IT isn’t often that Liverpool supporters and the club’s owners have been singing from the same hymn sheet. But evidence last night suggests Tom Hicks and George Gillett perhaps wouldn’t hurt their popularity in the stands by dragging their heels over financing the proposed move for Gareth Barry.

From their vocal show of support for Xabi Alonso before, during and after his 74-minute appearance, and the chants against the prolonged pursuit of Aston Villa skipper Barry, the Kop made known their feelings on a transfer saga that many believe has become an embarrassment to the club.

While Alonso received backing from every corner of the ground, admittedly only a small section of support were disparaging towards the £18million-rated Barry. But it was enough.

None of this, of course, will deter Rafael Benitez from his number one priority this summer. Hicks and Gillett may have other ideas, however, with possible trouble brewing in the corridors of power at Anfield once more.

Alonso’s future has been inextricably linked to that of Barry, the Spaniard seemingly on the brink of a deal with Juventus before the proposed transfer collapsed.

Indeed, Benitez may yet decide to cash in on the midfielder to facilitate his bid for Barry, a move that clearly wouldn’t be met with approval from supporters.

For his part, Alonso continued his fine summer form last night as Liverpool ended their pre-season preparations unbeaten with a last-gasp 1-0 win over Italian side Lazio.

The PA operator at Anfield appeared intent on reviving the 1970s with his playlist before the game, but it will take more than that for Liverpool to relive the glory days when the championship was an almost annual formality.

Never mind a succession of titles, one would do for now after a wait that has stretched into a 19th year.

Despite success in cup competitions both home and abroad, Liverpool have not come close to realistically challenging for the title since Benitez assumed control in June 2004.

The Spaniard has already felt confident enough to declare his current squad as his “best ever”, although that’s something he’s said on an annual basis while getting no closer to challenging Chelsea and Manchester United, the two teams to have shared the four titles during his tutelage.

When Lazio last visited Anfield for a pre-season friendly six years ago, Liverpool were placing their title hopes in new signings El Hadji Diouf and Bruno Cheyrou.

Somewhat more is expected of the current batch of arrivals, spearheaded by £19m striker Robbie Keane and £7m full-back Andrea Dossena.

Both were handed their home debuts as Liverpool players last night, part of a starting line-up that won’t be too dissimilar to the one that takes the field for the Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege in Belgium on Wednesday.

Keane was paired with Fernando Torres in attack until the latter was replaced at the break.

Their partnership is very much in its formative stages, but one clever link-up down the left flank hinted at future riches.

With Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano at the Olympics and Steven Gerrard absent with injury, defensive midfield responsibilities are likely to fall on the young shoulders of Damien Plessis in Belgium on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old was among those making his senior Anfield debut appearance last night, and while raw, there were flashes, most notably one raking pass out to Dirk Kuyt on the right wing, that demonstrated why Benitez has faith in the Frenchman.

Yossi Benayoun has been another to benefit from extensive playing time this summer, scoring against Tranmere Rovers, Rangers and Valarenga.

The Israeli was at the centre of much of Liverpool’s attacking play during the first half, but was too often guilty of over-elaborating, none more so than in the 18th minute when electing to pass to the marked Torres when handed a clear opening.

After a low-key first 45 minutes, Liverpool almost went ahead on the hour when, from an Alonso corner, the hard-working Dirk Kuyt saw a shot blocked and Daniel Agger’s follow-up was well saved by Lazio goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo.

The Italians finished 12th in Serie A last year and can no longer boast talents to compare with former heroes Roberto Mancini, Paul Gascoigne and Paolo di Canio, but were a step above much of Liverpool’s previous pre-season opposition.

They had the better chances in the final half-hour, Pepe Reina turning over long-range efforts from Stephen Ayodele Makinwa and substitute Pasquale Foggia before deputy goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri did likewise to deny Mauro Zarate.

Liverpool’s defence, in which Agger was making his first home appearance in more than 11 months, showed some signs of ring-rust but still ended their summer campaign with four clean sheets in eight games. But after eight goals in their previous two friendlies, this appeared another game in which Liverpool would draw a blank following the earlier goalless draws with Hertha Berlin and Villarreal.

But up popped pre-season specialist Andriy Voronin to crash home the winner in stoppage time following a throughball by fellow substitute Jay Spearing.

Alonso, though, was the only Liverpool player on the minds of supporters last night.