Roy Hodgson celebrated his first home game as Liverpool manager by watching his side cruise into the play-offs of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over FK Rabotnicki.
First half goals from David Ngog and Steven Gerrard secured a 4-0 aggregate victory over their Macedonian opponents as the Reds booked their place in Friday's draw for the next play-off round of the competition.
With Liverpool's four English World Cup players named in the starting line-up - including a home debut for Joe Cole - there was a buzz around the stadium before kick-off, while the inclusion of Spanish starlet Dani Pacheco added further to the feel-good factor which has been enveloping the club over recent weeks.
Liverpool - backed by an enthusiastic home crowd who had turned out in their thousands despite the first leg cushion - started on the front foot and had the ball in the net after just seven minutes, but David Ngog was flagged offside as he bundled the ball home following a rampaging run by Glen Johnson.
The French striker should have opened the scoring four minutes later when set through on goal by Steven Gerrard, but visiting goalkeeper Bogatinov made a smart stop as Ngog delayed his shot.
With Hodgson's men enjoying total control and playing some eye-catching football, Pacheco and Gerrard both tried long range efforts before the opening goal finally arrived after 21 minutes.
Ngog - whose two goals last week put the Reds firmly in control of the tie - broke the deadlock on the night with a fine header from Cole's deep left wing cross.
Cole the provider almost turned into Cole the goalscorer minutes later, but his curling effort from the edge of the area curled just the wrong side of the woodwork.
It was only ever going to be a matter of time before the second goal came long, and it duly arrived six minutes before the break when the lively Ngog was fouled in the area and Gerrard stepped up to confidently stroke the penalty into the corner of the net................Read all
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