Thursday, September 24, 2009

Benitez Heaps Praises On Whites

Leeds turned the clock back to the start of the decade as they gave Liverpool a stern examination in third round Carling Cup action last night.

A second-half goal from French striker David Ngog eventually settled the third-round tie in the Barclays Premier League side's favour but it was the fallen Yorkshire giants who took most of the plaudits.

"The atmosphere was fantastic, Leeds were really good," admitted Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

"They are good team with good players and they worked really hard."

The League One leaders, roared on by the majority of a raucous 38,168 crowd, dominated large parts of game and spurned a number of good opportunities.

Striker Jermaine Beckford endured a particularly frustrating night with several clear-cut chances wasted and a goal disallowed.

It was Liverpool's first visit to Elland Road since Leeds were relegated from the top flight in 2004 but the passion of the occasion rekindled memories of a once intense rivalry.

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