Chris Herd has given Aston Villa a 1-0 lead over Liverpool after a lively opening 45 minutes at Anfield.
It was the home side who started the stronger, although Aston Villa might have taken the lead with an effort from Emile Heskey after three minutes, but Jamie Carragher made the block.
Liverpool were next to come close via Dirk Kuyt after seven minutes, but Villa goalkeeper Shay Given was on hand to make a smart save.
It was Villa who took the lead, however, after 10 minutes when Herd found a cool finish inside the area after good work from Barry Bannan.
James Collins so nearly made it 2-0 for Villa with a header after 20 minutes, as Liverpool continued to struggle for openings.
Liverpool did push for an equaliser in the latter stages of the half, with Steven Gerrard leading the charge, but Villa remained a threat on the break.
Kuyt so nearly equalised moments before the break, but the Dutchman somehow fired over from close range.
Matt Law
