Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final
Carlisle United 1-4 Southampton
Sunday March 28, Wembley, (Att: 73,476)
Sunday March 28, Wembley, (Att: 73,476)
A dominant display by Southampton swept aside Carlisle to secure the South Coast club victory in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.
It was bad luck on the Cumbrians, whose own errors contributed to their downfall, but two goals in either half ensured Alan Pardew's men were always in control.
United began the stronger of the two teams - committed to finding the first goal - and had a decent shout for a penalty turned down.
Ian Harte's dangerous in-swinging free-kick forced Kelvin Davies into action, but Graham Kavanagh appeared to be man-handled in the box by Dan Harding.
However, it was a defensive error at the other end which gave the Hampshire club a chance to take the lead. Peter Murphy inexplicably handling the ball when jumping to meet a cross from Michail Antonio.
The referee was left with no choice, and up stepped top scorer Rickie Lambert to smash home the penalty and give Southampton the lead a quarter of an hour in.
Boosted by their goal, Saints began to take control and could have soon doubled their advantage. Carlisle keeper Adam Collin having to be quick to react to Adam Lallana's shot after a long-throw had caused panic in the United box.
Carlisle responded and were unfortunate not to get back on level terms when Harte's header from a Matty Robson cross struck the top of the crossbar.
However, it was Southampton who, just before the break, found the next goal. Another long throw from Antonio was flicked on by Lambert and Lallana stole in at the back post to nod home.
Five minutes into the second half and the game was up for the Cumbrians as Saints scored their third. A quick breakaway allowed Lambert to cross for Antonio and, despite Collin saving his first shot, Ndiaye Papa Waigo was on hand to head in the rebound.
Antonio wasn't be denied a goal of his own though and, after Carlisle had failed to deal with a long ball forward, he picked up the ball on the edge of the area and fired low past Collin.
Greg Abbott's side did pull one goal back - substitute Gary Madine sending a flashing header past Davies from a Harte free-kick. It was some consolation for Carlisle - making a record fifth appearance in the final of this competition.
There was still enough time for the irrepressible Lambert to test Collin from long-range with a free-kick of his own, but this time the keeper came out on top.
However, it was Lambert and Southampton's day, as they secured their first win at Wembley since 1976 in their debut year in the JPT. Saints fans will hope it is the beginning of a bright new era at St. Mary's.
Southampton celebrate their Johnstone's Paint Trophy success at Wembley
It was bad luck on the Cumbrians, whose own errors contributed to their downfall, but two goals in either half ensured Alan Pardew's men were always in control.
United began the stronger of the two teams - committed to finding the first goal - and had a decent shout for a penalty turned down.
Ian Harte's dangerous in-swinging free-kick forced Kelvin Davies into action, but Graham Kavanagh appeared to be man-handled in the box by Dan Harding.
However, it was a defensive error at the other end which gave the Hampshire club a chance to take the lead. Peter Murphy inexplicably handling the ball when jumping to meet a cross from Michail Antonio.
The referee was left with no choice, and up stepped top scorer Rickie Lambert to smash home the penalty and give Southampton the lead a quarter of an hour in.
Boosted by their goal, Saints began to take control and could have soon doubled their advantage. Carlisle keeper Adam Collin having to be quick to react to Adam Lallana's shot after a long-throw had caused panic in the United box.
Carlisle responded and were unfortunate not to get back on level terms when Harte's header from a Matty Robson cross struck the top of the crossbar.
However, it was Southampton who, just before the break, found the next goal. Another long throw from Antonio was flicked on by Lambert and Lallana stole in at the back post to nod home.
Five minutes into the second half and the game was up for the Cumbrians as Saints scored their third. A quick breakaway allowed Lambert to cross for Antonio and, despite Collin saving his first shot, Ndiaye Papa Waigo was on hand to head in the rebound.
Antonio wasn't be denied a goal of his own though and, after Carlisle had failed to deal with a long ball forward, he picked up the ball on the edge of the area and fired low past Collin.
Greg Abbott's side did pull one goal back - substitute Gary Madine sending a flashing header past Davies from a Harte free-kick. It was some consolation for Carlisle - making a record fifth appearance in the final of this competition.
There was still enough time for the irrepressible Lambert to test Collin from long-range with a free-kick of his own, but this time the keeper came out on top.
However, it was Lambert and Southampton's day, as they secured their first win at Wembley since 1976 in their debut year in the JPT. Saints fans will hope it is the beginning of a bright new era at St. Mary's.
Southampton celebrate their Johnstone's Paint Trophy success at Wembley
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