MATT'S FIRST-HALF VERDICT

A SENSATIONAL opening goal by Robbie Simpson wasn’t enough to give Athletic a half-time lead in an enthralling FA Cup tie at Anfield.

Paul Dickov’s men showed no early nerves in starting the game and twice came close to finding the net through Shefki Kuqi’s shot and a Tom Adeyemi header – before former Huddersfield striker Simpson took the roof off the Anfield Road end where the visiting fans were housed.

Taking a Dean Furman pass under his control, Simpson spun and struck a wonderfully clean left-footed shot from 20 yards which arrowed past Pepe Reina’s outstretched left arm.

The lead, though, lasted barely a minute. Jonjo Shelvey’s shot hit a sprawling Craig Bellamy to deflect past Alex Cisak.

And shortly before half-time, as Liverpool found their passing stride they found a lead through a penalty.

The decision looked slightly harsh on Tom Adeyemi, given for an adjudged push in the back of Maxi as he tried reaching a Steven Gerrard cross that looked innocuous.
Liverpool’s captain and talisman slammed home the spot-kick off the underside of the crossbar to give the home side a 2-1 advantage in a great half of knockout football.