeated Championship side Preston North End 3-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final at Deepdale on Sunday to stay on course to win the world's oldest national competition for the first time in 68 years.

Rashford netted his first goal for Villa since a February loan move from Manchester United when he side-footed a low cross from Lucas Digne into the net 13 minutes after halftime, and shortly afterwards converted a penalty when Morgan Rogers was fouled.

Jacob Ramsey scored an excellent third for Villa to settle the contest as Preston’s stout resistance crumbled and the greater quality and experience of the Premier League team shone through.

Villa earn a first FA Cup semi-final since the 2014-15 season when they defeated Liverpool in the last four but lost 4-0 to Arsenal in the final.

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Villa will face Crystal Palace in the semi-final.

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