Aston Villa under-21s book Bradford City tie in penalty win

CITY will face Aston Villa under-21s in the last 16 of the Vertu Trophy after an incredible penalty shoot-out.

Villa’s youngsters beat Blackpool in the second round at Bloomfield Road last night after a marathon finale that went to 38 spot-kicks!

The contest almost went round twice before Ville emerged 18-17 winners to earn a shot at the Bantams in next month’s northern area quarter-finals.

Steve Bruce’s Blackpool had taken the lead straight after half-time through Elliot Embleton. But Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba levelled for Villa with 12 minutes left.

That took the tie straight to penalties – when the real drama began.

Albie Morgan dragged Blackpool’s second kick wide but former City keeper Richard O’Donnell in the home goal soon denied Aidan Borland’s attempt with his feet.

O’Donnell would go on to take and score a penalty – as would opposite number Oli Zych – as the spot-kicks flew in.

But eventually it was settled in Villa’s favour when Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel hit the post.

Villa, the only remaining under-21 team in the competition, were drawn at home for the City tie.

But they have the choice where to play it – and it appears quite likely the fixture will be switched to Valley Parade.

That decision will be announced in the next few days. The game is scheduled to take place in the week beginning Monday, January 13.