Ngog 81

An 81^st minute David Ngog header gave Liverpool a narrow but probably decisive lead to take into next week’s Europa League second leg tie against plucky Romanians Unirea Uricenzi.

Manager Rafa Benitez selected his strongest possible side, but two late substitutes created Ngog’s winner as Ryan Babel’s far-post cross from the left was headed into Ngog’s path by Daniel Pacecho.

Until then, Liverpool had laboured, and while the visitors barely threatened to be the first Romanian club to score at Anfield, it was a display which led to restlessness among the faithful.

Steven Gerrard nearly fired Liverpool ahead after only 29 seconds, his right-foot shot from ten yards turned aside by keeper Giedrius Arlauskis.

But Rafa Benitez’s men were restricted by a well-drilled rearguard and the crowd was sufficiently quietened to allow players’ shouts to be heard.

Gerrard had Liverpool’s better efforts as they dominated possession while lacking penetration, his right-foot lone-range effort four minutes after the goal being inches away from sealing the tie.

But the introduction of Ryan Babel for the increasingly ineffective Albert Riera gave the Reds a sufficient boost.

And with Uricenzi’s classiest player, Argentine full-back Daniel Brandan, suspended for the second leg, Liverpool should progress.