Carling Cup Round-up: Liverpool crash out to Northampton on penalties

League Two Northampton completed a sensational win over Liverpool to complete a second Merseyside giant-killing in as many nights.

Everton were dumped out on penalties by Brentford on Tuesday night before the Cobblers held their nerve to complete an unlikely double and another dramatic win.

After a hard-fought 2-2 draw which saw Northampton come from behind to lead at Anfield, David Ngog ensured penalties with his strike late into extra-time.

Milan Jovanovic had given Liverpool the lead in the ninth minute but Billy McKay equalised and Michael Jacobs extra-time strike put Northampton on the cusp of a legendary win before Abdul Osman’s penalty confirmed it to send Liverpool facing renewed pressure.

Newcastle pulled off a 4-3 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A much-changed Chelsea side took the lead in the sixth minuth through Patrick Van Aanholt before Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor and Shola Ameobi goals completed a comprehensive turnaround.

A late brace from Nicolas Anelka saw The Blues complete an unlikely comeback and seemingly send the game to extra time before Shola Ameobi’s last minute strike broke Chelsea hearts.

Holders Manchester United survived an early scare to easily overcome Scunthorpe 5-2 at Glanford Park. Josh Wright’s spectacular effort gave The Iron the lead before Darron Gibson, Chris Smalling, Park Ji-Sung and Michael Owen (2) gave United an emphatic lead. Martyn Woolford pulled back a late consolation.

Shay Given’s first start of the season ended in defeat, as West Brom came from behind to dump Manchester City out. Jo’s nineteenth minute strike was cancelled out by goals from Gianni Zuiverloon and Simon Cox.

Gerard Houllier’s first game in charge of Aston Villa ended in victory. Gael Givet gave Blackburn the lead before second half strikes from Emile Heskey and Ashley Young (2) brace secured the win.
Premier League strugglers scraped past Preston 2-1 despite Keith Treacy giving the Championship side the lead. Jordi Gomez and Charles N’Zogbia both netted in the final five minutes to nick the win.