Town's U18s bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at the fifth round stage after a 5-0 defeat at Aston Villa. The home side were dominant throughout, although the final two goals were the result of the Blues pushing forward.

Nathan Delfouneso scored a hat-trick, while Barry Bannan and James Collins netted one each for the home side, who were two goals up at the break.

Despite the scoreline, Town weren't too bad, but collectively had an off day at the back, although the final two goals came in the closing stages as they sought to get themselves back into the game.

The Blues never really tested the Villa keeper, Jordan Rhodes coming closest to a goal with a shot bent round a post. Rhodes was probably Town's best player, while midfielders Ed Upson and Reggie Lambe had quiet games, the latter making way at the break.

Town's exit from the Youth Cup is likely to see one or two of the U18 side go out on loan, the Blues having wanted to keep the squad together while they were still in the competition.

Upson and central defender Tommy Smith are amongst those interesting a number clubs with Rushden and Diamonds and Stevenage Borough regularly in attendance at Town reserve games of late.

U18s: Plummer; Ainsley, Robinson, Watson; Williams (Clark, 67), Smith, Upson, Reason, Lambe (Clemo 46), Rhodes, Murphy (Hyam 67). Unused: Ward, Daniels.

Photo: Action Images

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