LEEDS 0, LIVERPOOL 1

LIVERPOOL rode their luck in a 1-0 victory at Leeds United in the Carling Cup third round with David Ngog grabbing the only goal of a tight game.

The Premier League side were given a thorough examination by the League One promotion-chasers but Rafa Benitez's decision to leave Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres in reserve on the bench was justified.

A Reds line-up containing nine changes struggled to contain a side backed by a vociferous home crowd but Ngog came up trumps after 65 minutes

Jermaine Beckford had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside and the highly-rated striker spurned several chances to add to his lofty reputation. Michael Doyle sent a header off target early on and Lucaino Becchio also went close as Leeds asked questions of the visiting defence.

Leeds were made to pay for their profligacy when Javier Mascherano's wayward shot fell kindly for Ngog and the youngster, whose goal won the recent reserve-team clash with Manchester United, finished smartly past Shane Higgs.

There was controversy when Mascherano, who had already been booked, saw his elbow connect with Beckford. The combative Argentinian escaped further punishment and is unlikely to face any retrospective action.

• Big guns through in the Carling Cup

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