MANY words could be used to describe this performance. But the only one that can be printed is cobblers.

When Roy Hodgson spoke of Liverpool taking the Carling Cup seriously, it’s a shame his players clearly weren’t listening.

“We are bothered,” said the Anfield manager. “I want to have a good run in the competition.”

If Hodgson was bothered beforehand, then he will now be hugely concerned after one of the most embarrassing, humiliating nights in Liverpool’s long, illustrious history.

Any lingering feelgood factor from the 63-year-old’s appointment was well and truly banished when his side were beaten at home on penalties by npower League Two strugglers Northampton Town in their third round tie.

David Ngog stuck wide and Nathan Eccleston hit the crossbar during the shoot-out to allow Abdul Osman, a Manchester United fan no less, the chance to fire beyond Brad Jones in front of the Kop.

And defeat was precisely what Liverpool deserved. Jeered off at the end of normal time, jeered off at half-time of extra-time and beaten for only the second time in 12 competitive shoot-outs by a team 69 places below them in the league ladder. Anfield is not a happy place at present.

Such statistics suggest only the FA Cup third-round defeat at non-league Worcester City back in January 1959 can truly rank as a worse result.

But the gaps between clubs back then were much smaller. Last night saw a team dotted with millionaires beaten by a bunch of journeyman footballers.

After being given a ninth-minute lead by Milan Jovanovic’s first-ever goal for the club, Liverpool delivered a dismal performance with Billy McKay’s 56th-minute equaliser ensuring extra time.