Former Liverpool player, Robbie Keane scored his 49th goal for the Republic of Ireland against Scotland in the final of the inaugeral Carling Cup in Dublin this season.
The Republic, playing in front of no more than 20,000 fans, controlled the game most of the time made their dominence pay with a fine strike from Ireland's record goal-scorer Keane who ran with the ball from the halfway line to shoot home on 23 minutes.
The game itself was flat enough throughout with Ireland playing the most positive football.
Charlie Adam was dangerous at times with his free-kick deliveries but he only tested Irish keeper, Shay Given once all through the game.
In the 2nd half, Scotland began to up the tempo and Kenny Miller might have been awarded a penalty following a pull from Steven Hunt.
Miller soon spurned a gilt-edged chance to equalise but his shot went just wide with the goal a begging.
So, that was it, Ireland gained their first trophy under Giovanni Trapponi with the Carling Cup, little steps.
A frustrating end to a topsy-turvy season with a disappointing defeat to mid-table Aston Villa.
Liverpool went into the game aiming to qualify for Europe and to finish the Season on a high, but that just did not happen.
Kenny Dalglish sent out his team without Andy Carroll, Maxi and Glen Johnson, who all cried off with various injuries and it showed in the performance on the pitch.
Liverpool started well enough without really penetrating the Villa defence and when young Jay Spearing went off with an ankle injury to be replaced by 19 year old Johnjo Shelvey, we lost our shape and bite in midfield.
Stewart Downing scored for Villa in their only attack off the first-half when he smashed home a thunderous drive from a Mark Albrighton cross to leave it 1-0 to the home team at half time.
Liverpool played better in the second-half with sometimes good passing and threatened Brad Friedel on a few occasions.
Suarez was lively as usual, Miereles threatened at times and there was some good efforts by the away team, but it was a second defeat in a row for Liverpool, who finished 6th, one place better than last season.
However, under three different Managers in Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool have fallen short.
It is plainly obvious that a major overhaul of the team and squad is needed to challenge for trophies.
We lack quality in midfield, on the wings and maybe upfront too.
Lots of names have been mentioned: Marveaux, Hazard, M'Villa, Long, Diego etc.
As long as we buy some quality players for the whole team from back to front,
I will be happy enough that we will challenge for the top honours next season.
There is no doubt that we have the right Manager and coach in Dalglish and Clarke, now it is time for Fenway Sports Group to deliver.
She was present at the launch of Liverpool's new kit for 2011/12 in Dublin and counts herself as a firm Reds fan.
Speaking at the launch Rosanna said: "Certainly from a female perspective I often get looks of shock and amazement when I say I am a big Liverpool fan, but I love to go to matches and watch them on TV," Rosanna said.
"It's something I really enjoy, watching the game with my family or going over to Anfield. I wouldn't be that mad about watching any old team play, it has to be Liverpool."
She added: "My father has been a fan for years and my brothers are into it as well and I think my Dad's mission was to get us all supporting them - even the dog had a red collar and was a Liverpool supporter. It's been a great family thing growing up. I still love going over to Anfield when I can and nothing beats the atmosphere over at the matches, especially in the Kop."
Her father is a certain Chris de Burgh, who's song Lady in Red, was a worldwide hit some years back.
Rosanna is certainly a Lady in Red, the Red of Liverpool.
Although Maxi Rodriguez grabbed his second hat-trick in three games, it is Luis Suarez who impressed the most tonight at Craven Cottage.
The impish forward was full of industry and invention as he tormented Fulham for the entire game. He was involved in every one of Liverpool's attacksand caused havoc whenever he had the ball.
Liverpool opened the scoring on 32 seconds with a strike from Maxi Rodriguez, that was quickly followed by another goal by Maxi after 7 minutes with a nice sidefoot shot from a Suarez cross, then Dirk Kuyt tried a speculative shot which beat Swarzer at his near post to have Liverpool 3-0 ahead after only 15 minutes.
A dream start for the Reds who are passing and moving the ball with verve and closing down opponents with determination under Kenny Dalglish.
Liverpool endured an expected fightback at Fulham's home ground and they got it in the early moments of the 2nd half when Dembele scored on the edge of the box, much to the annoyance of Pepe Reina who booted the ball into the stands and got a yellow card for his troubles.
However, Maxi soothed any Liverpool nerves on 70mins as he put a great shot passed Swarzer for his hat-trick and Liverpool led 4-1, game over, you might have thought.
But there was more to follow, Steve Sidwell struck a fine shot from thirty yards on 74mins to beat Reina again, though Pepe kept his thoughts to himself this time.
He need not have worried as a minute later, Suarez rounded the hapless Swarzer to sidefoot a goal he richly deserved for his all-action display.
So another great night for the Reds, if only Kenny Dalglish was made Manager last Summer, but then, thats another story...
Harry Rednapp's faltering Spurs side dropped more points again this evening, at home to Blackpool.
Charlie Adam put the Tangerines in front with a successful penalty kick, having had one saved minutes earlier by Gomez.
Blackpool were looking good for all 3 points until a great strike by Jermaine Defoe on 89mins saved Harry's and Tottenham's blushes.
This was more good news for Liverpool, as 5th is now in our own hands.
If we win our remaining three games against Fulham(Mon), Spurs at home and Villa away and we will finish in 5th by two clear points.
Manchester City lost to Everton 2-1 this afternoon, but, realistically, they are too far ahead in fourth to be caught at this late stage of the season.
Liverpool earned another valuable three points at Anfield this afternoon where they overcame a determined Newcastle United side by three goals to nil.
An early deflected goal by Maxi on ten minutes got the Reds off to a dream start against a team that had beaten us 3-1 before Christmas.
Newcastle are no mugs and they went at Liverpool, winning alot of corners and free kicks, however Joey Barton's deliveries were easily dealt with time and again by a resolute Liverpool defence.
A great run early in the 2nd half by Suarez resulted in the Uraguayian being upended inside the box and the resultant penalty was calmly despatched by Dirk Kuyt for his 13th of the season, three more than Torres, by the way.
Liverpool were not finished yet and they went at Newcastle in search of a clinching goal. That arrived with some neat inter-play by Kuyt and Luis Surez, who finished a one-two with Kuyt to seal the win for Liverpool.
Kenny Dalglish then decided to bring on Andy Carroll with 20 minutes to go, to the boo's of the travelling Geordie supporters.
The win moved Liverpool above Spurs into fifth place for that Europa League place, unthinkable before Christmas.
Well done King Kenny and Liverpool.
