Worthington Cup: Liverpool triumph after marathon cup final

It took extra time and penalties to achieve it, but Gerard Houllier has finally won his first trophy as Liverpool manager with the club's victory over Birmingham City in the Worthington Cup final in Cardiff today.

The Merseysiders seemed to be heading for victory in the final minutes of normal time, thanks to Robbie Fowler's superbly taken volley on 30 minutes. However, a clumsy challenge by Sami Hyppia on Birmingham skipper Martyn O'Connor in the 91st minute led to a penalty for the Blues, which was duly converted by defender Darren Purse.

Liverpool came closest to scoring in extra time, with Birmingham keeper Bennett clawing away Fowler's header and Dieter Hamann thumping a 25-yard drive off the post. When it came to penalties, the drama increased as Martin Grainger had his first effort saved by Westerveld.

Birmingham seemed to have won a reprieve when Hamann blasted his straight at Bennett, but in sudden death Westerveld made himself the hero of the day when he blocked Andy Johnson's score to give Liverpool their first trophy since 1995.