Wholesale changes to the XI who started at Upton Park were made by Rafael Benitez, as domestic cup competition began in earnest in West Yorkshire.
Reserve and fringe players were given platforms to impress the manager on, against the inform League One team, who went into the tie on a 15 game winning streak.
Leeds refused to allow Liverpool to get to grips with their passing game, presenting the visitors with a physical challenge in the early exchanges.
Phillip Degen, whose Anfield career has been blighted with injuries and set backs, made a lively start, looking to prosper from some tireless running from right-back.
Leeds' early pressure told, and resulted in the home side bundling the ball into Diego Cavalieri's goal when Jermaine Beckford slotted past the Liverpool keeper from a corner.
The goal was ruled out for offside, because Luciano Becchio could not resist smashing the ball home as it headed towards goal. If Becchio had adopted some restraint then surely the goal would have stood, much to the annoyance of Beckford.
Compared with the majority of tonight’s team, Ryan Babel has featured more frequently in Rafa's first team plans this season.
The Dutchman was full of running, and should have done better after a strong, but nimble burst through the Leeds defence that ended with a tame shot on goal.
The home side ended the half on top, but Shane Higgs' reactions were called upon to deny Albert Riera from taking the lead with a close range header, as Leeds defended well when required.
After the half-time interval Leeds continue their vibrant performance, which made Liverpool opening goal seem all the more surprising. As I was completing a job application this evening, I listened to the game through headphones on the radio.
A call of nature resulted in me missing the decisive moment David Ngog took the lead; while I was unaware we had taken the lead for a few minutes following my return.
John Aldridge, an even present for those who listen to Liverpool games on the ‘wireless’, described a scuffed Javier Mascherano shot ending up at the feet of Ngog, who turned quickly to finish low and hard in the corner of Higgs' goal.
Ngog has been in impressive form for the reserves this season, showing maturity and a keen eye for goal. When called upon for the first team he has obliged with competent displays, contributing to goals, while scoring 5 first team goals, averaging one goal every 138 minutes during his Liverpool career (Tomkins, 2009).
He has age on his side, and whilst not the finisher article yet, under the watchful eye of Benitez he has the chance to develop into an accomplished striker.
Maybe the reputation of the opposition, and the occasion affected Leeds, as they spurned chance after chance. If one had gone in early on their confidence would have grown, and the outcome may have been very different.
Robert Snodgrass was particularly impressive for Leeds, giving Andrea Dossena a torrid time at left-back. It was frustrating to see Degen hobble off in the second half; let's hope the Belgian's injury is nothing too serious.
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