Villas Rashford Scores Twice In Fa Cup Win Over Preston, Book Semis

Aston Villa striker Marcus Rashford scored twice in a 3-0 defeat of second-tier Preston North End in their FA Cup quarter-final at Deepdale on Sunday to earn a Wembley semi-final against fellow Premier League team Crystal Palace.

Enjoying a rich vein of form on all fronts, Villa are seeking to lift the worlds oldest national competition for the first time in 68 years. Nottingham Forest will fa ce either Bournemouth or Manchester City in the other semi-final.

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 . Shortly after, he 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 Villas greater quality and experience shone through.

They go to 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.