Liverpool are celebrating winning the first trophy of the season with a memorable 2-0 victory over old foes Manchester United in the Worthington Cup final.

In a season which has been termed a 'crisis' by many pundits, Gerard Houllier can be forgiven for wearing a wry smile this evening as he reflects on his sixth major success as Liverpool manager in just three seasons.

Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen scored the goals - one in each half - as the Reds ensured revenge for their defeat against United at Anfield earlier in the season with a well earned and well deserved win.

Written off by many before a ball had even been kicked inside Cardiff's fantastic Millennium Stadium, Liverpool produced a performance of high quality to break Manchester hearts and leave the travelling Kopites - along with Reds' fans all over the world - singing with joy.

Beating Manchester United is always a great feeling - but to get one over them in a major Cup final is extra special and the Liverpool players will be able to enjoy their post-match celebrations safe in the knowledge they have served notice of a return to top form after a disappointing recent run.

Gerard Houllier kept faith with his players during the poor spell over recent months and he can now rightly claim to be vindicated as his players not only beat - but deservedly beat - a side even the manager himself says is on a different level to his young squad.

Liverpool netted the decisive goal after 38 minutes of the first half when Steven Gerrard decided to try his luck from long range. The end result sent the thousands of travelling Kopites into ecstacy as the ball - with the help of a deflection off Beckham - flew over Barthez and nestled in the top corner of the net.

United came close to an immediate leveller, but a combination of Jerzy Dudek and Stephane Henchoz managed to protect Liverpool's half time lead. Dudek first saved brilliantly from Veron's stinging drive and then Henchoz was on hand to clear Scholes' resulting volley off the goal line.

The first half took time to come to life after both sides had spent the early part of the game cancelling each other out in a midfield battle.

United had the first chances when Giggs brought a fine stop from Dudek with a shot from inside the area and then Van Nistelrooy turned Giggs' cross inches wide of the far post when he seemed certain to open the scoring.

After the break Liverpool were content to sit on their lead and trust their iron defence to keep the United forward line at bay.

Michael Owen was denied by a late challenge from Ferdinand in the opening minute of the second period and Murphy stung Barthez's hands with a low right footed drive.

At the other end United were coming on strong and Dudek was called into action to brilliantly turn away Van Nistelrooy's drive after the Dutchman had found space inside the Liverpool area.

Emile Heskey then limped off injured and was replaced by Czech youngster Milan Baros in the Liverpool forward line.

Liverpool had a golden chance to double the lead after 63 minutes when Baros launched a lightening counter attack and eventually played in Gerrard who's first time shot was turned into the side netting by Barthez when a goal seemed certain.

As the game became more and more stretched both sides were beginning to carve out chances almost every time they went forward. Just seconds after Owen had almost robbed Ferdinand inside the area, Scholes was down at the other end bringing another terrific save from Dudek with a well struck low drive.

Liverpool settled the match and secured the Cup with just four minutes remaining when Didi Hamann cut short a United attack and sent Michael Owen running clear on goal. Owen took his time before smashing the ball past Barthez into the back of the net to trigger scenes of utter jubilation behind that same goal.

It was only a week ago that Liverpool were looking forward to a two game spell which would make or break this season.

With both games having been won, and with a trophy in the cabinet, all it needs now is a top four finish and a few more wins in Europe and, incredibly, a season which was being written off by some as a complete waste could end up being yet another glorious chapter in Liverpool's glorious history.

Liverpool: Dudek, Carragher, Hyypia, Henchoz, Riise, Murphy, Gerrard, Hamann, Diouf, Owen, Heskey. Subs: Arphexad, Smicer, Baros, Biscan, Traore.

Match Report and some of the below photos are courtesy of Liverpool's Official Website

Gerrard + Co Celebrate the opener

He shoots...

He SCORES!!!

Owen celebrates his late goal

Owen + Co celebrate his late goal

Owen + Co celebrate the late winner

Owen shows his sportsmanship

The Ecstatic manager gets first touch

Gerard Houllier salutes the fans!

Liverpool's #1: Man Of The Match

The Goal scorers hold the trophy

The goal scorers hold the trophy

The whole team celebrates

The whole team celebrates

The whole team celebrates

Owen Celebrates

Owen Celebrates

The Fans are Ecstatic