LONDON, (Reuters):LIVERPOOL ENDED their 85-year Manchester United jinx when a first-half Peter Crouch header gave them a deserved 1-0 win in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Anfield yesterday.
Third Division Brentford's run came to an end across London at Charlton Athletic where the Premier League side eased through 3-1 while Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United drew 0-0 in a turgid all-Premier clash at the Reebok Stadium.
In another all-Premier, Newcastle accounted for Southampton 1-0 thanks to a second-half Keiron Dwyer strike.
Liverpool had not beaten United in nine FA Cup ties spanning 85 years, including the 1996 and 1977 finals, but were always in command of a shot-shy lunchtime kick off at Anfield.
DESPERATELY DISAPPOINTING
United, a record 11-times winners of the Cup and runners-up last season, were desperately disappointing despite fielding an attacking side and Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina was not forced to make a worthwhile save.
Although Liverpool face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, coach Raphael Benitez also put out a full-strength side who took control of midfield from the start.
The goal came in the 19th minute when a deep Steve Finnan cross reached an unmarked Crouch whose excellent header went in off both posts.
United failed to make any impression in the first half and were only marginally more involved in the second despite the addition of half-time substitute Louis Saha and Alan Smith after 77 minutes. Their first serious shot on goal did not arrive until the 80th minute when Ryan Giggs drove a right-footer over the bar.
Last month United grabbed a last-minute 1-0 league win at Old Trafford and they also scored two late goals to snatch a 2-1 win in the teams' last FA Cup meeting in United's 1999 treble year.
NO COMEBACK
This time though, even in seven minutes of added time, there was to be no comeback.
That extra time was a result of lengthy treatment for Smith, who landed in agony after trying to block a John Arne Riise shot late in normal time.
"He has broken his leg and dislocated the ankle joint," United manager Alex Ferguson said.
"It's a really bad one and it's going to be very long term - it is one of the worst I have seen."
