West Ham's dreams of Youth Cup glory were shattered in a 10-minute spell either side of half-time.
The Hammers competed well early in this quarter final tie and probably shaded the first half, although chances were few and far between.
But Villa goals on 43 and 47 minutes, plus a red card for Hammers' defender Liam Parrington soon after, left the home side's hopes in tatters.
It all added up to a disappointing night for youth team boss Tony Carr.
"I'm choked with the first goal coming from a corner," he said. "Normally we are pretty good at set plays and people know what their responsibilities are.
"Up to that point there was nothing in it but we lost a goal on the stroke of half time and that was disappointing."
The defence was certainly at sixes and sevens as Gabriel Agbonlahor headed against the bar before Christian Kabeya was allowed to nod home the rebound.
And the second goal was even harder to bear as the luckless Parrington mishit a back-pass and Agbonlahor nipped in to slot home.
More on West Ham United atthe official site
Published Thursday March 4, 2004
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