Kuyt keeps Liverpool climbing

Goals from Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch early in the second half helped Liverpool FC to a fifth consecutive Premiership win 2-1 away to West Ham United FC on Tuesday. Kuyt struck just ten seconds after the interval with a powerful drive before Peter Crouch rounded off a superb Liverpool move by smashing in his side's second with 53 minutes played.

Late reply
Kepa Blanco enjoyed a scoring start to his career in England after joining West Ham on loan from Sevilla FC by scoring with his first touch after coming on as a 76th-minute substitute. But Liverpool withstood some late pressure from the home side to take the points as West Ham failed to win for the seventh league match in succession.

Reading win
Liverpool's victory took them to within two points of second-placed Chelsea FC, who are away to Blackburn Rovers FC tomorrow when leaders Manchester United FC take on Watford FC. West Ham's relegation fears were compounded by their rivals Sheffield United FC, who won 2-0 at home to Fulham FC. The London club therefore remain third from bottom, two points behind Wigan Athletic FC, who lost for the eighth successive league match, 3-2 away to Reading who climb to seventh. Portsmouth FC, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw at home by Middlesbrough FC.