Liverpool brush aside Newcastle to stay on United's heels

LONDON, Mar 19 (Reuters) Liverpool kept in touch with Manchester United in the battle for second spot after cruising to a 3-1 win at Newcastle United today.

Well-taken goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard put Liverpool in control before Shola Ameobi gave Newcastle hope just before halftime.

United defender Jean-Alain Boumsong was sent off six minutes after the break for bundling over Crouch as he bore down on goal, allowing Djibril Cisse to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot.

Liverpool remain third with 61 points from 31 games.

Manchester United, who have played two fewer games, are on 63, 12 behind leaders Chelsea who make the short trip to Craven Cottage to play strugglers Fulham later today.

Reuters DH BS2106