Aston Villa's under-21 team is preparing for a thrilling encounter against City in the last 16 of the Vertu Trophy, following a dramatic victory over Blackpool that was decided by an extraordinary penalty shoot-out. The second-round match at Bloomfield Road culminated in a staggering total of 38 penalties taken, highlighting the intensity of the contest.
The young Villa squad triumphed with a narrow 18-17 win in the shoot-out, setting the stage for a quarter-final showdown against the Bantams next month. The match initially appeared to favour Blackpool, managed by Steve Bruce, when Elliot Embleton found the net shortly after the interval. However, Villa’s Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba equalised with just 12 minutes remaining, forcing the game into penalties.
The shoot-out was filled with drama from the outset. Albie Morgan of Blackpool missed the team's second penalty, sending his shot wide of the target. Villa's Aidan Borland, on the other hand, had his attempt brilliantly saved by former City goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell, who made an impressive stop with his feet.
As the shoot-out progressed, both goalkeepers, O'Donnell and Villa's Oli Zych, stepped up to take their chances from the spot, successfully converting their respective penalties. The decisive moment arrived when Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel's shot for Blackpool struck the post, sealing victory for Villa.
As the only under-21 team remaining in the competition, Villa has been drawn to host City for the upcoming match. There is speculation that the fixture could be moved to Valley Parade, with an official announcement expected in the coming days. This highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place during the week commencing Monday, January 13, promising to be an exhilarating contest for both teams.