Suarez's hand grabs the headlines as Reds progress

The ever-controversial Luis Suarez was the centre of attention yet again yesterday, as he was embroiled in a scandal regarding the nature of his ultimately decisive goal that knocked non-League side Mansfield Town out of the FA Cup. While all the commentators could agree he handled the ball, the debate continues to rage as to whether it was intentional or unavoidable due to his proximity to Mansfield goalkeeper Alan Marriott.

Liverpool's second goal overshadowed what was a good, old-fashioned cup tie between a giant from the Premier League and a relatively unknown minnow, staged on a poor-quality playing surface befitting the third round of the FA Cup. For all their commendable industry and endeavor, it was clear that the Stags lacked Liverpool's quality and, consequently, went down to a 2-1 defeat. 

Sturridge produces a return on FSG's investment

To the delight of the travelling Kop, debutant Daniel Sturridge, recently signed from Rafael Benitez's Chelsea, made a dream start to his Liverpool career by opening the scoring after only seven minutes had been played. Revelling in his role just off the striker, Shelvey played an incisive through pass to Sturridge, who did the rest in style, calmly tucking home with consummate ease. 

He almost doubled the visitors' lead as well only two minutes later, but Marriott was off his line swiftly to deny him a sensational second. A last ditch tackle from Clements was also required to stop Stewart Downing getting a shot in, as the hosts struggled to cope with their confident and composed opponents.

In fact, seemingly overawed by the magnitude of the occasion, Mansfield never really got going during the first half, their only meaningful effort on goal coming when Jones dived to punch away Green's strike from the edge of the box.

In the ascendancy, Liverpool had one more chance to make their dominance count before the break, Sturridge forcing Marriott into an excellent save with his shot across goal on the stroke of half time. Possibly inspired by the words of manager Paul Cox, Mansfield started the second half as well as Liverpool had begun the first period.

They stuck to their strengths, though, mainly channelling their attacking activities through the long throws of the wonderfully named Exodus Geohaghon and set pieces, rather than attempting to beat the Reds at their own game. Relying on the expertise and experience of captain for the evening Jamie Carragher, the Merseysiders managed to resist the pressure, the number 23 crucially blocking Green's shot and Brad Jones stopping Briscoe's effort from a tight angle. 

On the hour mark, Shelvey's long ball began a lethal counter attack that culminated in Suarez controversially netting what turned out to be the winner. The Uruguyuan's initial effort was saved at close range and, when the ball came back to him, he evidently controlled it with his hand before smashing the ball into the net, seemingly as a sign of his belief that the goal would inevitably be ruled out.

Luis Suarez thinks he's playing basketball!

Surprisingly, though, referee Andre Marriner allowed the goal to stand, provoking justified anger from the home supporters, who were only more incensed when Suarez kissed his hand in celebration. Of course, the fact that Suarez always celebrates in this manner was widely overlooked by the sensationalist media looking for any excuse to slate the number seven.

Although, in my opinion, it was intentional handball as he moved his hand in the direction of the ball, if the referee allows the goal to stand then that's that. No player should be expected to say his goal should be disallowed and it is absurd moralising to suggest Suarez should have done so. Fair play to Mansfield's manager for refusing to label Suarez a cheat after the conclusion of the contest.

There's no doubt that the home side were deflated by the Reds' second strike. It was feasible that the non-League outfit could have gone on to clinch an historic victory if they'd capitalised on their early dominance of the second half and equalised. However, just as they were beginning to build up a head of steam, Liverpool struck in cruel fashion to make Mansfield's task doubly difficult.

To their credit, they didn't give up and, when Green volleyed home with a little help from a deflection off Jones and Coates, Rodgers' men must have been worried at the prospect of a leveller in the final ten minutes. Thankfully, that never materialised and Liverpool held on to avoid a giant killing and progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they will meet Oldham Athletic.

Overall, yesterday's match proved why the FA Cup retains its magic. Fortunately, Liverpool progressed, but the contribution of Mansfield to the contest must not be diminished. They also were fantastic hosts, poignantly putting the names of the 96 who died at Hillsborough on the seats that separated the two sets of supporters.

That was a touch of class that, like this cup tie, will live long in the memory.

YNWA