Liverpool feel wrath of Tonge

Sheffield United FC came from behind to defeat Premiership side Liverpool FC in the first leg of their English League Cup semi-final last night.

Two for Tonge
Michael Tonge, 19, was the hero for the first division side at Bramall Lane, scoring two fine second-half strikes to cancel out an opening goal by young Liverpool striker Neil Mellor.

Partisan crowd
Liverpool began the stronger in front of a partisan 30,000-capacity crowd and created the early chances, Mellor going close following an El Hadji Diouf cutback. Yet the youngster made no mistake as the half drew to a close, showing predatory instincts to head in Sami Hyypiä's flick-on from a Danny Murphy free-kick.

Impressive strikes
Liverpool failed to press home their advantage after the break and paid the ultimate price as United fought back. Tonge restored parity in the 76th minute, shooting through Chris Kirkland's legs from 13 metres. Six minutes later the striker struck from further out to make it 2-1.

UEFA Cup place
Gérard Houllier's side now need a victory at Anfield in a fortnight to secure a place in the Millennium Stadium final on 2 March. The winners of the Cardiff showpiece will qualify for the 2002/03 UEFA Cup.