Press Association report

Liverpool showed a commitment to the Coca-Cola Cup that put Manchester United to shame, as they overwhelmed West Bromwich Albion to an extent that was not mirrored by the final scoreline at the Hawthorns.

While Alex Ferguson rested many of his big-name stars at Ipswich 24 hours earlier, Roy Evans was as good as his word in fielding his strongest possible side.

Goals from Czech international Patrik Berger and Robbie Fowler settled the third-round tie, but Evans' men backed up his claim that Liverpool "try to win every competition we enter" message with a totally committed and classy display.

They had Albion chasing shadows for long periods with their one-touch football slicing through the home defence time and time again.

It was a minor miracle that the Albion defence was pierced only twice thanks to some inept finishing and several fine stops by goalkeeper Alan Miller.

Albion deserve credit for sticking to their task, but if ever the gulf between the Premiership and the first division was highlighted then it was on this occasion.

Only in the final quarter did Albion get a sniff of the Liverpool goal, and all their effort and commitment counted for nothing as The Reds booked their place in the last 16.

Liverpool dominated the first half to such an extent that had it been a boxing match then the referee might have stopped the contest to spare Albion further punishment.

Evans fielded his strongest available side, and his team showed from the first whistle that they were in the mood for the challenge.

Acting captain Steve McManaman and Berger were a constant threat, as Liverpool sliced their way through the Albion back four almost at will with their one-touch football.

Fowler should have given them a second-minute lead, after Miller failed to cling on to a low drive from Berger.

But he was far too lethargic in trying to convert the rebound, and the Albion goalkeeper was able to parry his weak effort.

Fowler then headed a Berger centre against the bar, before Albion threatened briefly with Paul Peschisolido turning past Bjorn Kvarme only for Liverpool goalkeeper David James to be equal to his low drive.

But Albion struggled to halt the wave of attacks and Karlhienz Riedle should have done better when he headed a Bjornebye cross over the top from close range.

Riedle again went close when he deflected a mis-hit shot from Jamie Carragher on to a post, and Miller produced a fine save to tip a shot on the turn from fit-again Neil Ruddock around the post.

The start of the second period was in the same vein, and there was an inevitability about proceedings when Liverpool finally broke the deadlock after 51 minutes.

Fowler got clear on the left flank and pulled his low centre back into the path of Berger, who had time to steady himself before drilling a 15-yard drive past Miller.

Albion, who brought on former Kidderminster striker Lee Hughes in place of Bob Taylor after 59 minutes, at last gave their supporters something to cheer about with a spell of pressure.

First Richard Sneekes burst forward and was only a yard wide with a fierce long-range effort and then James tipped over a Kevin Kilbane shot from a narrow angle.

James then held on to a low Sneekes shot - but in the 89th minute Fowler settled the issue with a powerful drive from 15 yards which flew past a shell-shocked Miller.

Goals: Berger 52, Fowler 89.

West Brom: Miller, Holmes, Smith, Sneekes, Burgess, Raven (Dobson 43), Flynn (Butler 82), Hamilton, Taylor (Hughes 60), Peschisolido, Kilbane.

Booked: Burgess.

Liverpool: James, Kvarme, McAteer, McManaman, Fowler, Riedle, Ruddock, Berger (Harkness 79), Thomas, Bjornebye, Carragher (Leonhardsen 45).

Subs Not Used: Owen.

Att: 21,986

Ref: A B Wilkie (Chester-le-Street).

Copyright - Press Association