The clash at Villa Park offered City the chance of recording historic back-to-back FA Youth Cup wins for the first time in our history.
But despite taking a second minute lead through Matty Warhurst, Villa hit back instantly to level through TJ Carroll and then struck again on the half hour through Cole Brannigan to take a half-time lead.
Though City pushed to try and find a leveller a third Villa goal from Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba sealed victory for the hosts as City suffered a first defeat in all competitions since November.
Despite the huge sense of disappointment however, for Reiss the learnings and lessons from the setback will only serve his players well looking to the long term.
“First of all, congratulations to Aston Villa,” said the City Lead Coach.
“From our point of view, I was proud of the lads before the game and even more afterwards. To reach the final again was a big success.
“It was a tough game – some phases we were OK but it was not the game we were used to.
“And with the special atmosphere playing in front of 25,000 fans - to deal with this is very tough.
“All in all, I’m not happy of course [to lose] – but reaching this final and having the opportunity to play in a game like this [will only be] positive for their development.”
Play the video to watch Oliver’s interview in full…
