Aston Villa play Manchester City in FA Youth Cup play-off final

May 2 2008 By Bill Howell

VILLA's under-18s aim to end a fine season in glory tomorrow when they entertain FA Youth Cup winners Manchester City in the Premier Academy League U18 Play-off Final at Villa Park (ko 12 noon).

Tony McAndrew's side beat Arsenal 1-0 in the first semi-final with a goal from England Youth international Nathan Delfouneso.

City's youngsters beat Sunderland 4-2 in the other semi to set up a, winner-takes-all clash with McAndrew hoping for a bumper crowd.

McAndrew said: "It would be great to see a crowd there. We have reached this final twice before and unfortunately we have not managed to win it yet.

"We will be trying our best. The support we get from the Villa fans has been absolutely fantastic.

"They were superb against Chelsea (in the FA Youth Cup semi-final) and that was much appreciated. I think they recognise the effort the kids put in and the way they try and play.

"The kids love Villa Park and the more they can play there, with that experience, the easier it will be if they make the step up.

"It's been a good season and hopefully we are not finished yet."

McAndrew's young side have again caught the eye this season with McAndrew delighted with the way his side has responded to their semi-final loss.

"We've moved on from the Chelsea defeat and we've learned from it", he said.

"That's what it's all about and we learned a massive lesson from playing Arsenal last weekend - that you can't afford to give away the ball."