Bellamy Gets Off The Mark In Liverpool Win

Bellamy scores his first goal back in a Liverpool shirt...

It was end to end stuff last night in Brighton as Gus Poyet's boys looked to cause an upset for Liverpool. An inspired performance from Brighton was threatening to take the game from the Reds on several occasions but in the end the home side had to settle for a consolation goal from the penalty spot.

Craig Bellamy opened the scoring for Liverpool with Kuyt getting the second. Captain Steven Gerrard made his first appearance for 6 months and all things considered it was a good win for the lads.

The first goal of the night came just 6 minutes in after a lively Liverpool start. Dalglish had fielded a strong line up, backing his seriousness to take on this competition, but Andy Carroll was one big names on the bench. Instead Welshman Craig Bellamy got a start, still awaiting his first goal this was the perfect sort of game for Bellamy to get off the mark, and that he did.

An assist from Suarez allowed Bellamy to send the ball home from inside the box and put Liverpool ahead.

Bellamy continued to cause havoc throughout the game and particularly in the first 20 minutes or so when the Reds had the majority of possession, as both a forward threat and tracking back to defend, he was fantastic.

His highlight aside from the goal of course, was a stinger of a free kick. His attempt smashed off the bar after his shot from 35 yards, he was so unlucky to not have scored a wonder goal.

For Brighton, the man that stood out was Noone, (name that suggests he is a nobody aside) he was big trouble for the Liverpool defence. Also apparently a big Liverpool supporter, you could see he was packed full of adrenaline.

Unfortunately for Brighton despite some superb performances from individuals, it seemed as if they had the stamina to get the ball into the box or in dangerous positions on the wing, but they were poor with their final decisions. Even things like corners became poor choices for them as they wasted chances to threaten the Liverpool goal.

Luis Suarez managed to hit the bar and the post before he left the field. Another night of effort from the Uruguayan but he just couldn't get on the score sheet himself.

The number 7 made way for Steven Gerrard with 15 minutes left to go. Perhaps the most noise from the away fans all night in the boisterous atmosphere of the Falmer Stadium was when the captain finally pulled on the shirt after 6 months out.

The Reds second goal came just after the 80 minute mark. Maxi Rodriguez made the right decision when he found himself in front of goal with the pressure piling on from Brighton and laid the ball out to an awaiting Kuyt who from an angle just about managed to sweep the ball into the far corner.

Flanagan came on for the Reds in the dying minutes before Brighton gained themselves a penalty. After a challenge by Jamie Carragher on Vicente, Ashley Barnes lined up to take the penalty for the home side. The top goalscorer converted easily with a brilliant penalty.

Brighton tried but failed in the remaining time to find an equalizer but the Reds remained concentrated and kept out any last ditch attempts.

Next up for Liverpool? Who knows, fans can find out on Saturday when the draw is announced.