ECSTATIC Matthew Bates has told how defeat in last year's final proved the perfect motivation for Middlesbrough in their quest to lift the FA Youth Cup for the first time.

The powerful defender formed the bedrock of the successful Boro side that clinched an aggregate 4-0 win over Aston Villa at the Riverside on Monday.

Glory in the reputable competition clinched a fantastic double for the club following the senior team's success in the Carling Cup in February.

And it has not been a bad year for Bates either who, at the tender age of 17, has already been named on the bench for Steve McClaren in the Premiership this season.

The centre-back, from Eaglescliffe, admitted it was incredible to play in front of over 16,000 supporters.

But Bates insists the whole team coped with pressure in style by ensuring they kept a second clean sheet against a Villa side who have been the competition's top scorers this season.

"I think there was an added desire within the squad because we lost out to Manchester United last time around," said Bates. "We all knew we had to pull together to try to make up for last year's disappointment and that's what happened.

"Just because we reached the final last year didn't mean we could take anything for granted. We had to keep going and we did.

"I had about 12 members of my family in the stands. I was nervous playing in front of such a crowd but we adapted quite well.

"We played as well as we could have done and to stop Aston Villa from scoring is a great achievement in itself."

Bates' defensive partner David Wheater also had a massive part to play in both legs.

The Redcar boy grabbed the opening goal of the tie at Villa Park last Thursday and he also flicked on skipper Tony McMahon's free-kick during the build up to Jason Kennedy's killer goal on Monday night.

And Wheater, who was only a schoolboy for last year's final, said: "I couldn't sleep on Monday night. I have been dreaming about a day like that since I signed for Boro. I can't believe it and it just makes you hungry for more."

Delighted Academy director Dave Parnaby, whose son Stuart was part of the youth side that reached a semi-final four years ago, said: "I'm very, very pleased with the result. Aston Villa came to us with nothing to lose and they had a real go. We defended magnificently and, as a group of players, I'm pleased that they have all come through as victors."

The trophy triumph is the perfect high to go out on for never-say-die left-back Peter Masters.

Masters, who was named man of the match by Northern Echo SPORT, has known for a while that he will be released come June.

The 17-year-old will be the only player to leave from the FA Youth Cup winning squad.

But coach Mark Proctor said: "There's only Peter being released but the final was on Sky and hopefully that's been tremendous exposure for him. He was magnificent. I'm sure that all the players will get great spin-offs from both legs."