Preston Youth 1, City Youth 1 (aet – Preston won 4-2 on pens)

City’s FA Youth Cup journey ended in the cruellest manner with a penalty shoot-out defeat at Deepdale.

David Wetherall’s youngsters had seen off Southampton by spot-kicks in the previous round but the underdogs’ hopes of repeating that and reaching the last 16 were dashed.

Keeper Chris Cheetham saved the opening effort by Scott Leather but misses from Adam Baker and Joe Mitchell proved the difference.

It was a heart-breaking end but the young Bantams, backed by a large following of family and friends, had done themselves proud.

Peter Taylor and former City boss Colin Todd were in the crowd which saw them once again match a club from a higher division.

Preston right back Leather lived up to his name with an early 30-yard blast that smashed against an advertising hoarding, before Cheetham produced an unorthodox save to keep City level on 19 minutes.

Michael McLellan’s quick feet gave him space to pick out Doyle Middleton on his own in front of goal. The Preston midfielder fluffed his first touch, sending Cheetham off balance, but the keeper recovered in time to kick away his goal-bound shot.

Darren Stephenson was holding the ball up strongly for City and his lay-off almost got strike partner Oliver Forsyth a clear sight on the home goal before Ben Green drove wide.

Preston had obviously done their homework and danger man Dominic Rowe, who had scored in all three previous rounds, was bottled up well in his central role behind the front two.

But City were handling the home side. Cheetham safely clutched a header from Preston skipper Seanan Clucas, while Middleton crashed another long-range missile harmlessly wide.

As half-time approached, Wetherall switched City’s shape to leave Forsyth as the lone attacker with Stephenson and Rowe on the wings of a five-man midfield.

The change paid dividends five minutes after the break. Green burst into the box and found Forsyth, who spun cleverly and drilled home from ten yards out.

Preston almost responded immediately as William Hayhurst turned inside Cole Harrop and rattled the City bar. Then Cheetham saved well at his near post from McLellan.

But the equaliser arrived just after the hour. Republic of Ireland youth international Sam Osobe, who had been on seven minutes, was played clear and calmly slotted past the keeper.

Rowe’s attempt to restore City’s lead was foiled by Dominic Comrie, before Adam Baker wasted a glorious chance after fellow substitute Tom Marshall’s shot was parried straight into his path.

Rowe was guilty of a big miss in the first period of extra-time after being sent clear by Baker. He also took a touch too many with another inviting opening in the second.

So once again it came down to a battle from 12 yards but this time City’s spot luck ran out. Yet they had nothing to feel ashamed of after a tremendous run in the competition.

Preston Youth: Comrie, Leather, James (Croasdale 100), Clucas, Devine, Holtom, Parish (Clark 65), Middleton, McLellan, Dudley (Osobe 56), Hayhurst. Subs (not used): Watson, Bent.

City Youth: Cheetham, Harrop, Robinson, McGivern, Lawless, Green (Marshall 70), Flett, Rowe, Mitchell, Stephenson (Singh 100), Forsyth (Baker 67). Subs (not used): Fisher, Tongue.