Liverpool Echo report

There is something about Grimsby and nets.

Unfortunately for them, the ones they cast at Anfield last night were left bulging with footballs, not haddock, as Liverpool slipped into the Coca Cola Cup quarter-final.

And the man responsible was a 17-year-old who dropped his biggest hint yet that he is ready for England action.

Michael Owen has long declared his desire to represent his country and force himself into World Cup contention. Transforming such words into deeds, however, is a different matter. Now, though, it is done.

True enough, Grimsby are two divisions outside the Premiership, but they had already defeated two teams from the elite - including this tournament's holders.

Moreover, it is the style of Owen's first senior hat-trick in this 3-0 triumph, not against whom they were scored, which is the issue.

The first was opportunism, the second a calmly taken spot-kick which he had won, and the third was sheer class. What more does anyone, not least Glenn Hoddle, want?

With Robbie Fowler suspended, the diligent Owen ensured that Liverpool remained potent against a side showing more guts and spirit than Spurs had.

Grimsby may have been down in this fixture, but never were they out. When teams lose by three goals at Anfield it's often because they are hopeless, often depriving the Reds of credit.

Grimsby were far from that, and Liverpool had to work. Perhaps it wasn't their most spectacular performance but it was professional, methodical and effective. A job well done.

Reds' boss Roy Evans again illustrated how seriously he is taking this competition by fielding Paul Ince when ankle and knee injuries could have accounted for his absence.

However, despite Liverpool's strength, they struggled to break down a well-balanced Grimsby team.

The Mariners were plucky enough to attack when opportunities presented themselves, and they also had the intelligence to take the sting out of their opponents when danger loomed.

For all the Reds' passing, it was Grimsby who created the first scare as Kingsley Black's volley fizzed just wide after Karlheinz Riedle had headed out a Kevin Donovan corner.

It was evident that Liverpool - and their supporters - would require patience. Both parties deserve praise for possessing that virtue.

They were forced to wait until the 27th minute when Jamie Redknapp's long-range drive was parried by Aidan Davison, and the well-placed Owen converted the rebound.

Grimsby remained unfazed by their deficit, as Black unleashed another powerful drive which David James clutched high, before Riedle headed Steve McManaman's cross off target at the other end.

Liverpool entered the interval with a healthy advantage, but they could so easily have been level seconds after Riedle's miss.

James managed to redeem himself by placing his giant frame in the way of Paul Groves' low shot after he had perilously lost possession outside the area.

It was a significant stop, for a minute before the interval, Stig Inge Bjornebye's block tackle allowed the clever, hardworking Riedle to backheel Owen into the box, where Peter Handyside's trip earned the youngster a penalty which he coolly slotted home.

For the first time, Grimsby were rattled, keeper Davisons' dive at Riedle's feet ensuring that their second half task would remain merely difficult rather than insurmountable.

Mind you, that would have changed a minute after the re-start had Oyvind Leonhardsen not tapped Riedle's pass at Davison from six yards. No matter, for with Owen around, goals are never far away. Appropriately, he left his best - his first strike in the Kop net - as his hat-trick clincher.

Taking McManaman's pass, this remarkable, outstanding teenager looked up menacingly and swiftly despatched a superb 56th minute shot from 20 yards which curled into the top corner past a flying Davison. Brilliant.

Three minutes later, the popular Riedle crashed a dipping snapshot against the bar, and then substitute Patrik Berger stung Davison's hands.

That there was no slaughter was down to the never-say-die spirit of the visitors, who were deprived of a consolation by James' parrying of Nicky Southall?s powerful free-kick.

But this was a night where pleasure could be obtained by both teams for the commitment and quality displayed. And no-one displayed more than Owen.

LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): James; Jones, Kvarme, Matteo, Bjornebye; McManaman, Redknapp (Berger 65), Ince, Leonhardsen; Owen, Riedle.

Subs (not used): McAteer, Harkness.

GRIMSBY TOWN (4-4-2): Davison; McDermott, Lever, Handyside, Gallimore; Donovan, Widdrington, Groves (Joblin 85), Black (Southall 70); Nogan, Lester (Livingstone 70).

GOALS: 1-0: Owen (27); 2-0: Owen (44, pen); 3-0: Owen (56).

BOOKINGS: Lester, Leonhardsen (fouls).

REFEREE: Roy Pearson (Peterlee).

ATTENDANCE: 28,515

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Michael Owen.

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