With the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy celebrating so many record breaking achievements this season, it seemed inevitable that history would be re-written at Wembley. And so it proved, as Southampton chalked up the biggest ever win in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, scoring four goals in the fourth year of the competition.
Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Papa Waigo and Michail Antonio hit the net in a 4-1 triumph, as the 44,000 Saints fans celebrated a glorious day out at the Home of Football.
In the end, Southampton proved too strong and too powerful for Carlisle in a one sided affair, which never seemed in doubt from the moment Rickie Lambert broke the deadlock.
It was certainly a day to savour for the south coast club, who were every bit as good as their recent form suggested, boasting pace, power and no shortage of skill to a huge crowd of 73,000.
With 12 penalty shoot-outs in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy this season, you just knew a spot-kick would come into play at some point of the final, and so it proved after 15 minutes.
Carlisle defender Peter Murphy inexplicably handled in the area with Lambert loitering. Referee Scott Mathieson pointed to the spot and the leading scorer duly made it 1-0 in emphatic style.
The Saints then threatened to add to their account, with Lallana forcing a fine reflex save from Carlisle keeper Collin minutes later.
It was then the turn of Collin again when a trademark Southampton breakaway involving Waigo and Lambert led to Michail Antonio striking a goal-bound shot, only for the keeper to save.
The Workington lad’s heroics seemed to galvanise the Cumbrians, who enjoyed some rare moments of their own pressure.
Matty Robson’s industry and skill down the left forced a corner, which eventually led to an Ian Harte header which hit the bar.
The pressure didn’t last though. It was 2-0 just before the break with a goal you’d usually see another team in red and white stripes scoring.
Michail Antonio did a great Rory Delap impression, hurling a bomb of a long throw into the box, where Rickie Lambert nodded on to Adam Lallana, who made no mistake with a far post header.
The half time cup of tea had barely been drunk before Southampton made it 3-0, effectively killing the game as a contest.
Carlisle defender Evan Horwood failed to deal with a routine cross, allowing Michail Antonio a clear shot at goal which Collin did brilliantly to save again. Unfortunately for the stopper, Papa Waigo was on hand to fire in the rebound.
Antonio, the on-loan Reading star didn’t have to wait long for his own goal, and smashed home a fourth goal after good work from man-of-the-match Lambert.
In full credit to Carlisle, Greg Abbott’s men never stopped working and deserved their consolation as the game petered out. Ian Harte’s free kick was nodded home by sub Gary Madine to give the Cumbrians something to cheer about.
From then on, it was a sea of red and white as Southampton celebrated a famous day in their history.
Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.
©2009 Johnstone's Paint Site by Cogent Elliott
