NORTH End were dumped North End out of the Worthington Cup last night with fine strikes in each half from Darius Vassell which left keeper David Lucas with no chance.

Dion Dublin scored the third with a towering header and a spectacular scissor-kick goal from Juan Pablo Angel added to the damage in the 81st minute.

But the Villa saved the best until least when Tomas Hitzlspurger unleashed an unstoppable drive from 30 yards.

The North End keeper had pulled off a string of good saves in the first half as the PNE defence buckled under constant pressure.

As early as the third minute Adam Eaton, playing for the injured Rob Edwards give away a corner when he could have cleared the ball up field out of danger. Lee Hendrie and Vassell were a constant threat to Lucas's goal and Dion Dublin squandred a good chance when he missed from close range.

Hendrie set up Vassell from the right and there was no error from the England international who finished clinically to open the scoring.

Eddie Lewis was the only North End player who came anywhere near to unlocking the Villa back four.

In the end, although the players did not give up, the final whistle could not come soon enough for sorry North End.

The best player on the pitch for North End proved to be David Lucas who could not be blamed for any of the goals.

Aston Villa 5 Preston NE 0