If the Merseysiders thought that their Welsh Premier League opposition's resistance would collapse in the second half, it didn't happen. TNS battled from the first whistle to the last and (as at Anfield) the scoreline barely did them justice.  | | Steven Gerrard shows his respect for TNS |
Until 84 minutes TNS were only 0-1 down and had enjoyed a couple of chances on goal. On 75 minutes, Marc Lloyd-Williams thought he had equalised, only for his strike to be ruled offside. Earlier, Steven Beck's powerful shot hit the inside of Liverpool's post and on some other days would have gone in - not today. Beck's shot proved enough of a scare to persuade Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to send on Steven Gerrard... who again made all the difference. At the death, Gerrard pounced twice within 60 seconds to turn 0-1 into 0-3 and again crushed TNS's hopes within only minutes of the final whistle. Over the two legs, Gerrard scored five of Liverpool's six goals and three of them came within the last five minutes of the games. You had to feel for TNS. | "Their keeper did very well and he was the best player over the two games" | | Rafael Benitez on Gerrard Doherty |
Yet the marginal scoreline (until 85 minutes) didn't reflect Liverpool's dominance throughout the match. The only reason TNS were able to keep within striking distance of their visitors was thanks to their goalkeeper, Gerrard Doherty, who gave another heroic display between the posts. Time and time again, Doherty frustrated Liverpool's multi-million pound strikers, even saving a Dietmar Hamman penalty. Steve Finnan's free kick was then blocked before Doherty prevented Luis Garcia adding his name to the scoresheet. Doherty's only mistake of the night allowed Steven Gerrard to claim his second of the night.  | | Doherty saves Hamann's penalty |
Ultimately TNS played with pride and can feel more than a little disappointed by the final scoreline. However, to sweeten the pill, TNS will make around £250,000 from the two legs of this qualifier - small change for Liverpool, but a great payday for the Llansantfraid club. | 
