ENGLAND, Oct 26 (SW) – Manchester United and Liverpool survived on Wednesday night in the English League Cup, however were made to work for their results.


Crewe 1 – Manchester United 2

Manchester United were forced to go all the way to extra time to overcome a valiant Crewe. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opened the scoring for the Premiership leaders, with Luke Varney responding for the hosts.

Debutant Kieran Lee secured United’s passage to the next round in extra time.


Blackburn 0 – Chelsea 2

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole capped a return to action with a goal and strong performance for the reigning Premiership champions, with Salomon Kalou also finding the back of the net after being given a rare start by boss Jose Mourinho.


Liverpool 4 – Reading 3

Liverpool was forced to endure a tight finish at Anfield despite finding themselves in front by 3 goals on two occasions.

Fowler, Riise, and Paletta blasted the hosts into a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead after less than an hour, with Reading defender Andre Bikey pulling a goal back after 75 minutes to make the score 3-1.

It was soon 4-1 thanks to a Crouch goal, however goals from Leroy Lita and Shane Long brought the match back to 4-3. Despite their efforts Reading were unable to find a leveler.


MK Dons 0 – Tottenham 5

Tottenham ran riot at the National Hockey Stadium, thumping League Two side MK Dons.

Doubles from Jermaine Defoe and Mido plus another from Robbie Keane ensured a comfortable night for Martin Jol and his men.


Charlton 1 – Bolton 0

Under pressure Charlton manager Iain Dowie would have been delighted to overcome an in-form Bolton at The Valley.

A goal from Marcus Bent helped the home side to a much needed morale lifting win against Sam Allardyce’s men, with The Addicks now progressing to the fourth round.


Newcastle 3 – Portsmouth 0

Newcastle United recorded a solid win at home against Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth.

The home side took the lead with a goal from on-loan Manchester United youngster Giuseppe Rossi, and a double from Peruvian Nolberto Solano sealed the result.