Match report: Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was the villain in the eyes of Everton fans after he was involved in the sending-off of Jack Rodwell before scoring the second goal in a controversial 216th Merseyside derby victory.

The Uruguay international was berated as a cheat by the majority of Goodison Park - and appeared to have a coin thrown at him - after making the most of Rodwell's sliding tackle midway through the first half.

He also won a penalty - which Dirk Kuyt missed - to add to his growing reputation as Mr Unpopular with the blue half of Merseyside.

Suarez, and the performance of referee Martin Atkinson, somewhat overshadowed Andy Carroll's first Barclays Premier League goal of the season.

His strike was the breakthrough and set his side on the way to victory which Everton had worked so hard for so long to deny their visitors.

The last time Kenny Dalglish left Goodison Park as Liverpool manager more than 20 years ago after a 4-4 FA Cup draw the major story developed two days later when he surprisingly quit citing health problems, brought on partly by the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster.

However, on his first match back as Reds boss, the headlines were being written as early as the 23rd minute.

Rodwell slid in to challenge Suarez and although seemingly winning the ball with a tackle which did not appear to be dangerous Atkinson immediately brandished a red card.

It was the 20th dismissal in 39 Barclays Premier League meetings, 13 of which have been Everton players with eight of those coming in the last 10 games at Goodison.

Prior to that Everton had produced the best chances with Tim Cahill - passed fit after struggling with a shin injury all week - forcing Jose Reina into a fingertip save after rising highest at the far post and Sylvain Distin blazing a shot just over.

But momentum of play changed in an instant after the dismissal as Cahill, who had been posing a threat to the Liverpool defence in an advanced role behind Louis Saha on his first start of the season, was dropped back into a left-sided midfield role.

Everton's high-tempo pressing play was abandoned for a deeper-lying, more measured approach and that played into the visitors' hands as they were able to control possession of the ball.

However, they struggled to make a breakthrough until Phil Jagielka brought down Suarez on the corner of the penalty area just before half-time and Atkinson pointed to the spot.

Kuyt, scorer of five derby goals, stepped up but Howard saved brilliantly low to his left - the first miss from the spot in a Merseyside derby since Robbie Fowler in April 2001.

Howard joined fellow Evertonian George Kitchen and Liverpool duo Sam Hardy and Bruce Grobbelaar as goalkeepers who have saved penalties in cross-city meetings.

And while Charlie Adam did beat Howard in added time at the end of the half his 25-yard shot cannoned down off the crossbar.

Everton continued to make light of their reduced number after the break with Saha shooting just wide after being teed up by Cahill just inside the area.

But Liverpool were starting to create more openings and Carroll's header looked to be creeping inside the post from Stewart Downing's corner before Saha hacked away.

Another Carroll effort had Howard scrambling to his left to turn around the post while Kuyt deflected Adam's quickly-taken free-kick wide.

Saha rifled a 25-yard shot just wide of Reina's right-hand post before, in the 67th minute, Dalglish sent on Steven Gerrard, making only his third substitute appearance after six months out after a groin operation, and Craig Bellamy to win him the game.

But it was not the talismanic Reds captain who made the difference but his fellow substitute.

Just four minutes after coming on the Wales international's run down the left released Jose Enrique and Kuyt cleverly ducked under the Spaniard's cross to allow Carroll to power home from eight yards.

The match was wrapped up in the 82nd minute when Suarez grabbed the second.

Collecting Kuyt's knockdown he was lucky to have Distin's clearance bounce into his chest but he made the most of it to place a left-footed shot past Howard from six yards.

The striker's celebrations in front of the Gwladys Street end were interrupted by a number of bottles being thrown onto the pitch.

Kuyt then hit a post before Suarez showed Atkinson a coin which he alleged had been thrown from the stands.

This match has gained a reputation for being the 'friendly derby' over recent years. It was definitely not on this occasion.

Kenny's Joy At Derby Win

Kenny Dalglish praised a 'professional and composed' display from his players after Liverpool beat 10-man Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Reds had to bide their time before Andy Carroll opened the scoring at Goodison Park when he converted Jose Enrique's cross on 71 minutes after the Blues' Jack Rodwell was shown a straight red card midway through the first half.

Luis Suarez made the three points safe with a neat finish following a mix-up in the Everton defence to leave the boss delighted with the efforts of his charges.

Dalglish told his post-match press conference: "It was pretty even 11 against 11. I have not seen the incident, so I don't know whether he deserved red or not.

"After they went down to 10, we were very professional, composed and thorough in what we were trying to do.

"Sometimes it is difficult to play against 10. It was difficult because you know what you're going to get from Everton and they put in a great effort to try and keep it at 0-0, or even win it themselves.

"It was never going to be easy for us, but I think the way we went about our work was a great credit to the players."

Liverpool could have taken the lead earlier had Tim Howard not produced a fine save to deny Dirk Kuyt from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Dalglish added: "You're always hoping you're going to make a chance, whether you take it or not is another thing. Although they (Everton) will be unhappy with the result, I think they will be happy with the effort their players put in for them.

"We were delighted with our players and the way they went about their work. It's hypothetical whether we would have won or lost (with 11 versus 11) because we'll never know."

Carroll's deadlock breaker was his first goal in the Barclays Premier League this season.

One reporter put it to Dalglish that a derby goal could provide the No.9 with a lift in confidence, to which the manager replied: "It won't do Luis any harm either!

"What was also pleasing was the reaction of Dirk Kuyt after missing the penalty - it didn't seem to affect him, which is the sign of a strong character.

"Those three incidents are very positive returns for each of the three individuals.

"Big Andy was unlucky a couple of times earlier with headers, but he stroked it away nicely."

Dalglish added: "We said when we signed both of them (Carroll and Suarez) it was a great bit of business for the club and we don't see any reason to change that opinion. I don't think there's any need for us to have a weekly bulletin about how they've played either.

"We're delighted with them. Andy has worked really, really hard in training and he is getting his reward on the pitch."

Meanwhile, a satisfying afternoon for Liverpool was enhanced by the sight of Steven Gerrard getting a further 23 minutes under his belt after entering the action as a second-half substitute to continue his comeback.

Dalglish was quizzed on the prospect of the No.8 being included in England's squad for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro.

He said: "It's another step forward for Steven coming on in the derby and getting a few more minutes under his belt. I think Steven aired his views yesterday and I don't think there is anything I need to add with regards to that.

"With regards to any reaction after the game, there was none whatsoever other than happiness about the result."

Martin Kelly's international future was also the subject of journalists' questions.

The full-back turned in another assured display at Goodison Park and Dalglish was quizzed on whether he could soon make the step up from U21 to full international for England.

"Fabio (Capello) has got to pick a team and he'll pick whoever he wants to pick," said the gaffer. "We're delighted with Martin and where his performances for us take him, I don't know."

Suarez Delight For Carroll

Luis Suarez spoke of his delight after he and strike-partner Andy Carroll fired the goals which won the 216th Merseyside derby.

Carroll opened the goalscoring in the second half before Suarez secured the 2-0 win following a defensive error from the hosts.

All this after the first-half dismissal of Jack Rodwell following a challenge on Suarez.

Afterwards our No.7 paid tribute to fellow January arrival Carroll and the Reds fans who travelled to Goodison.

"We tried with one more man," he said. "For a striker you always try to score but I am happy as well today that Andy scored.

"For me it's unbelievable because I've been here nine months and every time the fans help me. It's unbelievable of them."

Moyes Angered By Red Card

David Moyes was hugely disappointed with the red card brandished to Jack Rodwell in Everton's 2-0 Merseyside derby loss against Liverpool.

Rodwell was sent off in the first half of the encounter at Goodison Park for a sliding challenge on Luis Suarez. The midfielder won the ball but referee Martin Atkinson opted to reduce the home side to ten men.

Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool went on to win the game courtesy of late goal from Andy Carroll and Suarez, much to the anger of Moyes, who singled out Atkinson for criticism.

Moyes said: "I thought it ruined the game. There are a lot of questions that people ask about derbies, tackles and sendings-off but that wasn't down to a bad tackle.

"I would have been disappointed if it had been a free-kick and if he had given a yellow card you would have said 'what is that for?'. It would have been hard playing Liverpool 11 v 11 - it was a really tough game for us and it became tougher."

Moyes has history with Atkinson as he was fined £8,000 by the Football Association 12 months ago for confronting the official at the end of their 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Goodison Park.

"We've not had this referee since myself and Steve Round were fined one year ago against Manchester United," Moyes said. "It was interesting that the PGMO (Premier Game Match Officials Ltd) sent him into both clubs this week to do the referee's appraisal prior to this game.

"It needs people who watch and play the game and understand it and write about it to see it (Atkinson's decision) because it is easy for me to say it.

"Too often people talk about the players not doing it right but it wasn't the players yesterday.

"I don't think anyone in this world thought it was [a sending off] but it is one of these things that we just have to take that it was wrong and move on. I don't know if we can appeal the red card."

Moyes admitted, however, that other factors contributed to their defeat. "The team did everything but at the end of the day it wasn't the referee that lost us the game, we made a couple of defensive lapses," he added.

Jonjo Nets Debut Goal

Jonjo Shelvey got his loan spell at Blackpool off to a perfect start by netting on his debut in the 5-0 thumping of Bristol City.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes for Ian Holloway's side and netted with a superb free-kick after 66 minutes.

He also created the first goal for Gary Taylor-Fletcher.

Meanwhile, winger David Amoo was also on target in Bury's 3-1 win away at Yeovil Town in League One.

Amoo is on loan with Richie Barker's side until October 22.

U18s Lose To Blackburn

It was a frustrating day for Liverpool U18s as they went down 2-1 at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

The away side found themselves 2-0 up with two second half goals, and despite a fine late strike from Jack Dunn, Mike Marsh's side couldn't force an equalizer.

The young Reds played some excellent football at times and created some great openings. Substitute David Moli also had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down.

It was to be a double blow for Marsh as he lost Jordan Lussey and Kristoffer Peterson who both left the field with injuries.

Marsh told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's a tough one to swallow really as we didn't deserve to lose the game.

"We created some great chances, we could easily have had a penalty but it just wasn't our day.

"It was a shame losing Jordan and Kristoffer and we'll have to see how they are ahead of next weekend's Academy derby with Everton.

"On the plus side Jack Dunn came back from injury and scored a really good goal."

Reds Ground-Share A Dead Issue

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner insists the possibility of a ground-share with city neighbours Everton is a 'dead issue'.

The Reds have long been considering stadium plans and the club's unpopular former owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett had pledged to build a replacement for Anfield in Stanley Park.

Planning permissions were approved, but redesigns and the global recession delayed the building process and the much-criticized Hicks and Gillett were bought out by John W Henry's Fenway Sports Group last autumn.

Henry and business partner Werner have taken their time over the important decision of whether to go ahead with a new stadium or to redevelop and expand Anfield in order to increase matchday revenue.

A ground-share with Everton has also been considered but, ahead of Saturday lunchtime's Merseyside derby, Werner said in the Daily Telegraph: "We knew it would be complicated when we took over the club but we are still optimistic of finding the right solution."

"Everyone knows the two options we are examining - staying at Anfield or a new build on the park - and although we have been pressured for a timetable we have not responded to that pressure because we do not want our fans to be disappointed.

"We have been told countless times by our supporters that they have no desire for us to share a stadium and we have listened to that. Our supporters are not for it, therefore it is a dead issue.

"I have said before you can never say it will never be raised again but although there are obstacles on Anfield redevelopment and on the issue of naming rights, I believe they are surmountable.

"People can say whatever they want about how long a decision takes, but as far as we are concerned the situation is exactly as we knew it would be when we purchased the club.

"It is our intention to not only enhance the playing environment around Liverpool football club but also the neighbourhood.

"We appreciate the surrounding area is not Mayfair. We want to be the catalyst for employment and to look after those in the vicinity, assisting the local economy."

John W. Henry Hospitalized

Liverpool owner John W Henry has been hospitalized after an accident on his yacht.

The incident, in Boston, occurred on Friday evening and he was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in an ambulance.

Henry, who also owns the Boston Red Sox baseball team, was seen leaving the $32m (£25.5m) yacht wearing a neck brace and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino told the radio station WBZ-AM that Henry was injured but was able to walk off the boat wearing a neck brace.

The accident occurred less than 24 hours before Liverpool play Merseyside rivals Everton on Saturday and on the day Boston Red Sox announced the departure of Terry Francona, the manager who led the team to two World Series victories, after the team failed to make the play-offs.

Match Preview: Everton vs Liverpool

Old foes Everton and Liverpool will lock horns once more at Goodison Park on Saturday in the 216th Merseyside derby.

For David Moyes it is the chance to build on some steadily improving home form that has seen the Blues recover from that shock opening game defeat to QPR to go unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions in front of their own supporters.

They also have fond memories of last season's home encounter with Liverpool, when they strolled to a comfortable 2-0 win thanks to goals from Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill.

It is a very different Liverpool team though that will take to the field on Saturday, complete with a new - or should that be familiar - man in the dugout.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is preparing to return to Goodison Park as Liverpool manager for the first time since 1991.

Back then Dalglish famously quit the Anfield club just days after a tumultuous 4-4 FA Cup tie with the Toffees, citing the pressure of the job and the strain it had taken on him over the years.

His return last January was equally dramatic and the intervening nine months has seen him stamp his authority on the squad with a number of big money incomings and notable departures.

The situation could not be more different across Stanley Park, with Toffees boss Moyes forced to work on a shoestring budget, raising nearly £15million in player sales over the summer but only bringing in three loan signings.

Despite the financial disparity the Blues could go above their old rivals with a win on Saturday, with a game in hand.

Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt and Everton's Tim Cahill appear to relish this fixture more than most and the pair have five derby goals to their name. The Australian has scored more derby goals than any other Everton player since the war.

The game could hinge on referee Martin Atkinson, who faces the unenviable task of trying to manage the Premier League's most volatile encounter. This match-up has seen 19 red cards since the start of the Premier League, more than any other fixture.

Atkinson showed six yellows and two reds the last time he was on duty in a Merseyside derby, at Anfield in February 2010.

Therefore the derby spoils could hinge on who keeps their head in the white hot atmosphere of a packed Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.

Cahill is a doubt for Everton after he sustained a shin injury in a challenge with Manchester City's Vincent Kompany last weekend. The Australian hasn't trained all week but Moyes will leave it as late as possible before deciding on the 32-year-old's fitness.

Striker Louis Saha is pushing for a recall after appearing as a substitute against City last weekend but fellow forward Victor Anichebe remains side-lined until December.

For Liverpool, skipper Steven Gerrard looks likely to start from the bench as he edges his way back to full fitness. The England man has played just 25 minutes of competitive football since recovering from a groin operation.

Glen Johnson is out with hamstring strain while Daniel Agger will also miss out as he recovers from a rib injury.

Possible starting XIs

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Rodwell, Fellaini, Osman, Coleman, Cahill, Saha.

Liverpool: Reina, Enrique, Carragher, Kelly, Skrtel, Kuyt, Downing, Lucas, Adam, Suarez, Carroll.

Dalglish: We Must Be Composed & Committed To Win Derby

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has urged his team to keep their composure while maintaining full commitment when they take on local rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby this weekend.

The Reds started the season in promising form but back-to-back defeats against Stoke and Tottenham knocked their progress somewhat.

A 2-1 victory over Wolves helped to restore their title ambitions but Dalglish knows it will take more than inconsistent form to overcome their bitter rivals in what will be the 216th Merseyside derby on Saturday.

"The most important thing for us is to be confident, composed and have the belief we can win the game," he said.

"It is up to us to get that into our players and get them to believe it.

"We know we have to be totally committed to get the result because if we aren't we won't get anything.

"You have to earn things you want in this life and if we want three points from Goodison on Saturday then we will need to stand up and be counted because they will make it difficult for us."

David Moyes Frustrated By Kenny Dalglish's Spending Power

Everton boss David Moyes admits he is frustrated by the financial constraints bound on him by the club’s lack of money, but insists he is not envious of the spending power of his opposite number at Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish.

The two sides will come together on Saturday lunchtime in the first Merseyside derby of the season which takes place at Goodison Park.

Currently, there is a stark contrast between both clubs, which is easily outlined when looking at the past two transfer windows where Liverpool were able to spend in the region of £120 million on players, whereas the cash-strapped Toffees brought in four on loan and bought another, Apostolos Vellios, for a low fee.

Moyes was quick to make note of the financial divide between his and Dalglish’s sides when being asked about the upcoming grudge match.

"It's always been a tough game for us because we're up against good opposition, and Liverpool have always had a level of finance which has allowed them to buy a different level of player than us," Moyes told reporters.

"Over the years we've tried to be competitive, tried to get as close to them as we can.

"We know it's a big rivalry in the city, and I'm aware of that, but most people are aware there have been differences over the years between Liverpool and Everton, and all of it has been financial."

Moyes also made note of the Reds’ situation this time last season "This time last year Liverpool weren't in great condition.

"They were maybe in a similar situation to us here where they were having to give money back to the banks.

"The supporters were quite restless at the time, but they've had new owners, a change of manager and brought in new players, so they have turned it around quite a lot.

"That's there for everybody to see and everybody knows that. At this present time we've not got the funds Liverpool have had given to them in the last year. That's given them a big help."

Asked if he is frustrated by getting so close to Liverpool last season, he added: "Yes, only because we got really close last year, and things have changed very quickly for Liverpool in that time.

"Last season we had a really good side at times. I think we showed that, although not come the end of the season because our league position wasn't good enough.”

However, Moyes insists he does not look over towards Anfield with envy.

"I don't think I look with envy. I'm just stating facts. It has never been any different here," said the Scot.

"We have always worked within our means, and in many seasons the same things have happened and we've still always found a way of getting there, so hopefully we can do that again this year.

"It has been hard to get above Liverpool in the league table, and we have done everything we can to win as many derby games as we can, which has been tough.

"We've tried to be competitive against them, tried to hang onto their shirt tails, and at times try to get above them, but as I say, it's not been easy."

Gerrard Asks Capello Not To Choose Him For Euro 2012 Qualifier

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted to England boss Fabio Capello that he is not chosen for the nation’s important Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro later next month.

Gerrard has played just 25 minutes of football since returning for the Merseyside outfit after six months out of the game and believes other players should be selected ahead of him for the crunch fixture.

“I think everyone knows I'm still not 100 per cent match fit,” he told reporters.

“I have only probably had two 12-minute games. I'm not really sure how much I'm going to play against Everton so, in my opinion, it's probably still a bit too early.

“I don't make the decisions. Those decisions are down to the England manager, whether he picks me or not.

“I'm sure he'll have a discussion with Kenny [Dalglish] and between them they can decide what the right thing is for me.

“In my opinion there are other players out there who are match fit who are probably more suitable for that game, but we'll have to wait and see. If I'm called up, I'll deal with it.”

The 31-year-old will most likely start on the bench once more in Saturday’s derby clash with Everton, but understands that he should not be rushed back into action too soon in order to aid his recovery.

Gerrard said: “With experience I have come to learn about my own body and I haven't been out for two or three weeks with a hamstring or a calf injury. I've had a reconstruction of my groin and it is going to take time.

“To be fair to Kenny and the medical staff, they have handled me perfectly so far and I'm sure they'll do the same in the coming weeks.

“It's important that I don't force it, they don't force it and we don't push it too hard, but I am at the stage now where the only way I'm going to get my match sharpness, match fitness and get back to the form I want to play at is if I get game time.

“But I also understand it's got to be at the right time as well.”

Liverpool have had somewhat of an inconsistent string of results since the start of the campaign and currently find themselves in fifth place, and Gerrard believes his side need to take care during the derby match to not get caught up in the intense atmosphere.

He added: “We need to play without fear. Sometimes in derby games you can get involved in the fight and forget to play. It becomes a battle and a tussle rather than us settling and playing our own game.

“We like to pass and move, attack quick and stay compact when we haven't got the ball, so if we can settle really quickly into the game I'm really confident we can get the right result.”

Liverpool Joined By Manchester City In Race For Crystal Palace Starlet

Liverpool have reportedly been joined by Manchester City in the race for Crystal Palace youngster Wilfried Zaha.

The 18-year-old forward has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from Selhurst Park with Liverpool the club consistently suggested as a possible destination.

Stoke and Fulham were both reported to have made unsuccessful approaches in the summer but, according to the Daily Star, City have now registered their interest.

With the Zaha in such demand, and considering he signed a new contract tying him to Palace until 2015, the Championship club are not under any immediate pressure to sell.

However, Palace are reportedly resigned to the fact that they face a struggle to hold onto their prized asset and will listen to offers next summer.

Liverpool Confirm Midfield Starlet's Loan Switch

Liverpool have confirmed that young midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has joined Blackpool on loan until December 31, 2011.

Shelvey was signed by the Reds from Charlton in May 2010 but has thus far struggled to make an impression in the first team with a host of central midfielders all vying for a starting berth.

The 19-year-old knows that he needs to gain some first team experience with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Jay Spearing all battling for a place in central midfield.

The England youth player has made 22 appearances for the Reds since moving to the club and is considered one of the best young talents at the club.

Blackpool currently find themselves in 10th place in the Championship after nine games and will be hoping to finish the season in the play-off places as they look to return to the Premier League..

Liverpool Starlet Adam Morgan Adds To Growing Anfield Reputation

Liverpool starlet Adam Morgan added to his growing reputation with a double in the 3-0 win over Molde for the club's Under 19s.

Facing a must-win clash against the Norwegian outfit in Group Two of the NextGen Series, Morgan came off the bench to fire the Reds to victory and a chance of progressing to the knock-out stages of the competition.

The Merseysiders will travel to Sporting Lisbon full of confidence after their second-half display at Anfield, and it was Morgan who took the plaudits from manager Rodolfo Borrell.

"In the first half they got a lot of players behind the ball and tried to stop us playing. We needed to play much quicker and we changed our system to a 4-4-2 in the second half when Morgan came on," Borrell told the official Liverpool website.

"He is a player who scores a lot of goals. He could start in the first XI but people need to remember he is still an U18 player. He played the full 90 minutes for the Liverpool U18s and scored twice at the weekend and we want to protect him.

"Last season he scored consistently at U18 level and got many goals. He is capable of scoring a lot of goals and is a very useful player to have in our squad."

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli were both in the stands to take in the performance, and are likely to have been impressed with the performance of a player dubbed 'the next Robbie Fowler'.

Teammates Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom were also on-song in the victory, and the trio could well be getting involved in first team activities at Liverpool sooner rather than later.

Euro Joy For Starlets

Adam Morgan came off the bench to fire a brace and help keep Liverpool's NextGen Series hopes alive in a 3-0 victory over Molde at Anfield on Thursday night.

The striker, introduced into the action at half-time, displayed great poise to find the back of the net after Michael Ngoo's pass had sent him one-on-one with the Norwegian's goalkeeper on 67 minutes.

Morgan then claimed a second on 90 minutes with a magnificent lobbed finish from 20 yards before Toni Silva stabbed home in stoppage time to secure the points.

It was just rewards for a dominant display from the Reds, in which they also rattled the woodwork on two occasions.

The win means Rodolfo Borrell's side now have a fighting chance of securing qualification from Group 2 of the NextGen Series with one game to go.

Having picked up a point from their two home games so far in the competition, Liverpool were well aware of the importance of securing three points in front of the Kop in their penultimate group stage fixture.

Last week's 2-0 defeat in Wolfsburg was harsh on the young Reds, but a victory over Molde - the team they dispatched so comprehensively by four goals in Norway - would keep alive Borrell's men's hopes of qualification ahead of the final match against Sporting Lisbon in Portugal next month.

After a bright start by Molde on an unusually humid evening in L4, Liverpool soon began to take the game to their guests with a succession of corners and free-kicks.

Indeed, only a fine save from Silvert Beinset prevented Ryan McLaughlin from opening the scoring after the full-back sauntered into the box and struck a powerful low drive towards goal.

The Molde 'keeper repeated the trick soon after, clawing Ngoo's towering header away from danger on the goalline following Suso's corner.

With Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli amongst the interested spectators, Silva went closer still to breaking the deadlock. The forward cut in from the right and cannoned an effort against the base of the post.

The rebound fell for the No.7 again on the edge of the box, and he saw a second attempt repelled by the sprawling Beinset.

It was all Liverpool and, as the clock on the Anfield scoreboard reached 28 minutes, a trademark weave into the box from Raheem Sterling resulted in the winger grazing the top of the crossbar with his curler.

Sterling was enjoying a lively evening, but 10 minutes later he was left holding his head in his hands and wondering how he hadn't scored when Suso's majestic through ball sent him bearing down on goal, but the boot of Beinset ensured parity remained intact heading into half-time.

With his side desperately needing a cutting edge in attack, Borrell opted to introduce Morgan into affairs during the interval - though it was Ngoo who had the first attempt of the half when he steered Sterling's low free-kick goalwards, but Molde were able to scramble to safety.

Next, a typically rangy surge into the area saw the No.9 cannon a left-foot strike off the underside of the bar. Sterling quickly worked the ball back into the danger zone, where Morgan's shot was deflected wide.

From the resulting corner, Conor Coady picked up possession on the edge of the area and fashioned space for a shooting chance, which Beinset turned over.

Silva was next to threaten on the hour, twisting and turning inside a packed area before drilling into the Kop.

A goal for the hosts appeared inevitable - and it finally arrived on 67 minutes.

Ngoo's pass sliced open the Molde defence, sending Morgan bounding down on goal. The striker retained his composure and slipped the ball into the bottom corner with his left boot.

It was no more than Liverpool deserved for their dominance - and they continued to test Beinset in the closing stages of the contest.

Molde were finally undone again in the last minute when Morgan pounced upon a wayward pass and found the net with a lob from distance.

Then, in injury time, Silva tricked his way into the box and stabbed home to give the scoreline a more emphatic look and put the seal on a win that could prove invaluable in determining the outcome of the Reds' NextGen Series aspirations.

Dalglish: New Boys Ready For Derby

Kenny Dalglish today insisted Liverpool's derby debutants will be well-prepared for the task of taking on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.

The likes of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Jose Enrique, Jordan Henderson and Sebastian Coates could acquire their first taste of a Red versus Blue encounter when the boss leads his side across Stanley Park for the 216th meeting between the teams.

However, Dalglish is confident the derby experiences those players have picked up elsewhere will stand them in good stead.

He told his pre-match press conference: "I think Rangers against Celtic will have given Charlie a good grounding. For Andy, the north-east derby isn't to be undermined either, and for Stewart Villa against Birmingham isn't the smallest of derbies, is it?

"They may not have experienced one of these derbies before, but everybody has experienced a derby of some sort.

"Even for Luis (Suarez), the derby he's been involved in in Holland will have been frenetic as well. Every derby starts the same way.

"I don't think there is anybody who will be involved with us on Saturday who would undermine or be surprised by what they come up against.

"That's very important and although they might not have experienced the derbies here, they have somewhere else and they were equally as important to them when they were playing in them as what this one is."

He added: "We know what a victory in a derby means to the people of Liverpool and we know how much elation the players would get from it.

"There are some players who haven't played in it before that might play on Saturday, but I'm sure they understand what this football club stands for."

Liverpool's preparations for the short journey across Stanley Park were bolstered on Thursday by the news Daniel Agger had returned to training at Melwood following a rib injury, while Glen Johnson edges ever-closer to a comeback meaning Dalglish has a near-fully fit squad to choose from.

Earlier in the week, Dirk Kuyt spoke about the strength of the Reds squad and his determination to regain a regular starting berth - and the gaffer is delighted by the attitude and work ethic of his players.

Dalglish said: "Dirk works very, very hard - and so does everybody. We're not going to get anywhere without people working hard in training because it's an important part of preparation for games.

"Everybody has been a tremendous credit to themselves in the way they've conducted themselves in training and the effort and commitment they've put into it.

"If you want to play, you've got to do that. If you do, then when you're given your opportunity, it's much easier for you to succeed.

"We keep saying we've got a stronger squad than last year, so that means the competition will be greater as well. The better the players play when they're given the opportunity, the better the competition will be.

"We're happy with that and it stands us in good stead to have a strong squad. I don't think there is anybody here who is not competing for a first-team spot, and that's great for us."

A veteran of the Merseyside derby, Dalglish is well aware of the joy success in the fixture can bring to either the red or blue sides of the city.

However, ultimately the boss knows that obtaining three Premier League points is the most important aspect of the contest as Liverpool look to build on last weekend's 2-1 win over Wolves.

Dalglish said: "For me a win is a win and for them (Everton) a win is a win. It will get us three points and a bit of bragging rights. How much it means to them, I am not in a position to judge and you'll have to ask them yourself - but for us it is very important to win games.

"We've got to earn anything we want to get in life and we'll certainly need to work hard to get anything from Goodison on Saturday. If we want to get three points, then we'll need to stand up and be counted because I'm sure they'll make it very difficult for us.

"We'll try to play the way we want to play and at the same time stop them playing the way they want to. I'm sure Moysie (David Moyes) will be saying the same thing.

"The most important thing for us is to be confident, composed and have belief we can win the game. It is up to us to get that into our players and get them to believe it. We'll be totally committed to getting a result - and we know we have to be or we won't get anything.

"We'll compete as best we possibly can. The preparations have gone excellently and we look forward to it."

He added: "Moysie has done a fantastic job and we've got a great deal of respect for David Moyes and also for the football club.

"He's a good lad and we know him well, but come Saturday the two of us will be rivals and that's the way it should be. Afterwards we'll have a drink and move on."

As both player and later manager, Dalglish contested some classic Merseyside derbies during the 1980s - including two FA Cup finals at Wembley.

Reporters were keen to hear the Reds manager's favourite memories of the fixture ahead of the latest showdown.

"The most poignant one was the '89 Cup final - not just for Liverpool because we won it, but for the whole city of Liverpool," recalled Dalglish.

"Another was the first (Cup final) in '86 when we saw fathers going to the game with their kids, one in red and white and one in blue and white.

"Both Cup finals spoke volumes for the city about how they (the fans) conducted themselves and how much the clubs meant to them.

"They're the most vivid derby memories for me."

Meanwhile, journalists asked Dalglish about Liverpool's defensive record so far in 2011-12.

He replied: "I wouldn't say we're worried about it, but it's always nice to have your opposition with a 'nothing' after their name, isn't it?

"It's something we've got to continue working on, but if we keep scoring more goals than the opposition then fine.

"Last week against Wolves we might have been under pressure a little bit and got a couple of tackles in around the box, but for me we had by far the greater and most chances in the game. It looked more likely that we would have extended our lead than lost it.

"If you keep scoring goals, it makes it more difficult for the other team, but certainly losing no goals makes it a bit easier for ourselves as well as scoring at the other end.

"If you want to get points, then it's helpful not to lose any - but I wouldn't say we've got a problem with it."