On Sunday 26th February at Wembley Stadium, Liverpool ended their, contextually, long drought of trophies by lifting the first trophy of the English League season: The Carling Cup. This is their first silverware since 2006. As the whistle blew for the final time in open play and a penalty shootout loomed, Cardiff should have known it was not to be – Liverpool have a historic efficiency when it comes to this ultimate conclusion for victory. This is the fifth time they have won a trophy following successful spot kicks, and the 11th successful shootout of their total 13. The superstitious number only unlucky for Cardiff, it seems. It was also Kenny Dalglish’s first cup from either of his spells at the Merseyside helm. With chafing irony, it was Steven Gerrard’s cousin, Anthony Gerrard, who handed the victory to Liverpool, after missing his crucial kick. While Liverpool had a confident start to the game, they could not convert their chances, allowing Cardiff to find their feet and make threats of their own. In fact, the Championship side were ahead within the opening 20 minutes, thanks to a poor header from Martin Skrtel that culminated in Joe Mason’s powerful low shot past Pepe Reina. Liverpool did little more in front of goal after going behind, and were held by Cardiff’s resilient defence for this cup. Skrtel rectified his earlier mistake by scoring the Liverpool equaliser on the hour mark, after acting on a rebound, taking the game to extra-time. Despite holding on with resolute and commendable defending, extra-time substitute Dirk Kuyt looked to have won the cup for Liverpool with his 108th minute strike – this just five minutes after coming on the Wembley field. The Dutchman only looked to have won it, of course. Kuyt also cleared off the line as Cardiff made a last-gasp effort in attack, but he could not prevent Ben Turner turning the ball in from the resulting corner. A 118th minute goal that meant sadistic pleasure for the neutrals and heart-stopping panic for anyone more closely biased to the Blue or Liver bird corners: penalties. (Unless, of course, one was already versed in Liverpool’s aforementioned penalty shootout successes, and ergo could reasonably predict the outcome of the 2012 Carling Cup Final shootout.) Still, the drama continued. Liverpool captain – and cousin to the ultimate fall-guy, Anthony Gerrard – Steven Gerrard stepped up first and saw his shot saved. Kenny Miller couldn’t help Cardiff’s cause, as he hit the post. Liverpool newbie, Charlie Adam, blasted his shot mortifyingly over the bar – even though it didn’t affect the result, he still deserves restless nights over the trajectory of his important kick. Don Cowie finally broke the penalty deadlock to put Cardiff 0-1 ahead, before Kuyt – who else – equalised. Rudy Gestede, like Miller, hit the post, removing Cardiff’s chance for an advantage. Stuart Downing and Peter Whittingham both converted to take the shootout score to 2-2. Glen Johnson powered his shot into the roof of the net to retain the advantage, before Anthony Gerrard’s miss gifted the trophy for his cousin to lift. It was a gripping final throughout that Cardiff will feel very disappointed to have lost, however with hindsight they can be proud of their efforts under the Wembley arches, proving they’re still strong enough to compete in the top league, if they can secure a play-off place. Liverpool meanwhile are still a little way off a secure top four finish, so will be relieved to have this definitive European place under their belt, and the confidence boost a cup final victory provides.