I'm really starting to develop a real affection for the Worthington Cup, the two fixtures so far this season have been the most enjoyable games at Anfield all season.
Following the Southampton game in which some fringe players were involved, Gerard Houllier continued his policy of rotating his squad for the visit of Fathead's Ipswich Town.
Any game which is decided penalty kicks is going to be exciting, but in truth the Reds should have wrapped up the victory long before penalties even became an issue, the thought of losing on penalties to a team managed by Joe Royle doesn't really bare thinking about.
This, however was a special night for the TLW boys and anyone who has been closely following reserve team and academy football over the last two years as young Neil Mellor was rewarded for his goal scoring exploits with his first start for the first team.
Regular readers will know how highly we regard 'the boy Mellor', and not wishing to be corny, but it was proud moment to see a lad we’ve followed so closely (and championing his cause at every opportunity), being given a chance by Houllier.
A major surprise however was the inclusion of Jerzy Dudek. With Dudek's head seemingly all over the place, knowing he was going to be dropped, was it really wise to play him tonight? It seemed on the surface that Houllier was setting Jerzy up for another big fall, but the ovation he received and the performance he turned in will do the Pole no harm whatsoever. The support he earned throughout the evening was really touching and to see Jerzy pat his heart when leaving the field, it obviously meant a lot to him too.
I've been trying to explain to my flatmate (and our site's designer) Haje, that moments like this, which are without parallel, are what make footy great. He's having none of it though and persists with the female-esque response of "22 men, chasing ball round muddy field". Bless Him.
Anyway, following an extremely poor start, the Reds found themselves a goal down after just 13 minutes as Tommy Wright capitalised on an uncharacteristic mistake by Babbel to slide the ball home from close range. There definitely seemed to be something up with Markus tonight and he was duly substituted at half time (for Carra). He was looking a bit rough tonight, so lets hope he's well.
The display didn't improve a great deal throughout the first period and it was only really skipper-for-the-night Steven Gerrard who had any purpose about him, driving the Reds forward at every opportunity. One feels Steven's top form is approaching fast on a sunnier horizon.
Our best chance of the first period fell to Vladimir Smicer - who was again very disappointing – who one on one with Andy Marshall, drove his shot straight at the former Norwich man.
Dudek's first major contribution to the evening's proceedings was a fantastic block from Counago after the number 9 was sent clean through on goal. The words 'Strength' and 'Character' immediately spring to mind.
The second half showed a dramatically improved performance from the home side, and the beginning of a phenomena, which from this moment on will be known as "Mellor time". Neil certainly came out with his game face on, after a quiet but effective first half.
It was a determined Mellor who won the penalty just 8 minutes in, forcing his way in front of Mark Venus, only to be felled by the defender. Mellor was desperate to take the penalty and all but wrenched the ball out of Diouf's hands, but El Hadji held firm. A little selfish I thought, but that's strikers for you
Diouf coolly tucked away the penalty to bring Liverpool level. Two minutes later, Mellor was extremely unlucky not to open his first team account, seeing his shot cannon of the post after being put in the clear. Three further chances fell to 'the boy Mellor', driving wide twice and poking the ball over after doing well to reach Diouf’s pull-back.
He was substituted on 75 minutes, for Milan Baros, which brought howls of disappointment from Dave and myself, but this was a very productive debut, and hopefully he'll continue to be given a chance in this competition.
At the back the reds were much improved in the second half, largely down to the magnificent display of Igor Biscan at centre-half. Igor is coming on very, very well in his new position and improves with every game. Tonight, he won absolutely everything and was as composed as Alan Hansen himself!
Carra also shored things up a little, and Gregory Vignal had his moments going forward. Abel Xavier was just Abel Xavier and Jon Otsemobor can consider himself very unlucky not to be given the opportunity to build on his fine display against Southampton.
Xavier's mere presence seems to be holding back his development, just as it did with Steven Wright.
Young John Welsh was also handed his first team debut, replacing Vladi – who had picked up a knock. 'Welshy' made an instant impact, expertly playing a defence splitting ball to Riise, who fed Baros, who blazed over.
So it was extra time, and a huge amount of chances went begging as the reds looked to avoid the drama of penalty kicks. Riise wasted the best of which, missing from 12 yards after having being put in the clear by Diouf as the Reds broke quickly.
Baros was guilty of an awful miss right at the death, firing Welsh's brilliant cross over from close range as penno's beckoned.
The stage was really set for Jerzy and I was certain he would be the hero. Matt Holland fired in the first pen for the visitors, which was answered by Gerrard's cool effort. Jamie Clapham unluckily hit the bar with the visitors' next penalty, as Milan Baros gave the Reds the advantage.
Magilton, Riise and Wright all scored leaving Jamie Carragher to once again prove he's the best penalty taker at the club, driving one in with a customary 65 yard run up. Alun Armstrong kept Ipswich in the game, but Diouf's second well struck pen of the night sealed the reds passage to the next stage where they will travel to Villa Park.
Jerzy failed to save any of the five Ipswich penalties, but what the heck, he's still a hero and the tough time he has been experiencing recently has only served to make his bond with the fans stronger. Jerzy will be back, but will he have to wait as long as Kirkland has for another bite at the cherry?
Team: Jerzy Dudek, Abel Xavier, Markus Babbel (Jamie Carragher), Igor Biscan, Gregory Vignal; Vladimir Smicer (John Welsh), Steven Gerarrd, Salif Diao, John Arne Riise; El Hadji Diouf, Neil Mellor (Milan Baros):
