Sterling stars as own goal separates the sides

Seventeen year-old Raheem Sterling was the star of the show as Andy Webster's own goal gave Liverpool a crucial away goal and 1-0 lead over Hearts heading into the second leg of their Europa League play-off round contest next Thursday at Anfield. The debutant was a constant menace down the left hand side, particularly in the first period, and contributed to what was a warranted win for the Merseysiders and an entertaining match all round.

The atmosphere was electric inside Tynecastle as both the home supporters and the travelling Kop anticipated a good old fashioned fixture between Scottish and English sides. It was therefore appropriate that Brendan Rodgers' experimental line-up included seven Englishman and a Scot, with veteran defender Jamie Carragher skippering the side in the absence of Steven Gerrard.

Although Adam's low strike at goal after eight minutes was the first time either keeper was tested, Hearts were undoubtedly in the ascendancy during the opening stages. Novikovas fired in a shot from 30 yards that swerved towards Reina's goal and almost dipped into the net before the stopper managed to turn it behind for a corner. Sutton then fired dangerously wide after beating Carragher, before Templeton's effort curled over Reina's bar.

Just as the hosts were beginning to build up some momentum, the Reds responded by retaining possession better and thus taking the sting out of Hearts' attack. Moreover, Sterling began the fight back, tormenting the Maroons' defence with his pace and skill.

First, he cut inside from the right and tried his luck, before he jinked into space and went close to looping the ball over MacDonald from 25 yards out. After Borini failed to control Henderson's perfectly weighted, defence splitting pass, Sterling stunningly set up the Reds' best goal scoring opportunity seconds before the interval. The number 31 terrifically intercepted a pass and then raced through on goal, where he faced one defender and the goalkeeper. Unselfishly, Sterling squared to Borini, who frustratingly hit the post when he really should have scored.

Hearts started the second half brightly with a couple of shots from range, before Adam did brilliantly to beat two men in the middle, race towards goal and then drag wide of the post. Two substitutions saw Downing make his 50th Liverpool appearance and Joe Allen secure his European debut, before the visitors' patience was eventually rewarded 13 minutes from time when Andy Webster turned home Martin Kelly's right wing cross under pressure from Borini to break the deadlock.

Sterling almost doubled our advantage five minutes later as he curled wide after fine build-up play from the Reds in which they passed the ball crisply for a long spell. Soon after, though, Hearts responded in the closing stages, pushing for a late equaliser and putting Rodgers' side under significant pressure.

Driver almost clinched a leveller when the ball broke for him and he struck it on the turn but Reina was down quick to gather. Paterson then went close twice. First, he sent a volley crashing towards goal from the edge of the box, which Reina stopped excellently by diving and pushing the ball wide. Then, he hammered an effort yards wide in injury time.

Referee Meyer then blew the final whistle to conclude a useful evening for Liverpool. Their patient, possession based performance was pleasing and several youngsters staked a claim for more first team playing time with noteworthy displays. Most importantly, the Reds are now in the driving seat ahead of the second leg in a week's time, where they should secure safe passage through to the Europa League group stages.

YNWA