Albion bowed out of the AXA FA Youth Cup, beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa in front of an 1,820 crowd at Villa Park last night.

The young Seagulls matched their opponents for most of the match, but never really recovered from a two-goal deficit after 21 minutes.

Albion's nerves were hardly eased after five minutes when Villa went ahead.

Steve Foley's pass set Luke Moore clear in the area and his low cross was swept home from close range by David Scullion.

Albion threatened for the first time four minutes later, Wayne Henderson comfortably holding a 25-yard shot by Dan Beck, but soon found themselves two down.

Darren Budd was penalised for bringing down Foley in the area. Alex Bryant parried Stefan Moore's penalty, but the striker converted the rebound.

Albion were clearly the better side for the rest of the first half and only inspired goalkeeping by Henderson prevented the Seagulls cutting Villa's lead.

He thwarted Chris Greatwich after a 40-yard run by the Albion midfielder, then did just enough to keep out a 25-yarder from Beck and tipped over a long-range effort by Budd.

Four minutes after half time, many of the 100-plus Albion fans thought Beck had reduced the deficit rather than hit the side netting, but Peter Hynes went closer still for Villa on the hour with a shot which crashed back off Bryant's left-hand post.

Peter Hynes went closer still for Villa on the hour with a shot which crashed back off Bryant's left-hand post.

Steven Davis struck the same post 12 minutes from time after a dazzling run and jink.

Albion: Bryant; Vanson (Kirkwood 82), Breach, Budd, El-Abd, Bridle, Beck, Harding (Elphick 90), Windsor (Piper 64), Bartholomew, Greatwich. Unused subs: May, Watson.