Classic Matches

Middlesbrough 2-1 Bolton Wanderers
Date Played – 29th February 2004 (League cup Final)
In what proved to be Boro’s first ever major trophy victory, they finished off a thrilling cup final tie by defeating Bolton 2-1. Boro took the lead in only the second minute as Gaizka Mendieta and Boudwijn Zenden combined and found the Cameroon international Joseph Desire Job unmarked as he scored to make it 1-0 to the Teesiders. Only five minutes later, Boro took a two goal lead as Emerson Thorne fouled Job in the box and Zenden coolly converted the resulting spot kick. Shortly after, Bolton pulled a goal back as Kevin Davies hit a teasing shot in to the back of the net to make it 2-1. Bolton pressurized the Boro defence and Kevin Nolan and Nicky Hunt came close to equalizing for the trotters; however Boro won the 2004 league cup final 2-1.

Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool
Date Played – Sunday 27th February 2005

Liverpool got off to a great start as John Arne Riise scored in the first sixty seconds of the match. However after high amounts of pressure, Chelsea equalized through a Steven Gerrard own goal. Chelsea came close to winning in normal time as Didier Drogba squandered a chance late on in the 90 minutes. In extra time, Didier Drogba scored from point blank range and Kezman made it 3-1. With only minutes of the extra period remaining, Antonio Nunez scored a consolation goal for Liverpool. Chelsea was the deserved winners of the 2005 Carling Cup final.

Manchester united 4-0 Wigan
Date Played – 26th February 2006

Manchester united dominated this League Cup final as they ran out 4-0 winners. Wayne Rooney was in outstanding form as he netted 2 goals. Louis Saha and Christiano Ronaldo scored the other two goals. Louis Saha’s goal made him the top scorer of the league cup in 2006.