Nick Parry BBC Wales news website

Thousands of Swansea fans milling in Cardiff city centre

1111: We reached Cardiff within an hour and parked up in Cardiff Bay - in time for a quick pint and to meet some more friends.

1242: After a quick drink, it was onto a bus to the city centre. This was closed to traffic, which was just as well, given the literally thousands of people milling in the streets. The world's supply of air-horns must have been bought up, with continuous noise. A search for another pre-match pint was in vain, with people either queuing outside every bar or door staff turning them away, saying they were full. There's a heavy police presence on the streets but apart from very minor incident - when the police swooped quickly and the fan was held on the ground - everything appeared to be good natured. An impromptu game of football broke out near the railway station with most of the players wearing black and white wigs. And now it will soon be time to head for the stadium.

Plenty to celebrate - Swansea fans inside the stadium

1326:The atmosphere is about as loud as it can get - more than 25,000 Swans fans packed into one side, with the Carlisle fans adding to all the sound. As with last year, they decided not to play any national anthems, with both clubs choosing their own play-list for the build-up. For Swansea this included the anthem, Take Me To The Vetch Field. There are huge age ranges of people - from very young to very old and almost everyone is dressed in black and white. The teams have just come out. More later!

14.26, half time: An early Trundle goal puts the Swans fans up to full volume. With the crowd behind them, they get the better of the early exchanges but Carlisle gradually come into the game more and more. The prophet of doom sat behind me made the point to as many people as he could how poor the Swans were at defending set pieces. He proved correct when Carlisle equalised shortly after a corner just before half time. Stewards were kept busy during the first half with several people being dragged away from the Swansea end for what appeared to be scuffling amongst themselves.

Celebrations - Swansea players lift the trophy after the 2-1 win

1545, full time: In all honesty, the post-match celebrations were far more entertaining than a pretty drab second half. Both sets of supporters remained enthusiastic despite the football. It looked as if the game was going into extra time and possibly penalties until the Swans' Adebayo Akinfenwa scored with about 10 minutes to go.

As Carlisle tried to respond, the fourth official signalled four minutes added time, with the Swans fans, to a man, whistling for the end. When the game finally came to an end, the celebrations started with Status Quo's Rocking All over The World, with both sets of fans joining in.

Despite the lack of trains, Swansea will face an easier journey home than the 296 miles ahead of their final rivals. So it's back to Cardiff Bay for a quick pint - and then join the queue heading west.