Ngog the goal hero

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson felt his young team acquitted themselves well after coming through a potentially tricky Europa League test in Macedonia last night.

David Ngog struck twice as Hodgson began his reign with a comfortable 2-0 win over FK Rabotnicki in the first leg of a third round qualifier in Skopje.

The ease of victory fully justified Hodgson’s decision to leave behind the likes of Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole.

‘‘I am very satisfied,’’ Hodgson said. ‘‘It was a game that could have been very difficult for us.

‘‘It was a big crowd and some of our players that played are not used to big crowds.

‘‘I was really pleased with the way everyone went about their business and we can go back to Anfield with a margin of victory which will enable us to feel a little more comfortable.’’ Ngog found the net in each half as an under-strength Liverpool side overcame FK Rabotnicki with little alarm in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie in Macedonia.

The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute when Ngog raced through a static Rabotnicki defence to reach a Lucas free-kick.

The Frenchman ran into the box unchallenged and clipped the ball past a halfhearted attempt at a save from Martin Bogatinov.

And Liverpool doubled their advantage just before the hour as Ngog volleyed in a fine second.

Kelly found space on the right and whipped in a ball which the striker nimbly turned in.

The referee played on when half of the floodlights went out with ten minutes remaining and any fears the game might be abandoned were quickly dispelled as some of the failed power was quickly restored.

Many Rabotnicki fans knew the game was over, however, and had left long before the final whistle.