2004 League Cup Final - Middlesbrough vs Bolton Wanderers

The 2004 League Cup Final brought together two unexpected finalists who had been here before but never won. For Middlesbrough, this was their 3rd final after losing back to back finals in 1997 and 1998 (plus a FA Cup Final) and they had got there the hard way, beating Everton & Spurs in penalty shootouts before despatching Arsenal over 2 legs in the semi final. For Bolton, they last reached the final in 1995 but were doing well under boss Sam Allardyce after gaining promotion in 2001. However, their run was even more surprising as Big Sam played his 2nd string squad throughout the tournament, thumping Aston Villa 5-2 in the 1st leg of a 5-4 semi final win. Middlesbrough were led by Steve McClaren, who had took over in 2001 and led them to the FA Cup semi final in his 1st year. Both were desperate to win the trophy at last, but who would prevail? The press had already written off the final as a no hoper between two unfancied sides, but as it turned out they were wrong. For it proved to be a remarkably good final that remained on edge up until the final minute and where chances were a plenty. Sit back now and enjoy, and feel a warm glow as one club finally makes good and wins the League Cup at last...