Liverpool have won the League Cup, beating a plucky Cardiff City side on penalties at Wembley on Sunday.

The Championship side had taken the lead through Joe Mason in the first half, but Martin Skrtel equalised for the Merseysiders on the hour mark.

With the match locked at 1-1, extra time was needed and it looked like the Reds had won it when Dirk Kuyt gave them the lead, however the Welsh team refused to give up and a Ben Turner effort forced the game to penalties.

In the end, after the teams had exchanged efforts, Antony Gerrard, Steven's cousin, missed the crucial spot-kick for the Bluebirds and gave Liverpool the first piece of silverware of the season.

Manager Kenny Dalglish was delighted to win the trophy, but feels that it is only the start of a successful era for the Anfield team.

"Although we have won something today, that is not us finished," the Kop legend told Sky Sports.

"We don't want to stop here, we want to keep going. It means an awful lot to a lot of people.

"All we do is try to make them as happy as we possibly can. Today we have been able to do that. Hopefully it makes up for some of the days when we have not been able to.

"We are delighted to have won the trophy. Throughout the whole competition, we have deserved it. We have played well and come through some really hard games," he admitted.

By Gareth McKnight

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