Delight for NI’s Conor Bradley as Liverpool defeat Chelsea to win Carabao Cup
Liverpool's Conor Bradley (left) and Chelsea's Levi Colwill battle for the ball during the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium
There was Wembley delight for Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley, as Liverpool lifted the Carabao Cup thanks to a 1-0 win over Chelsea.
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk headed home the winner in the 27th minute of extra-time, after an evenly contested final that saw both teams have a goal disallowed for offside.
Tyrone native Bradley impressed throughout the game, despite a first half shoving match with Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell that saw both players receive yellow cards.
The 20-year-old was substituted in the 72nd minute, making way for Bobby Clark – the son of former Newcastle United midfielder Lee.
The League Cup success is the highlight of the young right-back’s burgeoning career. He’s the first Northern Irishman to lift the trophy since Jonny Evans helped Manchester United to cup glory in 2010.
Van Dijk rose above Mykhailo Mudryk to nod in Kostas Tsimikas’ corner in the 118th minute.
It was no more than the Netherlands international, lifting his first trophy as Liverpool captain, deserved after a monumental performance in defence in a win which seemed against the odds for long periods.
Jurgen Klopp became the third Liverpool manager to win the trophy more than once as his long goodbye to his departure at the end of the season began with the first of a potential four pieces of silverware.
But for opposite number Mauricio Pochettino his long wait for an English domestic trophy continues.
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