Local boys inspire Reds

Merseysiders Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher each scored as Liverpool beat Fulham 4-0 at Anfield.

After dominating a goalless first half, Gerrard followed in his saved 53rd-minute penalty for the first after Ian Pearce's handball.

Carragher then dived in at the far post to stab in a second and Luis Garcia headed in Daniel Agger's cross, before substitute Mark Gonzalez curled in an injury time free-kick.

In Liverpool's first real attack Dirk Kuyt combined with Craig Bellamy and when the Wales striker's shot was half-blocked Luis Garcia stabbed an effort past Lastuvka, only for Liam Rosenior to clear off the line.

In the 15th minute Jermaine Pennant outpaced Rosenior, but Kuyt's long-range shot from the winger's pass spun off his right foot for a goal-kick. Lastuvka was forced to save low to his left from Xabi Alonso's 30-yard curler.

In the 50th minute Pennant's cross from the right saw Bellamy miss with his head and the ball bounce through Kuyt's legs. But the long-awaited breakthrough came three minutes later.

Bellamy's cut-back to Kuyt saw the Holland international's shot blocked by Pearce's arms and referee Uriah Rennie had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Gerrard's effort was well saved low to Lastuvka's left, but the Liverpool captain followed up to drive home.

Bellamy's quick break from the halfway line earned Liverpool another corner in the 59th minute and when the ball came back out to Gerrard, Lastuvka fumbled it around a post.

It was to prove costly as Agger flicked on Gerrard's resulting cross and Carragher dived in at the far post for Liverpool's second.

The result was assured when Agger crossed from wide on the left in the 67th minute and Luis Garcia jumped unmarked to head in the third. Substitute Gonzalez curled in a 25-yard injury-time free-kick.