Gritty second division Port Vale heaped on more embarrassment for Graeme Souness and Liverpool as they battled to a richly-deserved Rumbelows Cup draw at Anfield.
Dutchman Robin Van Der Laan gave Vale a shock lead after just six minutes, rising unchallenged above Liverpool's hesitant rearguard to head home Simon Mills' right wing corner.
But within two minutes Liverpool equalised. Ian Rush crossed for Mark Walters to volley back across the face of goal and teenager Steve McManaman ran in to drive the ball firmly home.
Liverpool took the lead after 65 minutes, Rush heading home at the far post after McManaman nodded on substitute Mike Marsh's corner.
But Vale fought their way back and eight minutes later John Jeffers crossed from the left and Peter Swan hooked the ball across goal for Martin Foyle to force over the line from close range.
And the visitors nearly snatched a famous victory at the death, when substitute Ryan Kidd's thunderous shot from just outside the area was deflected wide off a Liverpool defender.
Port Vale rode Liverpool's pressure well and did their fair share of attacking, Dean Glover and Van Der Laan forcing useful saves out of Bruce Grobbelaar in the first half.
A game of fierce passion and commitment threatened to erupt just before the interval when Liverpool's Jan Molby and Port Vale's Darren Hughes squared up to each other and were booked by referee Tony Ward. Rush for Liverpool and Vale's Swan and Neil Aspin were also booked.
Port Vale manager John Rudge was beaming after watching his side heap more embarrassment on Graeme Souness' side.
"It was smashing - a magnificent night for us," said Rudge after the 2-2 Rumbelows Cup draw. "It's nice to come here and perform like we did."
Souness himself was understandably not so happy. He failed to appear at the press conference - the first time he has done so since taking charge at Anfield.
But nothing could detract from Rudge's joy. "It was a proud day to be a Vale supporter and a proud day to be the manager. Liverpool are a great team and I think we matched them tonight," he said.
But he warned: "We know how difficult it will be when we take them back to our place." Van Der Laan said: "We knew they would be vulnerable in the air and we would be dangerous with the set pieces. This result will bring in some money for the club. We can always use the money! It's probably going to be even harder in the replay - but it's just enjoyment for us."
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