Liverpool yaendeleza kilio Man City

LIVERPOOL were a bit of all white as they made it back to Wembley for the first time since 1996.

Kenny Dalglish's heroes twice came from behind at Anfield to seal a Carling Cup final clash with Cardiff on February 26.

But there will surely be no sign of the 'Spice Boys' white suits that so embarrassed the squad before their FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United 16 years ago.

Craig Bellamy grabbed the decisive goal, though City were fuming at ref Phil Dowd for gifting Steven Gerrard a penalty with Phil Dowd for giving a handball against Micah Richards which saw Steven Gerrard score from the spot.

Kop boss Dalglish, who had a tear in his eye on the touchline at the final whistle, said: "Maybe we've forgotten the route to Wembley. We've not been for a while. But I'm sure the driver will remember.

"It's great for the people who have stood by us.

"It has not been so good for Liverpool Football Club over the last few years. But I've said before that if we stick together we can get our reward.

"The players were magnificent and everything that was lacking at Bolton last Saturday was there in abundance tonight."

City, who had keeper Joe Hart in inspired form, led twice through Nigel de Jong and Edin Dzeko.

Yet Liverpool hit back through skipper Gerrard's spot-kick and Bellamy's classy left-foot finish on 74 minutes.
Cardiff-born Bellamy, signed from City back in August, said: "The omens were looking good.

"I watched Cardiff go through and was delighted for them but knew it was a great opportunity for us.

"It couldn't be a better final for me. Cardiff mean so much to me. It's where I'm from. I haven't played at Wembley either."

City chief Roberto Mancini was simply left raging at Dowd for failing to spot Charlie Adam clipping Dzeko in the area at 0-0 and then penalising Richards as Daniel Agger's shot came off his knee and on to his arm.

He rapped: "I didn't think their penalty was a penalty, while we should have had one for a foul on Dzeko. I feel a sense of injustice.

"In the last two months we have been very unlucky with referees.

"The ball touched Micah's leg before his hand. Phil Dowd is one of England's best referees but I am giving my opinion it was not a penalty."