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FOOTBALL EUROPE: Liverpool leave Luton reeling

/noticias.info/ Liverpool FC came from 3-1 down to claim a thrilling 5-3 victory against Championship side Luton Town FC in an enthralling FA Cup third-round tie. Newcastle United FC were also forced to work hard as Alan Shearer scored his 200th goal for the club in an edgy 1-0 win against Mansfield Town FC.

Battling comeback

Steven Gerrard handed Liverpool the lead inside 17 minutes at Kenilworth Road, but the complexion of the game changed just after the half-hour mark when Steve Howard equalised. Further goals from Steve Robinson and Kevin Nicholls left Rafael Benítez's team trailing 3-1 at the start of the second half, after Djibril Cissé had missed from the peanlty spot. But goals from Florent Sinama-Pongolle (2) and Xabi Alonso, saw Liverpool edge ahead, before the Spaniard sealed victory with his second in added time.

Club record

Newcastle's third-round tie against fourth division Mansfield looked to be heading for a replay when Shearer rifled in after a clever back-pass from Albert Luque with ten minutes remaining. The goal brought up his double century for his home-town club, equalling Jackie Milburn's club record and sending the relieved crowd at St. James' Park into raptures.

Chelsea labour

Chelsea FC were also indebted to a late goal at home to Huddersfield Town FC, as Eidur Gudjohnsen's 82nd-minute strike earned José Mourinho's team a place in the draw for the fourth round with a 2-1 win. There they could meet holders Arsenal FC, who also won 2-1 against Cardiff City FC thanks to two goals from Robert Pirès, or West Ham United FC, who defeated Norwich City FC by the same scoreline.

Middlesbrough held

Gareth Barry's goal earned Aston Villa FC victory at Hull City FC but rivals Birmingham City FC will have to play a replay after being held at fourth division side Torquay United FC. That is one of several ties requiring a second game, including Nuneaton Borough FC against Middelsbrough FC, after Gerry Murphy's late penalty earned the non-league team a lucrative replay.

Osman rescue

Leon Osman spared Everton FC's blushes with a late equaliser as 2003/04 finalists Millwall FC came within eleven minutes of victory at the New Den, while north-west rivals Wigan Athletic FC were denied by a late strike when Rob Hulse earned Leeds United AFC a 1-1 draw at the JJB stadium.

Fowler hat-trick

West Bromwich Albion FC also face the prospect of a replay after being held by Reading FC, and while Portsmouth FC laboured past Ipswich Town FC, some Premiership teams found the going much easier. Blackburn Rovers FC and Bolton Wanderers FC both hit three unanswered goals, while Robbie Fowler scored a hat-trick as Manchester City FC triumphed against Scunthorpe United FC. notas_de_prensa_archivo