Arsenio's haul good enough for Villa

Aston Villa 4-1 Millwall
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fifth Round
Friday 11 February 2010
Villa Park, Aston Villa FC 

Aston Villa will meet Fulham in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup after a comprehensive win over Millwall on Friday night thanks to a hat-trick from Arsenio Halfhuid and a goal from the inspirational Ryan Simmonds.

Villa, who won the trophy in 1972 and 1992, took control with a three-goal burst in the five minutes before half-time. First Simmonds put them ahead after taking advantage of a defensive slip by The Lions to shoot home. The youngster then turned provider for all three of his striker partner Halfhuid’s goals, two of which came in quick succession before the break.

First Simmonds crossed for Halfhuid to head home, and then he put his partner clear of the Millwall defence for a clinical finish on the stroke of half-time.

Millwall, who had forced two good saves from Villa keeper Calum Barrett in the opening minutes of the game, then pulled a goal back when Hassan Jennah crossed from the right, Barrett failed to hold the ball and substitute Ikenna Ofoche tapped home.

Millwall then missed a chance to close the gap when Kiernan Mason hit the bar with a penalty after handball was given against Ellis Deeney.

And they were made to pay when Villa restored their three goal lead in the 80th minute when Halfhuid smashed the ball home after Simmonds broke away to cross from the right.

It means Tony McAndrew’s side will now face Fulham in the last eight.