SUCCESS! At last....

It may be the Carling Cup that Liverpool have secured, but a cups a cup regardless. It may not have been in particularly convincing fashion, but the past 6 years that have ended trophy less have led to turmoil for everyone connected with the club. A club which has been so successful in English football since their formation in 1892, they have gone through good times and bad times, and if they ever needed a trophy so bad - this was the time. What makes the win so significant are their performances in the Premier League over the past 2/3 years. They've struggled to emulate any sort of form from the League Cup and take that into the Premier League, adding to the significance as it'll provide a much needed confidence boost that'll do them a world of good. But would they perform on the day? All the pressure was on them, and in order to end their search for a trophy, they had to stand up and be counted and see off a dangerous Cardiff outfit.

Skrtel makes the scoreline 1-1

I went into the game nervous, desperate for Liverpool to do what's expected and defeat a seriously unfancied Cardiff side. I knew it'll be tricky, the 2011 cup final emphasizing my doubt when Birmingham defied the odds to defeat Arsenal in a pulsating cup final which would inevitably be remembered for years to come. After previously witnessing a terrific North London derby where 7 goals were scored, I didn't think the game would live up to the same expectations by any means. But by the end I was surprised, with the game keeping you on edge as the pendulum swung back and forth throughout the full 120 minutes. It was a shame that there had to be a loser, with both teams showing incredible heart and desire to achieve their dreams of winning the Carling cup.

Mason scored early on, Skrtel cancelling out the early Cardiff advantage and levelling from a corner after Suarez had unluckily struck the post; forcing extra time. Kuyt than scored to put Liverpool within touching distance of the trophy, but Turner dramatically equalized, sending Cardiff fans into raptures and ensuring the Carling Cup would be decided from the penalty spot. After Gerrard and Adam missed, I thought that Liverpool were goners, but they dug deep and after two Cardiff players had struck the post, Anthony Gerrard had to score to send penalties into sudden death. He missed, sparking scenes of ecstasy from Liverpool players and fans alike - the hunt for a trophy was over after 6 long, painful years.

Turner pokes home to send the tie to penalties

I can't express the joy and relief I felt after Anthony Gerrard missed the decisive penalty. I couldn't contain my excitement and pride, leaping from my seat to celebrate the end of a barren run in terms of trophies. However, I also felt sorry for Cardiff. They had put so much effort into a cup final where many pundits had written them off. They showed incredible determination throughout the game, with goal scorer Turner as well as Captain Hudson epitomizing all that Cardiff was about - drive and determination. Many of their players had also suffered cramp, with Gunnarson barely moving during the second half of extra time. However they mustered the energy to equalize, and held their own throughout the whole 120 minutes. They didn't look out of place, and even could have won it in normal time, Kenny Miller embarrassingly missing a golden chance by blazing over from 8 yards when it seemed harder to miss than score. Nevertheless, they conducted themselves brilliantly, and put in a plucky display which was deserved of winning the Carling Cup.

Liverpool players celebrating

But the day was all about Liverpool in the end. When you look at the history books, Cardiff's efforts won't be recognised. Whether anyone thinks it was deserved or not, Liverpool held the majority of possession and had 25 shots on goal in their search for their first cup win in 6 years. In the end, you must credit Liverpool for dealing with being favourites, and not cracking under the pressure after Cardiff took the lead. But will this turn out to be a turning point regarding their domestic fortunes? Hopefully, the cup win will install a new lease of life into the team and inject some much needed confidence within the players. The Carling Cup isn't the biggest of trophies, but it's a major trophy for a reason. Every team plays to win it, and after beating the rest and winning the trophy, it'll do them a world of good. The first trophy in 6 years is a relief more than anything, and has reinstalled a good vibe and feel-good-factor back at Anfield. So with the Carling Cup in their possession, hopefully, just hopefully, Liverpool can use it as a spring board for success in the future and really push on for success in the years to come.