STEVE IRWIN’s goal kept Liverpool Youth‘s cup dreams alive with a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield last night.

The Reds captain’s deflected cross-shot midway through the first-half booked Hughie McAuley's side's place in round five.

The Gunners boasted a trio of players who have already appeared in Arsene Wenger's first team, but despite the obvious quality of Gavin Hoyte, Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs, it was the Reds who created the better of the chances in an intriguing opening period.

Astrit Ajdarevic was first to show with a long range shot that flashed just wide of Wojciech Szcezesny's far post before Martin Kelly failed to divert his header goalwards after Sean Highdale's corner had found him unmarked in the six yard box.

The hosts were unlucky not to take lead when David Amoo's header from a Highdale cross was brilliantly saved by Szcezesny on 24 minutes, but grabbed the vital goal in bizarre circumstances.

Irwin picked up the ball on the right side of the Gunners area and powered to the byline before delivering a low effort across goal that deflected off an Arsenal defender's arm and into the net.

Steve Bould's side dominated possession in the second half, but the Reds made the more clear-cut opportunities with Kelly again finding space to head wide from another Highdale corner before Amoo was brilliantly denied by Szcezesny.

The Gunners’ James Dunne saw red for for a second bookable offence after he brought down Amoo yet again, but they nearly pulled level through Sanchez Watts, only for Kelly to come to the Reds’ rescue.

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