Liverpool earned a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Stoke City on Sunday.

Liverpool so nearly took the lead after just two minutes when Steven Gerrard found Maxi Rodriguez, but his header just missed the right side of the goal.

Stoke's first chance of the match fell to former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch after 12 minutes, but his effort was pushed away by Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal.

Stoke continued to enjoy spells of possession in the opening period, and Ryan Shotton came close with an effort after 21 minutes before Maxi again came close for the home side.

Liverpool took the lead after 23 minutes, however, courtesy of Luis Suarez who found the top corner after good work from the lively Maxi.

Stoke were back in the match moments later, however, as Crouch headed a Matthew Etherington corner into the back of the net to level the scores at 1-1.

Jonathan Walters came close for Stoke late in the half, before Andy Carroll struck high and wide with the half remaining level at 1-1.

Liverpool started the second period much the better side, and they moved 2-1 ahead after 57 minutes when Stewart Downing found the back of the net after good work from Gerrard.

The home side continued to dominate possession as the half progressed, and Suarez and Dirk Kuyt both came close just past the 60-minute mark in the tie.

Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen made a fine save to deny Suarez a second after 68 minutes, as Liverpool attempted to book their place in the next round.

Carroll again came close with a headed effort after 78 minutes, but it drifted just wide when he might have done better.

The win gives Liverpool the chance to secure a second cup success this season, following their Carling Cup win against Cardiff City last month.