Liverpool advance to Carling Cup final

Liverpool will return to Wembley for the first time in 16 years, after the Citizens secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over Premier League rivals Manchester City last night. Former City striker Craig Bellamy was the hero, as he scored the late leveller to put the Reds in the final.

Bellamy was the man of the match as the club he rejoined last summer secured their place at Wembley for the final against Cardiff.


The game started at a frenetic pace, but it was Manchester City who would take the lead with a rare goal from Nigel De Jong.


Referee Phil Dowd gave a suspicious looking penalty to Liverpool in 41st minute, and Steven Gerrard stepped up to level the scores on the night.


Into the second half, and a nervy looking Manchester City side struggled to deal with the attacking threat of Craig Bellamy for most of the evening.


In the 67th minute, it looked as if the Citizens had done enough to ensure extra time, as full back Aleksandar Kolarov found space on the flank to expertly cross for the roaming Edin Dzeko, who knocked the ball home at the far post.


There would still be one story on the night though, and that would be written by Welshman Bellamy. With just 15 minutes left on the clock, Dirk Kuyt found room to cross for Bellamy; who played a one-two with defender Glen Johnson and then rifled home with his left peg.


The goal would be enough to guarantee a visit to Wembley. Bellamy, whose goal dumped Man City out at the semi final stage, offered some revenge in his much maligned relationship with former manager at Man City, Roberto Mancini.