Marcus Rashford scored twice as Aston Villa defeated second-tier Preston North End 3-0 in their FA Cup quarterfinal at Deepdale on Sunday, securing a matchup with Crystal Palace of the Premier League at Wembley.

Villa, who are in excellent form on all fronts, are aiming to win the oldest national championship in the world for the first time in 68 years.

In the other semi-final, Nottingham Forest will play either Manchester City or Bournemouth.

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Thirteen minutes after halftime, Rashford side-footed a low cross from Lucas Digne into the goal, his first goal for Villa since joining on loan from Manchester United in February.

He scored a penalty shortly after Morgan Rogers was fouled.

As Preston’s formidable defence gave way and Villa’s superior skill and experience were evident, Jacob Ramsey scored a fantastic third goal for Villa to end the match.

They are making their first FA Cup semi-final appearance since the 2014–15 campaign, when they defeated Liverpool in the round of four but fell short against Arsenal 4-0 in the championship game.

Preston, the final team from outside the top division still playing in the competition, held their own in the first half and had a few half-chances to score, but Villa dominated the second half and were deserving winners.

Preston had the finest opportunity of the first half when Stefan Thordarson’s uncontested header sailed wide of goal and Villa custodian Emi Martinez was unable to clear with a punch.

When Rashford missed his first attempt from eight yards out, Preston keeper Dai Cornell made a smothering stop to deny him, and he was unable to beat the keeper with his subsequent attempt.

Digne had found space on the left side of the box, but the England striker would not be denied, as he ended the draw with a straightforward side-footed finish.

When Villa got past Preston two minutes later, it should have been 2-0, but Rogers’ spectacular attempt from a few yards out was stopped on the goal line.

However, the visitors did not have to wait long for their second goal, as Andrew Hughes stood on Rogers’ and Rashford scored the penalty with ease.

Ramsey had been dangerous throughout the match, and he finished with a precise shot into the back of the net after a furious run to the Preston box’s edge.

In the end, manager Unai Emery’s team had a smooth afternoon despite substitute Ollie Watkins having two great chances to increase the visitors’ lead that he missed.