Liverpool’s Under-23s secured a 1-0 win over Shrewsbury to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to Ro-Shaun Williams’ 75th-minute own goal.
While Liverpool’s first-team players observed the Premier League winter break, along with manager Jurgen Klopp, Neil Critchley’s side – the youngest line up fielded by the club in their history – did them proud at Anfield.
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A battling Shrews side pushed Liverpool hard but were undone by an unfortunate own goal
With an average age of 19 years and 102 days, three debutants, 36 senior appearances between them and squad numbers ranging from 46 to 93 this was a very inexperienced team at any level never mind a somewhat controversial cup tie in front of almost 53,000.
But they performed admirably and got the victory they deserved – with a helping hand from the plucky visitors.
After VAR had ruled out a Shrewsbury goal for offside, Neco Williams’ long ball forward was met by the head of Shrews defender Ro-Shaun Williams, who inadvertently headed the ball back over his own goalkeeper from the edge of his own penalty area and into his own net.
That proved to be enough to win it and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge await in the last 16 for Liverpool, when Klopp and some of his first-team stars will be back.
Elsewhere, a superb solo effort from Allan Saint-Maximin saw Newcastle edge past Oxford in extra-time of their replay and reach the fifth round for the first time in 16 years.
Oxford took the tie the distance with two goals in a frenetic final six minutes of normal time but Saint-Maximin’s strike was enough to settle the contest 3-2 in favour of Steve Bruce’s side.
Derby also booked their spot in round five as Wayne Rooney scored in 4-2 win over Northampton to help set up a showdown with his former club Manchester United.
First-half goals from Andre Wisdom and Duane Holmes put the hosts in control, before Cobblers midfielder Nicky Adams scored two minutes after the restart. However, a Jack Marriott strike and Rooney penalty put the game to bed.
Derby will now host 12-time winners United in the fifth round next month.
There were also wins for Birmingham and Reading on penalties, over Coventry and Cardiff respectively.
Lee Camp was the hero for Birmingham as he saved penalties from substitutes Liam Walsh and Jamie Allen in the shootout after the hosts had twice come from behind in a 2-2 draw after extra-time.
FA Cup fourth round replay results
Birmingham 2-2 Coventry – (4-2 to Birmingham on penalties)
Cardiff 3-3 Reading – (4-1 to Reading on penalties)
Derby 4-2 Northampton
Liverpool 1-0 Shrewsbury
Oxford United 2-3 Newcastle (after extra time)
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