eplmatches.com

A stunning Albert Riera strike and a late Fernando Torres tap-in helped Liverpool to victory at Preston in a pulsating FA Cup third-round clash.

0-1 Riera 24′

0-2 F.Torres 90′

With Liverpool dominating, Riera’s trickery opened up the defence on 23 minutes and his shot flew in the corner past goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.

Sean St Ledger looked to have equalised for Preston, but his header was ruled out because of a silly Jon Parkin foul.

Steven Gerrard unselfishly set up Torres in injury-time to seal the win.

Gerrard showed no signs of distraction after his arrest for assault last week, and his form fully justified Rafael Benitez’s decision to keep faith with his captain with the England midfielder at the heart of everything for Liverpool.