On This Day: West Ham play their part in thrilling 2006 FA Cup final with Liverpool

 

West Ham United were denied a fourth FA Cup triumph in a dramatic final with Liverpool on this day in 2006.

With Cardiff's Millennium Stadium packed with Hammers and Reds supporters, Alan Pardew's underdogs took an early two-goal lead thanks to Jamie Carragher's own-goal and Dean Ashton's close-range strike, before Djibril Cisse pulled one back.

Steven Gerrard lashed home an equaliser after the break before Paul Konchesky's speculative cross flew into the top corner to put West Ham back in front.

Gerrard's stunning last-minute strike forced extra-time, during which the Irons went close to clinching the trophy on a number of occasions.

There were no further goals, however, and when Pepe Reina saved from Bobby Zamora, Konchesky and Anton Ferdinand in the resulting penalty shootout, West Ham's hearts were broken.

 

While the trophy went to Anfield, no Hammers fan will ever forget the efforts their heroes put in and just how close their team came to glory.

 

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