Rashford At The Double As Villa Beat Preston To Reach FA Cup Semi-Finals

Watch Preston Vs Aston Villa highlights as Marcus Rashford’s first two goals for Villa helped his side to a 3-0 win to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Rashford’s brace ended a four-month goal drought for the on-loan Manchester United winger, who last scored for United against Everton in December.

Having failed to convert several opportunities, Rashford eventually found the back of the net just before the hour mark.

His simple tap-in from Lucas Digne’s cut-back opened the scoring and left Championship side Preston deflated, having been excellent for the first 58 minutes.

Minutes late, Rashford bagged a brace as he cooly converted from the penalty spot after Morgan Rogers was fouled in the box.

Jacob Ramsey then fired home a third from the edge of the box to ensure there was no doubt about the result in the closing stages.

The victory sees Villa one step closer to a first Crystal Palace in the semis.

Preston were good value for the first hour, before fading after conceding the first Rashford goal.

With first-choice keeper Freddie Woodman missing, along with on-loan Villa defender Kaine Kasler-Hayden ineligible to face his parent club, the hosts battled hard and never gave up.

Next up for Preston, it’s a return to league action as they travel to Derby County on Wednesday 2 April.

Villa, meanwhile, are also playing their next game on Wednesday, when they visit Brighton in the Premier League.

Watch: Preston Vs Aston Villa Highlights

FA Cup Semi-final Draw

• Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
• Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City or Bournemouth

Villa face Palace at Wembley in the last four, after the Eagles thumped Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage in their quarter-final.

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest overcame Brighton on penalties after a goalless draw.

Forest will face the winner of Bournemouth Vs Manchester City, with the last quarter0final match kicking off at 16:30pm on Sunday.