Gerrard's last-minute stunner takes final to extra time

CARDIFF, May 13 (Reuters) A stunning last-minute 30-metre shot by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard took the FA Cup final into extra time today after West Ham United had seemed set for a shock 3-2 victory.

Gerrard, limping heavily, seized on a clearance to thump home his second goal in one of the most entertaining finals for many years.

West Ham blasted into a two goal lead when Jamie Carragher turned a low cross into his own goal after 20 minutes and Dean Ashton pounced eight minutes later after Liverpool keeper Jose Reina spilled a Matthew Etherington shot.

Djibril Cisse pulled one back with a neat volley after 32 minutes and Gerrard, whose pinpoint pass led to that goal, equalised with a thunderous shot in the 54th as both teams poured everything into attack.

Liverpool seemed on course to become the first team to come from 2-0 down to win the final since city rivals Everton did so to beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 40 years ago.

Instead it was West Ham who scored next after fullback Paul Konchesky's attempted cross from the left caught out Reina and curved into the top corner in the 64th minute.

West Ham's fans were singing to acclaim their first FA Cup triumph since 1980 until Gerrard's brilliant intervention.

REUTERS SY RN2141