Capital One Cup: Liverpool 4-2 Notts County

Dramatic extra-time strikes from Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson sealed Liverpool's 4-2 victory over Notts County in the second round of the Capital One Cup at Anfield.

Early drives from Raheem Sterling and Sturridge were cancelled out by the League One outfit, with second-half goals from Yoann Arquin and substitute Adam Coombes ensuring the tie progressed into extra time.

Despite being reduced to 10 men through an injury to Kolo Toure, goals in quick succession from Sturridge and Henderson cleared a safe passage into the next stage of the competition for the Reds.

Aly Cissokho and Luis Alberto made their competitive bows for Brendan Rodgers' side, although the French defender's night was drawn to a close early due to an injury in the 10th minute.

Liverpool looked to stamp authority immediately and Sterling epitomised that with an impressive solo goal inside the first four minutes.

The winger charged through the centre of midfield past multiple defenders before drilling a powerful shot underneath the arm of Bartosz Bialkowski and into the corner of the net.

Unfortunately for Cissokho, the full-back's first Reds start was ended prematurely as he was forced off through injury and replaced by Daniel Agger.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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Carling Cup Final: Liverpool won on penalties

Liverpool ended their six-year wait for silverware with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Cardiff City in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.

After the game had finished 2-2 following extra-time, the Reds prevailed 3-2 on penalties with Anthony Gerrard missing the decisive kick for the Welsh side.

It meant Kenny Dalglish has led Liverpool to a trophy in his first full season back at the helm, and he'll be hoping it proves the catalyst for further success in the remainder of 2011-12.

Joe Mason had given the Bluebirds a 19^th minute lead against the run of play when he crept into space inside the box and struck through the legs of Pepe Reina.

Liverpool controlled the contest, but had to wait until the hour mark to equalise when Martin Skrtel pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire home after Luis Suarez's header had hit the post.

With no further goals in the 90 minutes, the teams contested half an hour of extra-time - and Dirk Kuyt fired the Reds into the lead when he found the net at the second attempt from the edge of the box on 108 minutes.

However, Ben Turner netted from a goal-mouth scramble following a Cardiff corner at the death to force penalties.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

 

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Video: Kenny Dalglish on Carling Cup Final

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish says victory in Sunday's Carling Cup final against Cardiff would mean a great deal to both himself and supporters after six years without a trophy.

The Reds have not won anything since their FA Cup win at Cardiff in 2006.

   “It means a lot to me. More importantly it means a lot to a lot of people who have had to endure a few years when we've not been [to Wembley],”

“It is just reward for the loyalty and support they have shown.”

Championship side Cardiff stand between Dalglish and what would be his first ever League Cup win as a manager.

It is the one domestic honour missing from his managerial career, although he won it four times as a player.

A 3-2 aggregate win over Manchester City in the semi-final ensured Liverpool's first trip to the new Wembley, where they will bid for an eighth League Cup title.

   “I think we've treated the competition with respect but the other teams that have are few and far between,”

“We have treated it very seriously. We've used 20-odd players to get there so every member of the squad bar a couple has made a contribution,”

“We are grateful to all of them, to the owners and supporters and everyone who has stood by us.” added the veteran Scot.

The Reds go into the match on the back of a 6-1 win over Brighton in the FA Cup, which has set up a quarter-final clash with Stoke City at Anfield.

   “We have moved on from where we were last year, progressing in the FA Cup and the final of this cup and are four points behind fourth in seventh place - this time last year we were nowhere near that,”

“There is progress being made. For the players it is an indication of how well they have done so everyone is looking forward to it,”

“We have a chance so we will do as well as we possibly can and we will try to progress the club and move forward.” added Dalglish.

Source: BBC Sport

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Match Report: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

By guest writer: Jamie McLaughlin

Liverpool went into this Carling Cup second leg tie with a slender one goal advantage after their gritty performance in Manchester a fortnight ago. Liverpool would be hoping to finish of the job at a packed Anfield, as they hoped to return to Wembley for the first time since 1996, and get to their first major final since 2007. Dalglish would be hoping for a response from his team after publicly criticising his players after their poor performance against Bolton at the weekend.

The Team

Dalglish made two changes to the side that lost at Bolton with Dirk Kuyt and Stewart Downing returning to the side in place of Andy Carroll and Maxi. With Jay Spearing still recovering from injury, Gerrard and Adam once again were paired in the middle of midfield. But Liverpool had an attacking looking about their team, especially with a draw being good enough to take them to Wembley.

The Match

Anfield was packed and the atmosphere before kick-off was reminiscent of those famous European nights. Liverpool started the match with intent on adding to their one goal aggregate lead, and inside four minutes they almost scored when Enrique had a shot saved by the right leg of Joe Hart with the rebound smashed wide by Downing.

Moments later Charlie Adam had a right foot rocket well saved by Hart low to his left. City tried to respond to Liverpool’s early onslaught but Nasri’s effort was wayward. The lively Bellamy brought out another save from Hart after scampering past the nervy Savic. With Liverpool on top and looking the more dangerous it was City who scored first when De Jong’s long range effort ended up in the top corner, stunning the Kop.

But Liverpool responded brilliantly after this setback and they soon equalised when Richards’ block on Agger’s shot was handled and referee Dowd pointed to the spot. Steven Gerrard converted the penalty as Anfield erupted with delight. Both teams went in at the half with Liverpool still holding a one goal advantage.

Liverpool started the second half the way they started the first with Kuyt bringing out another save from Hart early on. But then Joe Hart brought out the save of the match with a brilliant fingertip save from a prodded Skrtel effort. Joe Hart was playing a blinder and he made another great save blocking Stewart Downing’s back-post volley.

But just like the first half Liverpool were stunned when Dzeko tapped in tapped in a brilliant Kolarov whipped cross from close range in the 67^th minute. But Liverpool looked hungry to get to Wembley and they equalised in the 74^th minute to gain the aggregate advantage when Bellamy finished off a terrific move involving Kuyt and Johnson.

City tried to respond as they pinned Liverpool back in the closing stages, but Liverpool stood firm and City never really got a clear chance as Liverpool celebrated at the end overjoyed at the thought of ending their long wait to return to Wembley.

Summary

A tremendous night for everyone connected with Liverpool to reach Wembley for the first time since 1996. I was very pleased with Kenny’s team selection by playing Kuyt and Bellamy who give great movement. The hunger shown by the whole team was impressive after such a disappointment at Bolton. Kenny couldn’t have wished for a better response from his players. If it wasn’t for Joe Hart it would have been a lot more comfortable. Some big performances with Charlie Adam having a very good match, as I have felt he has been struggling in recent games. Dirk Kuyt gave so much to the team and great selection by Kenny to play him. Stewart Downing was very good and he looks far better on the left linking up with Enrique. Bellamy was just everywhere, amazing performance. City should have got a penalty when Adam caught Dzeko in the first half, but the referee was behind the incident and never got a good view. Liverpool got lucky with the penalty but so glad we got it. Great for Liverpool to get back to a cup final, and even better with it being at Wembley.

Man Of The Match – Bellamy – one of the best individual performances at Anfield by a Liverpool player in a long time. Brilliantly taken goal too.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Video Highlights: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Liverpool are through to the Carling Cup final after a pulsating 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Anfield on Wednesday night gave them a 3-2 aggregate victory.

It was no more than the Reds deserved for a lively performance and they can now look forward to contesting their first major final since 2007 against Cardiff City at Wembley in February.

With Liverpool leading 1-0 from the first leg, Nigel de Jong levelled the aggregate scoreline just after the half-hour mark when he found the back of the net from distance with the visitors' first real effort on goal following a dominant opening from the hosts.

But Liverpool went back ahead in the tie on 41 minutes when Steven Gerrard scored with a penalty after Micah Richards was adjudged to have blocked a Daniel Agger shot inside the box with his hand.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Match Report: Manchester City 0-1 Liverpool

By guest writer: Jamie McLaughlin

Liverpool returned to Manchester little more than a week after being humbled by the League leaders for the Carling Cup semi-final first leg at the Etihad Stadium. Since the defeat last week Liverpool despatched Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup, while City lost at home to neighbours Manchester United in the FA Cup. Liverpool knew that a similar 3-0 score line would be disastrous in their quest to reach the new Wembley for the first time.

The Team

Dalglish brought Agger, Johnson, Skrtel, Henderson, Downing and Andy Carroll back into the side, from the side that beat Oldham last Friday night. Gerrard started his second match in a row after his return from injury. A slight surprise to Dalglish’s team selection was the omission of Jose Enrique, with Glen Johnson switching over to the left of defence with Martin Kelly starting at right back. Craig Bellamy also started against his old team after his good recent run of form.

The Match

A travelling support of 6,000 Kopites were buoyed by a bright start by the away side as they took the game to the hosts, and inside 5 minutes Andy Carroll was sent clear by Downing, but the big striker’s effort was brilliantly blocked by Joe Hart. Moments later Hart had to be at his best again, as he saved a curling Gerrard effort from outside the box. From the resulting corner, Gerrard’s cross found Downing on the edge of the box and his deflected volley was superbly saved by Hart once again.

Then in the 13^th minute Agger was fouled in the box by Savic, resulting in referee Mason to point to the spot. Gerrard made no mistake from the spot, shooting low into the bottom corner past the despairing dive from Hart. It was no more than Liverpool deserved as they continued to dominate.

But Liverpool were dealt a blow when Jay Spearing pulled up with an injury in the 23^rd minute, Charlie Adam replaced the midfielder. The change never changed the pattern of play as Liverpool continued to have more of the ball. Andy Carroll had Joe Hart worried with a headed effort that just missed the target after a good cross by Kelly.

The ineffective Balotelli was replaced before the break by Nasri, and it was the substitute that had City’s first real effort on goal just before half-time as his wicked shot forced Reina into a very good save diving low to his left to parry. Then shortly after Richards raced past Johnson before cutting the ball back to Milner, but he failed to hit the target ensuring Liverpool would hold a slender lead at the break.

As expected City came out with intent on getting back into this tie and they forced Liverpool into their own half as they struggled to hold possession. Martin Skrtel had to produce a very good tackle to thwart Aguero as the pressure mounted and then the hosts’ were almost gifted an equaliser when Kelly’s pass back went straight to Aguero, but Pepe Reina did enough to force the striker wide and forcing him to shoot over. Then Reina made a brilliant point blank save from a powerful Richards’ header as the visitors tried to hold onto their advantage.

Dalglish made defensive substitutions as he hoped to hold onto Liverpool’s slender lead, with Enrique and Carragher coming on for Downing and Bellamy. Liverpool defended stubbornly for the remainder of the match with a late Aguero header being the closest City came to drawing level. So Liverpool held on for a 1-0 advantage as they head back to Anfield for the second leg in a fortnight.

Summary

As expected Dalglish fielded a very strong side, although I was surprised to see Johnson play left back instead of Enrique. Liverpool started the match superbly and took the game to City and could have been a couple of goals up before they took the lead. No doubt about the penalty, a stone-waller, with Gerrard as cool as you like with the finish. Liverpool passed the ball very well in the first half and had to be resolute defensively in the second half as City upped their game. Although City had most of the ball in the second half, Liverpool limited them to very few chances, the Reina save from Richards’s header being the nearest they came. Dalglish made a couple of very defensive substitutions which I wasn’t keen on, but his tactics worked and to come away with a 1-0 lead away from home is a superb result. Johnson was a bit lucky to stay on the field at the end with a two footed tackle, but I thought it was ok the first time I saw it, but it looked pretty bad in slow motion. But you can tell when a bad tackle has been made by the reaction of the players, and there was none. Nothing can take away from the superb result and performance.

Man Of The Match – Johnson – played brilliantly in an unorthodox role on the left. Defended brilliantly and looked dangerous going forward.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Poll: Is Glen Johnson tackle merit a red card?

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was involved in an angry tunnel exchange with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after his side's 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first-leg defeat.

The pair clashed twice with Gerrard annoyed at Mancini's response to a Glen Johnson tackle on Joleon Lescott.

Mancini criticised the two-footed tackle by Liverpool defender Johnson that was similar to Vincent Kompany's challenge on Nani in the 3-2 defeat by Manchester United.

Before the match Mancini had voiced his displeasure at Kompany's four-match ban.

Steven Gerrard rejected Mancini's criticisms and compared the incident to when Mancini had insisted Wayne Rooney was to blame for Kompany's red card in Sunday's Manchester derby at Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish maintained he had not seen the incident.

Is this a red card?

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Carling Cup Semi-final First-Leg: Manchester City 0-1 Liverpool

Liverpool took a big step towards the Carling Cup final after they recorded a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the semi-final, first-leg clash at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Steven Gerrard capped a strong opening to the game from the Reds by scoring a 13^th minute penalty after Daniel Agger had been brought down inside the box.

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Carling Cup Semi-Final Draw

Liverpool will play Manchester City in the two legged semi-final of the Carling Cup.

The first leg, which will take place at the Etihad Stadium is scheduled to take place in the week commencing January 9, 2012, with the return at Anfield the week beginning January 23.

Stay logged on to Liverpoolfc.tv for official confirmation of the dates soon.

The other tie is an all Championship affair between Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.

Source: Liverpool FC Official

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Carling Cup: Liverpool stormed into the last four

Liverpool cruised into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup courtesy of a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Having found the back of the net in the league meeting less than a fortnight prior, Maxi Rodriguez returned to haunt Chelsea in London, opening the scoring on 58 minutes with the assist once again coming from Craig Bellamy.

Andy Carroll had earlier missed a first-half penalty, but the Reds doubled their advantage four minutes later with Bellamy again the provider as this time his dangerous free-kick was powerfully headed home for a first senior goal by Martin Kelly.

An injury to Lucas Leiva was the only sour note on a night to savour for Liverpool, whose quest to reach a first final since 2007 remains firmly on track.

With the final whistle against Manchester City having been blown just 50 hours earlier, Kenny Dalglish opted to make seven changes to the side he fielded at Anfield on Sunday.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC paid tribute to Gary Speed video.

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Carling Cup: Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool

Source: FootyTube

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Carling Cup Round Five: Reds to face Chelsea

Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City will all be in the hat for the quarter-finals after the second batch of Carling Cup Fourth Round games. A seven-goal thriller at Ewood Park saw the game head into extra-time and Gael Givet scored in the final minute to give Blackburn a 4-3 victory over Newcastle. A topsy-turvy game at Goodison Park saw the match head into extra-time, Daniel Sturridge was the hero with a late goal. Luis Suarez was at the double against Stoke as Liverpool came from behind to win 2-1 at the Britannia. In the other game of the night, Manchester City showed their clinical edge once more as they beat Wolves 5-2 at Molineux.

- Quarter-Final Draw
Arsenal v Manchester City
Chelsea v Liverpool
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Cardiff v Blackburn
Ties to be played November 29/30.

Source: Liverpool FC Official

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Stoke City 1-2 Liverpool Match Report

With no European football for Liverpool this season the Carling Cup has taken on extra importance. Drawn away to Stoke was not the kindest draw for Liverpool but they would know what to expect after losing 1-0 to them recently in the league. Kenny has stated how important this competition is for the club and he has proved with his team selections in previous rounds of the competition. The last time Liverpool visited Stoke at this stage of the competition was in 2000-01 when they won 8-0 on their way to lifting the cup.

THE TEAM

Kenny made 8 changes for the visit to Stoke from the team that drew with Norwich at the weekend. But the team Kenny selected certainly wasn’t a weakened side as he has so many more options and strength in depth this season. Dalglish obviously selected a team to cope with the Stoke’s dangerous set-piece tactics. The team read, Reina, Kelly and Agger at full-backs and Carragher and Coates in the middle of defence. The midfield had Maxi on the left and Henderson on the right with Lucas and Spearing in the middle, with Carroll and Suarez up front. There was also a very strong bench with Aurelio, Kuyt, Adam, Doni,Skrtel,Flanagan and Bellamy. There was a big surprise with no mention of Gerrard on the team sheet.

THE MATCH

As ever a tremendous atmosphere for this match at the Brittania Stadium, and it was Liverpool who threatened first when Carroll had a chance with a free header from a left wing corner. Suarez almost beat the Stoke offside trap as he started menacingly.

But Stoke had the next chance when Walters saw a curling effort worry Reina as it flew just over. But Liverpool were on the front foot and dictating the play and Carroll was unlucky with a stinging shot which Sorenson could only parry to the onrushing Suarez but he could only direct his effort wide of the target with the ball rebounding to him so quickly.

Stoke were playing second fiddle to a very sharp looking Liverpool side, but they did have their moments, mostly from the menace of Delap’s long throws.

Liverpool were playing some great football in the first half as Stoke struggled to cope with their movement. A great move involving Lucas and Maxi resulted in a low cross to Suarez but his close range effort was superbly saved by Sorenson as Suarez cursed his luck once again.

Liverpool showed they were not going to be intimidated with Stoke’s physical approach as Carragher showed when he was booked for a strong challenge midway through the first half.

Liverpool once again were not getting their reward in goals for their superb play similar to the match last weekend and they were dealt a blow just before half-time when Stoke took the lead. A mistake by Coates allowed Walters to get down the right flank before crossing to Jones who headed past Reina stunning the visitors. Suarez almost equalised in stoppage time but he dragged his shot wide.

The second half started with Liverpool still creating chances although the second half was contested more evenly. But Liverpool did manage to equalise, and what a way to do it. Suarez collected the ball on the left before producing a sublime nutmeg on Shotton giving himself a sight of goal from the edge of the box, Suarez then spectacularly curled a shot into the far corner of Sorenson’s goal giving the keeper no chance.

Liverpool and their supporters were buoyed by this goal and were now looking for the winner. But with all the enterprising play from the visitors they could not find a winner so Dalglish brought on Bellamy for Maxi with about ten minutes to go to ignite some pace into Liverpool’s attack and he made an immediate impact hitting the post with a shot from 20 yards after good link up play with Carroll.

With extra time looming Liverpool snatched the winner with 5 minutes remaining when Henderson found Suarez at the back post with a volleyed cross and the Uruguay striker headed past Sorenson sending the visiting support wild. Stoke bombarded the Liverpool goal in the latter stages but the visitors held on to book a place in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup.

SUMMARY

A superb performance and result from Liverpool. The desire and work ethic of the players was superb. Stoke is such a difficult place to go, and to go behind after playing so well in the first half was like a kick in the teeth, but the response was brilliant. Dalglish put out a very strong team, but I was worried their would be a lack of creativity in the midfield without Adam and Gerrard, but I was oh so wrong, some of the passing was superb as we created so many chances. Andy Carroll was flying around the park like a man on a mission and his link up play was very good, all that was lacking from the big man was a goal. The defence was superb as they had to withstand many long throws. Coates was very impressive apart from the mistake for Stoke’s goal. But it was great to see us get a win we so greatly deserved after being left frustrated against Norwich. So many great performances from Liverpool players but I think Agger deserves a mention, he was superb on the left side of defence and creative going forward. But Suarez is amazing, unplayable at times and deserved his superb goals, For me, this was the performance of the season so far.

Man Of The Match – Suarez- it just had to be. He is unbelievable right now and got the goals his performance deserved.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Carling Cup: Stoke City 1-2 Liverpool

Luis Suarez struck a superb brace as Liverpool swept into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Wednesday night.

The Reds dominated for long spells and created countless chances but fell behind on the stroke of half-time to Kenwyne Jones's thumping header.

It looked like being another day of missed chances for the visitors until the Uruguayan conjured up some magic to drag his team level with a stunning curler just after the restart.

From that moment on there was only one winner in it and it was no surprise when Suarez pounced again four minutes from time with a header that broke Stoke hearts.

It means Kenny Dalglish's side are still fighting for honours on three fronts and will approach Saturday tea-time's showdown with West Brom in buoyant mood.

Heading into the contest in the Potteries, the Scot made eight changes to the team that was held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Norwich City.

There was no place for captain Steven Gerrard in the travelling party but Lucas Leiva was involved from the start after serving a one-match suspension against the Canaries.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

Source: FootyTube

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Carling Cup Round 4: Stoke City v Liverpool date confirmed

Liverpool have confirmed they will travel to Stoke City in the Carling Cup fourth round on Wednesday, October 26.

The match at the Britannia Stadium will kick-off at 7.45pm.

The last meeting between Stoke City and Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League match ended in favour of Stoke. The Potters emerged as winner with 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium.

Here are the rest of the Carling Cup Round 4 fixtures:

• Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City
• Cardiff City v Burnley
• Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United
• Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers
• Stoke City v Liverpool
• Aldershot Town v Manchester United
• Crystal Palace v Southampton
• Everton v Chelsea

All ties to be played week commencing 24th October 2011.

Source: The Football League

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Carling Cup: Brighton 1-2 Liverpool

Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt fired Liverpool into the fourth round of the Carling Cup as Brighton were dispatched 2-1 on Wednesday night.

The Reds became the first giant to visit the new Amex Stadium and came away worthy winners after Bellamy hit his 10^th goal for the club early in the game and Kuyt finished the job late on.

The one blot came with minutes to spare as substitute Ashley Barnes smashed home a penalty.

A productive night for Kenny Dalglish was made even sweeter by the return of Steven Gerrard from injury.

Liverpool will now await Saturday's draw as their quest to reach the new Wembley for the first time continues.

The visiting teamsheet was most notable for a player not in the XI - our club captain being named among seven substitutes after six months in the treatment room.

As in round two, the starters were familiar names. Bellamy, Kuyt, Luis Suarez, Jamie Carragher, Lucas Leiva and Pepe Reina were all on duty, while Uruguayan new boy Sebastian Coates was granted a full debut after a substitute appearance at White Hart Lane.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Carling Cup: Exeter City 1-3 Liverpool

Luis Suarez scored one and helped create two as Liverpool booked a place in the third round of the Carling Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over Exeter City on Wednesday night.

The Uruguay striker marked a lively hour-long display by firing the Reds into the lead on 23 minutes with a well-taken volley following good work from Maxi Rodriguez and Jordan Henderson.

Suarez then turned provider early in the second period, teeing up Maxi for Liverpool's second of the night before substitute Andy Carroll made it 3-0 with a blast from the edge of the box soon after.

Daniel Nardiello bagged a consolation from the penalty spot for Exeter, but the Reds kept alive their hopes of reaching the new Wembley for the first time on a night when Kenny Dalglish recorded his 200^th win as Liverpool manager in all competitions.

Earlier this week, the manager underlined the significance of the Carling Cup to Liverpool this season - and if anyone had any doubts about how seriously his side would be taking the competition, they were quickly dispelled as news broke of the team selection.

Included in the starting against the League One outfit XI were summer signings Henderson and Charlie Adam, joining established first-team stars such as skipper for the night Pepe Reina, Maxi, Raul Meireles and the fit-again Martin Skrtel.

Also on the team sheet at St James Park was Suarez, while a powerful substitutes' bench consisted of Carroll, Jose Enrique, Dirk Kuyt, Stewart Downing and Jamie Carragher, as well as Jonjo Shelvey and Alexander Doni.

60 places separated the two teams in the league ladders prior to kick-off, but a colourful atmosphere greeted kick-off in Devon.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Goal Highlights: Exeter City v Liverpool

Source: YouTube

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Watch Exeter City v Liverpool FC Live

 V

Carling Cup

Second Round

24 August 2011

KO 19:45

Ground: St James Park, Exeter

Liverpool will head to St. James Park where they will take on League One squad Exeter City in the second round of the Carling Cup.

Liverpool was stunned and embarrassed by League Two squad Northampton Town last year, and they will be looking to make sure that doesn't happen this time around.

The Reds are coming off a victory at Emirates Stadium for the first time in 11 years and appear to have plenty of confidence entering this match.

The match will kick-off at 19:45 UK time, 24 August 2011. Malaysian Reds can catch the match LIVE on Astro SuperSport 3 Channel 817 starting from 2.40AM, 25 August 2011.

Elsewhere, if your country doesn’t restrict it, LIVE STREAMING available from FoxSoccer.tv and also on Sky Sport HD1.

For other part of the regions, please check your local TV subscription for more details.

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Carling Cup: Reds crash out on penalties

Northampton Town produced one of the shocks of the season as they dumped Liverpool out of the Carling Cup with a 4-2 win on penalties at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Cobblers defied all the odds to book a place in round four after both David Ngog and Nathan Eccleston missed for the home side during the shoot-out.

The Reds had forced spot-kicks when Ngog headed in his seventh goal of the season on 115 minutes to deny Michael Jacobs the headlines after Billy McKay had cancelled out Milan Jovanovic's opener in normal time.

It means the League Two outfit have become the first side from English football's fourth tier to defeat the Reds in this competition and leaves Roy Hodgson to pick up the pieces ahead of Saturday's league clash at home to Sunderland.

Liverpool had gone into the tie on the back of a narrow 3-2 defeat at Manchester United and Hodgson opted to the use the occasion to take a closer look at his fringe players.

In came Brad Jones and Danny Wilson to make their Liverpool debuts while Jay Spearing, Martin Kelly and Dani Pacheco were amongst a clutch of youngsters eager to make an impression. [Read more…]

 

 

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