Mansfield 1-2 Liverpool: Reds stumble through against The Stags

Daniel Sturridge scored seven minutes into his debut as Liverpool won 2-1 away against non-league Mansfield town in the third round of the FA Cup.

The recent acquisition from Chelsea latched onto a ball in the box after a neat pass from Jonjo Shelvey as the Reds crept into an early lead.

Many would have expected the Premier League outfit to crack on and build up a cricket score after taking the lead, but their international squad was unable to break down Conference side's defence.

Sturridge should have had a hat-trick in the first 15 minutes, but was denied by saves from Alan Marriott and a clearance by John Dempster.

The hosts didn’t have their first chance until the 32^nd minute when Matt Green’s shot was saved by Brad Jones. This woke the home fans up and clearly gave the players some confidence as they started to attack the visitors at every opportunity. Without two late first-half blocks by Jamie Carragher, Liverpool would’ve lost their lead.

Sturridge was replaced by top scorer Luis Suarez at the break and the Uruguayan assured his name would be on the back pages again with a controversial goal in the 58^th minute.

Mansfield had been in the ascendency with chances Green and Louis Briscoe, before the Reds extended their lead. Suarez took a shot which was parried by goalkeeper Marriott, but it appeared to hit his hand and rebound into the back of the net. The home players protested but the goal stood.

Twenty minutes later the Mansfield got the goal their play warranted from the impressive Green. Despite having a couple more chances the Stags were unable to get the draw they deserved, but they will know they gave Liverpool a run for their money.

Brendan Rodgers' side will now face Oldham in the fourth round of the competition.