Liverpool beats Watford in League Cup semifinal
(bloomberg.com)
Updated: 2005-01-12 11:48

Steven Gerrard's eighth goal of the season gave Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Watford in the first game of a two-match League Cup soccer semifinal.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (L) scores past Watford Goalkeeper Paul Jones (R) under pressure from Brynjar Gunnarsson (C) in their Carling Cup semi-final, first leg soccer match at Anfield January 11, 2005. [Reuters]

Gerrard's 56th-minute shot at Liverpool's Anfield stadium deflected off the head of Watford defender Neil Cox, who was attempting to clear the ball from in front of goal.

The second game of the series is at Watford on Jan. 25.

"It was tougher than we expected tonight," Gerrard told Sky Sports. "Hopefully now we all realize how difficult it will be in the second game."

Liverpool, which has won England's second-tier cup competition a record seven times, is attempting to claim the title for a third time in five seasons. The winner of next month's final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium qualifies for Europe's UEFA Cup.

Liverpool, which had used second-string players in previous rounds, selected its first-team players tonight against the Watford, which is 16th in the second-tier Championship.

Liverpool, fifth in England's top-ranking Premiership, took the lead three minutes after top-scorer Milan Baros replaced Neil Mellor. His cross was deflected into Gerrard's path by Watford goalkeeper Paul Jones, and Cox was unable to stop the 12-yard shot.

"It is a great result but could have been better," Watford manager Ray Lewington told Sky Sports. "I think we deserved at least a draw."

In tomorrow's semifinal, Premiership leader Chelsea hosts Manchester United.

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