Academy skipper Gary Gardner produced a sparkling display and a hat trick to lead Villa to a 4-0 victory over Rochdale in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup tonight at Villa Park.

Ryan Simmonds scored the other goal in a game where Rochdale were outplayed by Villa's fast attacking style.  Other players worthy of special mention are Richard Blythe, Samir Carruthers and keeper Ben Siegrist, but credit to the whole team.  Well done lads!

Team: Siegrist; Grocott, Deeney, Devine, Williams; Lampkin (Roberts 80), G. Gardner, Blythe, Carruthers (Halfhuid 76); Poyser, R. Simmonds (Berry 64).
Substitutes not used: Barratt, Stieber.

UPDATE:  Villa have been drawn away to West Bromwich Albion in the 4th Round.  The match is scheduled for 16 January 2010, 7pm.