TWELVE years ago today, Saints lifted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy after a 4-1 win over Carlisle United at Wembley Stadium.

The success was the first silverware the club had picked up since the 1976 FA Cup win, under legend Lawrie McMenemy’s stewardship.

We have dug out some pictures from the Daily Echo archive of the special day, as well as on-the-ground reporting and, most importantly, your reaction.

Take a trip back to Sunday, March 28, 2010 – coming straight from the capital...

SAINTS made a triumphant return to the big stage with a thumping Wembley victory over Carlisle in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy this afternoon.

Daily Echo: (Pic: PA)(Pic: PA)

Top scorer Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Papa Waigo and Michail Antonio grabbed the goals as Alan Pardew lifted the club's first silverware in 34 years.

Daily Echo: (Pic: Paul Collins)(Pic: Paul Collins)

Saints' first participation in this competition may illustrate just how far they have fallen since their top-flight days, but 44,000 supporters made the trip from the south coast to see the 2003 FA Cup finalists take on their League One rivals.

Daily Echo: (Pic: Stuart Martin)(Pic: Stuart Martin)

The 10-point penalty for going into administration has left Saints off the play-off pace and they are just one spot above Carlisle - but the teams are leagues apart in every other sense.

Daily Echo: (Pic: PA)(Pic: PA)

Peter Murphy handed them the lead, literally, in the 15th minute when he stuck out an arm to whip the ball from the head of Lambert.

Daily Echo: (Pic: Stuart Martin)(Pic: Stuart Martin)

The defender was fortunate to escape with a booking but Lambert exacted revenge from the penalty spot with his 32nd goal of a prolific season.

Daily Echo: (Pic: Stuart Martin)(Pic: Stuart Martin)

Carlisle had their moments in the first half, not least when Matty Robson's cross was headed onto the top of the crossbar by Ian Harte.

However, it was Southampton who grabbed a second goal two minutes before half-time. Lambert flicked on Antonio's long throw and Lallana was left with the simple task of nodding the ball past Adam Collin for his 16th goal of the season.

Daily Echo: (Pic: PA)(Pic: PA)

Any hopes of a Cumbrian comeback were crushed four minutes into the second half when Evan Horwood made a hash of Lambert's cross. Collin managed to keep out Antonio's shot but Senegalese striker Waigo was on hand to nod the rebound into an empty net.

Daily Echo: (Pic: Stuart Martin)(Pic: Stuart Martin)

On-loan Reading winger Antonio crashed in the fourth from the edge of the area on the hour, before Carlisle substitute Gary Madine gave the blue half of Wembley something to cheer with a late header.

Daily Echo: (Pic: PA)(Pic: PA)

After the match, Saints fans logged on to the online comments section to share their thoughts on the success…

Saintsayer: "If this gives the players the same lift as it has given the fans the play-offs are a possibility Well done to-day and for the season to date its been a fantastic roller coaster of a ride. Luvin it."

Daily Echo: (Pic: PA)(Pic: PA)

truesaint67: "What an absolutely fantastic day. I shall never forget the sea of red & white. Well worth the early start. Enjoyed every moment from walking to SMS, to catch the coach, to walking back in the rain. The pride I feel in our club is beyone words. Well done boys. I saw the walkers take their seats just before the game and they looked exhausted and in pain. Again, well done boys."

Slugger: "Was in block 123,row 1.....what a sight it was to look behind and upwards,the sea of red and white seemed endless !"

Daily Echo: (Pic: PA)(Pic: PA)

Saint in calgary: "Got absolutely hammered here yesterday. What a great start to the day. I have been getting grief from a Pompey "fan" since their so called win in the fa cup. It's funny,he didnt have much to say today. Well done lads, well done AP, well done slugger and the walkers but mostly well done to the fans, you sounded great and were a credit to our great city. coyr."

Were you at Wembley Stadium, 12 years ago today?

Daily Echo: (Pic: PA)(Pic: PA)