Oliver Reiss’s young blues had scored an impressive 19 goals in five games and conceded just two heading into this Villa Park clash.
They’d seen off Crystal Palace, Millwall, Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Watford en route to a second successive showpiece.
But City’s hopes of recording back-to-back final triumphs were dashed as our Under-18s lost out 3-1 in the Bank Holiday Monday encounter.
In front of 25,000 fans, the Blues roared into a second minute lead courtesy of Matty Warhurst’s fine finish.
However, the hosts levelled within 60 seconds thanks to a TJ Carroll header and went in at the break 2-1 in front after Cole Brannigan had struck with a spectacular 31st minute half volley.
And a third goal from Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba midway through the second half further extended Villa’s advantage and condemned City to a first defeat in 2025 and so end our hopes of recording historic back-to-back FA Youth Cup wins.
Watch the full game in the video player above.
