FA Cup: Liverpool in cruise control at half-time

Tranmere 0, Liverpool 2 (half-time)

Liverpool are two goals to the good at half-time at Prenton Park.

Tranmere recalled Paul Rideout, hat-trick hero from the last round win over Southampton, in place of transfer-listed Wayne Allison while Graham Hinds took over from cup-tied Micky Mellon.

Liverpool were without injured Stephane Henchoz and Christian Ziege as well as suspended Dietmar Hamann, and brought in England Under-21 full-back Steve Wright.

Markus Babbel moved to the centre of defence, while Gary McAllister, Danny Murphy and Nick Barmby came in from the side that drew in Porto on Thursday, Vladimir Smicer dropping to the bench while Emile Heskey was not even in the squad with what is believed to be a minor back injury.

Tranmere tried to impose their aggressive, aerial style from the start. It had stunned seven previous Premiership sides, and Liverpool looked uncomfortable and unsteady against the expected war of attrition.

Gerard Houllier’s men were not clearing their lines properly and Tranmere were getting plenty of early encouragement.

But with their first serious attack on 11 minutes, Liverpool were ahead.

Sander Westerveld’s massive long clearance reached Michael Owen deep on the left.

His cross was met by Murphy on the edge of the six yard box, and his downward header - under no real pressure - bounced down and away from John Achterberg and into the net.

In a reversal of the first goal, Murphy crossed and Owen found the back of the net on 27 mins.