A win for our side at last! After having Boro lose their last two matches it was nice to finally see a team I was supporting, Liverpool, bring home a win as they took West Ham in today’s FA Cup Final. Although Liverpool was actually favoured to win, West Ham had all the luck on their side. They were staying in the lucky hotel (apparently out of the last 32 finals, 29 winners had stayed at this hotel or something like that) and the lucky locker room.

Sir Jules chose the Angel Walkabout as today’s match watching venue as its his “lucky” venue. I have sworn never to step into a Walkabout but today was an exception. While we were there I thought I might as well take advantage of one of their nicer cocktails – Illusion. I suffered my usual allergic reaction but it really was yummy. 🙂 Actually, as a venue, there was pretty good atmosphere at the Walkabout. I’d say that Liverpool supporters JUST outnumbered West Ham supporters (or they were the most vocal anyway.)

But on to the game. As I said Liverpool did take the match but they didn’t make it easy for themselves. First there was an own goal in the 21st minute and then there was a fumble by the Liverpool keeper that allowed West Ham to score an easy second goal not too long after. With hearts in our mouths the seconds were ticking away just a bit too quickly as we approached half-time but Liverpool were able to scrape at least one back to make it 1-2 going into the break.

The second half started off in a flurry as Gerrard scored the first of two brilliant goals to make it 2-2. West Ham made it 2-3 in answer after a freakish long-range goal by Konchesky. It was heart in the mouth sort of stuff again as we approached the end of the game and then in the 90th minute Gerrard scored his second brilliant goal to take it to extra time. Despite some great football by West Ham in extra time they just couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities and Liverpool were able to hold it to 3-3 to take it to a penalty shoot out. And this is where their class showed taking it 3-1 after some awesome saves by the keeper.

Was Sir Jules happy? It would be fair to say that’s somewhat of an understatement!