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Adebayo Akinfenwa’s late strike overcame League Two leaders Carlisle and handed Swansea the Football League Trophy at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium with a 2-1 victory.
The giant striker broke Carlisle’s brave resistance after 81 minutes to give Kenny Jackett’s men a welcome fillip in their bid to reach the Coca-Cola Championship.
Swansea are riding high in League One but there was little gulf in class between themselves and a Carlisle side well-placed to claim automatic promotion in the division below Jackett’s men.
Star striker Lee Trundle produced a brilliant opener for Swansea before Adam Murray’s 40th-minute header drew the Cumbrians level.
The prospect of extra-time and penalties was looming before Akinfenwa raced clear to sweep the ball past Carlisle goalkeeper Kieren Westwood.
Swansea began at breakneck speed and their vibrant approach reaped rich dividends after just three minutes when Trundle produced an outstanding goal.
The League One player of the year initially charged down an attempted clearance from Westwood on the edge of the 18-yard box.
The ball deflected out to Leon Britton on the right flank and he sent in a dangerous cross which found Trundle lurking at the far post.
The Liverpool-born striker took one touch to control the ball on his chest before unleashing a perfectly placed left-foot volley into the far corner.
It was Trundle’s 21st goal of the season and further enhanced his reputation as one of the most lethal finishers outside of the top flight and Coca-Cola Championship.
Trundle insists he would not look out of place in the Barclays Premiership and with goals like this it is hard to argue with him.
The 29-year-old is capable of not only scoring but also creating goals and his clever pass down the left flank sent Britton racing clear after nine minutes.
The midfielder outpaced the Carlisle defence and engineered himself a shooting chance before Westwood raced off his line to avert the danger.
Westwood then suffered a nasty head injury after a collision with team-mate Paul Arnison which required lengthy treatment and Swansea were on the attack again soon after.
Wales left-back Sam Ricketts sent in a low cross from the left flank which gave Akinfenwa a shooting chance from just six yards, but Carlisle skipper Kevin Gray was on hand to make a vital block.
The Cumbrians’ goal continued to lead a charmed existence but they believed they had drawn level shortly before the half-hour mark.
Derek Holmes’ left-foot volley was parried by Willy Gueret but 25-goal League Two player of the year Karl Hawley followed up to head in the rebound. The striker peeled away in celebration but his joy was short-lived as a raised flag from an assistant referee ruled Hawley offside.
However, the Brunton Park club were level after 40 minutes when Zigor Aranalde’s long throw-in was flicked on by Holmes and nodded home from inside the six-yard box by Murray.
Swansea began the second half strongly and Westwood was soon forced into action with superb saves from Akinfenwa and Andy Robinson.
The second half was a largely lifeless but with nine minutes remaining Trundle’s clever flick sent Akinfenwa clear.
The former Torquay forward brushed off a challenge from Gray to hit a right-foot shot that Westwood got a hand to but could not keep out.
Carlisle came back strongly but two excellent late saves from Gueret ensured Swansea emerged victorious.
REPORT: SOUTH WALES EVENING POST
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