Crouch swoops to end cup hoodoo
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Article summary
A first-half header from Peter Crouch was enough to give Liverpool FC their first FA Cup victory against rivals Manchester United FC in 85 years.
Article body
A first-half header from Peter Crouch was enough to give Liverpool FC their first FA Cup victory against Manchester United FC in 85 years as they booked a place in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool ascendancy
Crouch scored after 19 minutes at Anfield, rising unmarked to head Steven Gerrard's arcing cross goalwards. Edwin van der Sar pushed the effort on to the post but could do nothing as it rolled along the goalline behind him and went in – the England striker's first goal in nine games. The breakthrough came just moments after the Dutch goalkeeper had superbly kept out another header, this time from Harry Kewell as the visitors struggled to defend the high ball.
Ferdinand loss
With Rio Ferdinand, scorer of a last-gasp winner the last time the sides met, missing after picking up an injury in training, United's back line were again culpable on 35 minutes as Gerrard's free-kick evaded everybody in a crowded penalty area. The ball fell kindly for Steven Finnan at the back post but unmarked, the Liverpool right-back blazed wide.
United blunted
United offered little in return, so Sir Alex Ferguson strengthened his attack at half-time, introducing French striker Louis Saha at the expense of compatriot Mikaël Silvestre. The ploy almost produced dividends as the visitors rallied after the restart but they could not break Liverpool down, with Ryan Giggs' hopeful long-range shot the closest they came as the home team eased through to the last eight.
Charlton through
In the day's other ties, UEFA Cup hopefuls Bolton Wanderers FC were held 0-0 at home by West Ham United FC, while Charlton Athletic FC booked their place in the quarter-finals with a comfortable 3-1 win against Brentford FC at the Valley. Darren Bent, Jay Bothroyd and Bryan Hughes were all on target for the home team before Isaiah Rankin scored a late consolation for Martin Allen’s side. A solitary goal from Kieron Dyer, meanwhile, proved sufficient for Newcastle United FC to overcome 2003 finalists Southampton FC in the last of Saturday's fifth-round ties.
