David Ngog scored twice to ensure a flying start to Roy Hodgson's reign as Liverpool's manager.Ngog's goals sealed a win in their Europa League qualifier against Rabotnicki - and should have made next week's second leg a formality.
Hodgson was without a host of World Cup stars for the trip to Macedonia but, after a frantic first five minutes, Liverpool gained control.
Ngog took advantage of a defensive mix-up to get on the end of a Lucas free kick to open the scoring with just over a quarter of an hour gone.
And, with Liverpool barely stretched, he made it two with a volley from a fine cross from Martin Kelly.
With bright displays from debutant Milan Jovanovic and youngsters Kelly, Jay Spearing and David Amoo, Hodgson should view this victory with some satisfaction.
REACTION:
Hodgson praised his players' professionalism after they came away from Macedonia with a comfortable victory.
The new Liverpool manager drew several positives from the two-goal victory in Skopje and said:"I am very satisfied.
"I think it is a game that could have been very difficult for us. The crowd were fantastic for them and supported them quite brilliantly throughout the game.
"It was a big crowd and some of our players today are not used to playing in front of as many people as that. I am really pleased about the way everybody went about their business.
"I am very pleased we can go back to Anfield with a margin of victory that will enable us to be a little bit more comfortable there. You learn a lot about your team every time you play. I have worked with some of the players, and there are those that I haven't.
"Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger haven't done much training with me, so it was a very good exercise in that respect.
"I am just delighted that so many players who had pressure on them coming into the game - both senior and younger players looking to make their mark - were able to help us secure a positive outcome and can head back to Liverpool feeling good about themselves."
Hodgson insists he is enjoying the pressure of being in charge at Anfield. He added: "Having taken this job, I think there will be great expectations on my shoulders every time I step into Melwood and every time I take charge of a game.
"I am ready for that because I came into the job knowing the situation and the important thing for me is to build a team capable of meeting those expectations."
Matchwinner Ngog has faced speculation about his future all summer but Hodgson insists the French striker is going nowhere.
He continued: "I can't stop players being linked with other clubs but I certainly have never discussed him leaving the club.
"I think Ngog has done well in the pre-season matches so far. He has worked very hard in the training sessions and today he crowned his performance with two goals.
"I also thought his target play, his general movement and ability to keep the ball was very good. Some players need goals and today he got them. That will be a big weight off his mind because it means he doesn't have to worry too much about them in the coming matches."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Rabotnicki were so poor that Liverpool's victory was rarely in doubt.
Other than the abuse that rained down on Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos from the home fans, Liverpool were untroubled after a lively start from the hosts.
Goalkeeper Martin Bogatinov had to be off his line quickly to deny Lucas after fine work from Alberto Aquilani but Lucas, captain for the night, soon laid on the opening goal with a quick free kick that the Rabotnicki defence failed to deal with and Ngog lifted the ball over the goalkeeper.
Amoo nearly laid on a second for Jovanovic and Daniel Agger had a close-range effort deflected wide.
After the restart, Aquilani failed to turn in a wonderful cross from Jovanovic and Spearing fired over the bar with the follow up.
Just before the hour, Ngog fired in at the near post from a fine cross from Kelly to make the game safe.
WHAT IT MEANS:
This tie could not have come at a worse time for Hodgson, with World Cup players only just back in training, but it was safely navigated.
The two-goal cushion offers him the chance to pick a similar side at Anfield next week and give the likes of Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole more time off - or even use the game as a fitness exercise.
Jovanovic played wide on the left and impressed with his pace and willingness to attack, while several of Hodgson's young players caught the eye.
Other than the crucial aspect of the final ball, Amoo was outstanding and if he can gain add some composure to his game, he will offer Hodgson a useful option this season.
Spearing was dependable as always, while Kelly, who was given a lecture on the field by Hodgson just before the break, will have been delighted with his cross for the second.
There was also a debut for another young player, Finnish prospect Lauri Dalla Valle, in the closing stages. Although little can be read into Hodgson's tactics, with so many players absent, he employed a flat midfield in a 4-4-1-1, with Aquilani playing behind Ngog.
FK RABOTNICKI 0 LIVERPOOL 2 (Ngog 17, 58)
PLAYER MARKING:
FK Rabotnicki (4-1-4-1): Bogatinov 6, Belica 5, Sekulovski 7 (Adem 44, 6), Dimovski 6, Todorovski 7, Gligorov 7, Tuneski 5 (Petkovski 77, 6), Fernando Lopes 5, Ze Carlos 5 (Mojsov 57, 6), Da Silva 6, Wandeir 6.
Subs (not used): Kandikijan, Marcio, Roberto Carlos, Sinkovic.
Liverpool (4-4-1-1): Cavalieri 6, Kelly 7, Kyrgiakos 7, Skrtel 8, Agger 7 (Darby 72, 6); Amoo 8 (Eccleston 83, 6), Spearing 8, Lucas 7, Jovanovic 8 ; Aquilani 7 (Dalla Valle 83, 6); Ngog 9.
Subs (not used): Gulacsi, Darby, Shelvey, Ayala, Ince.
ATTENDANCE: 20,000
NEXT UP:
- Rabotnicki v Liverpool (Away), Europa League, 05/08 1945 BST,
- Liverpool v Borussia Monchengladbach (Away), Friendly, 01/08 1330 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
David Ngog (Liverpool). Shaded it from Spearing with a fine display and two crucial goals that will give Hodgson plenty of breathing space. There has been talk about the Frenchman's future and while there was little doubt that he was not ready to be Fernando Torres's understudy last season, he showed he is worth keeping around. As well as showing some sharp finishing, he held the ball up well and confident in possession.
