Although no Swans fans will want to see us defend the trophy next year I believe that it has been a hugely significant part of our season and it may just provide us with the impetus needed to propel us to the Championship.
Looking back, the run almost ended before it began. Amidst the usual cries of rejection of the importance of the competition an experimental Swans side (including Shaun MacDonald making his first start for the club) found itself 1-0 down away to Torquay before 3 second half goals, the killer coming from ex Seagull Bayo Akinfenwa. Rushden & Diamonds were despatched with ease, Paul Connor's last goal for the club capping a 4-0 win. The Swans were given another scare by Peterborough who despite having a man sent off led 1-0 having forced the game into extra time. Swansea rallied to win 3-1 however with a Bayo double sandwiching a goal from Andy Robinson.
The area semi-final saw a now full strength Swansea side continue their uninspiring league form allowing Walsall to come from behind twice and take the game to a penalty shoot out. Both Leon Knight and Sam Ricketts missed chances to win the game before Alan Tate managed to send a relieved Kenny Jackett and his side through. High-flying Colchester provided the opposition in the area final, and an uninspiring game at White Rock saw Swansea take a 1-0 advantage courtesy of Bayo into the second leg. After seeing Colchester level the aggregate scores 2 second half goals in 5 minutes from the two Leons secured the passage to Cardiff.
For days leading up to the main event the talk of the town was of trains and tickets and team selection and with almost 30,000 of the Jack Army in attendance Lee Trundle's stunning strike opened the scoring at the Millennium Stadium. Fittingly Carlisle were allowed back into the game as the Swans struggled to cope with the Northerners at set pieces and a header 5 minutes from half time saw the game finely poised at the break. Both sides had their opportunities to win the game in a tense second half but it was Akinfenwa who took his to send the majority of the crowd into delirium. It was fitting that he were to score the winning goal having enjoyed one of his best games in a Swansea shirt at the home of Welsh sport, his bustling strength, anticipation and powerful running a menace to Carlisle throughout. His 81st minute winner took his tally for the whole competition to 5 and if the arrival of Rory Fallon has done 1 thing it is to reinvigorate a striker with undoubted talent who had lost his way at Christmas time.
With Roberto Martinez lifting his second trophy in a week thoughts now move to promotion. With 7 games left going up automatically is not yet out of the question but at the same time with our league form being so erratic we must continue to look over our shoulders towards the challenges for the play-off places. Should we fail in this quest I expect some supporters will trot out the line about our cup runs distracting us from the main prize. Of course the players and manager will only be able to look at our performances from now until the end of the season if we don't achieve promotion and on the contrary it is conceivable that Sunday's win could provide us with the spark that has been lacking over the past few months and beating Colchester Home and Away in this competition shows us we have nothing to fear in League 1. Incidentally Carlisle's performance in Cardiff should show them exactly the same if they themselves step up a division next season.
Aside from the boost the victory has given to our confidence it will also have positive financial implications for the club. The huge following that made the trip to Cardiff all poured money into the club's pockets. Moreover, what better occasion than a victorious cup final in Cardiff to attract casual fans at the game on Sunday to White Rock on Saturdays for League games.
Of equal importance the early rounds of the tournament enabled us to give vital experience to youngsters like Shaun MacDonald and Chad Bond. Fringe players such as Brian Murphy, Adrian Forbes and Kris O'Leary gained match sharpness to enable them to perform when called upon through injuries and the extra games gave out of form players chances to prove their worth and regain 1st XI spots. Both Andy Robinson and Adebayo Akinfenwa have a lot to thank the competition for as their performances during it certainly helped their claims for starting berths.
Above all however the fans got to enjoy a great game and a great occasion as Swansea City for once became the centre of attention. Many families had a great day out I'm sure and hopefully as I say earlier a few of them will start to watch the swans on a regular basis now. Those most deserving however are the 89 hardy souls who made the trip to Torquay for the 1st Round, if you are one of them then I hope you enjoyed the final as it is for those type of supporters who events like this are really made for.
Finally a word about that flag, unfortunately I couldn't leave it out. Even though it was done with humour in the heat of the moment was it stupid behaviour from the players concerned? Yes. Was it offensive? Well perhaps a little, given the great day the players and fans had enjoyed in Cardiff and I'd like to congratulate the Police, the club, event organisers and also the Cardiff City fans who defied all the gloomy predictions of violence and ensured there was no trouble. Was it worth anything more than a slap on the wrists and a warning? No and I hope it doesn't come to overshadow a day where almost 30,000 Jacks went to Cardiff and only 5 were arrested as they saw their team triumph in the second successful chapter out of three in the club's rollercoaster season.
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