A makeshift Liverpool side needed a late own goal to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Scottish Premier League Hearts in their Europa League play-off round first leg match at Tynecastle on Thursday. Liverpool rested several first team stars for the match with the weekend’s clash against English champions Manchester City in mind but Brendan Rodgers was still able to field a side with seven internationals. However, they struggled to contain the home side in the early stages although Liverpool striker Fabio Borini came closest to scoring when he sent a shot off the post on the stroke of half-time. Just as Liverpool looked to have run out of ideas they made the breakthrough in the 78th minute when Andy Webster turned Martin Kelly’s excellent cross past his own keeper to hand the visitors a slim advantage heading into next week’s return at Anfield. “It was a great win and a difficult match for us,” said Rodgers. “We had a problem first half with our positioning but then in the second half I thought our management of the game was much better. We kept possession better and obviously stayed patient and the goal came from a very good move.”
Own-goal spares Liverpool Euro blushes
