Alonso and Kuyt keep Reds rolling on

Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt inspired Liverpool to a crucial 3-1 victory at Hull to help Rafael Benitez’s side maintain the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Alonso struck in the 45th minute with a dipping volley to notch his fourth goal of the season before Kuyt helped himself to a second-half brace as Hull’s relegation fears showed no signs of easing.

Geovanni pulled a goal back for the home side on 73 minutes but it was never going to be enough as Kuyt made it 3-1 in the final minute.

Hull’s misery was complete when Caleb Folan was shown a straight red card on the hour mark for kicking out at Martin Skrtel and he will now face an automatic three match suspension.

Benitez had demanded a perfect end to the season from his side in order to keep their title hopes alive and they responded, despite struggling to to find their peak form for large spells against a Hull side which has now won just two of the last 25 league games.

Home manager Phil Brown sprang a surprise before kick off by recalling Folan to his starting line-up.

Folan has struggled to make an impact this season but was handed just his second Premier League start of the campaign and the chance to solve Hull’s chronic shortage of goals.

Benitez, meanwhile, was still without captain Steven Gerrard (groin) and left out Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera from his starting line-up as Liverpool went in search of a much-needed win to maintain the pressure on leaders United.

Liverpool made a bright start in an attempt to dampen the home crowd.

Yossi Benayoun was at the heart of his side’s main threats and could have opened the scoring inside seven minutes.

He was allowed to weave his way towards goal with a clever run only to see his shot blocked by Michael Turner. Fernando Torres reacted first to the loose ball but his blazing strike was superbly tipped over by Bo Myhill.

Benayoun curled a shot onto the roof of the net moments later and Hull looked in danger of being swamped.

But having ridden the early storm Brown’s men began to grow in confidence and threaten themselves.

Jose Reina had to be alert to intercept a dangerous cross from Craig Fagan while Dean Marney shot tamely wide before Geovanni flashed a powerful 25-yard volley just off target.

Liverpool were struggling to break down Hull’s stubborn defence, in which Michael Turner was outstanding. Benitez’s frustration was beginning to show on the touchline as he became increasingly concerned at his side’s lack of potency in attack and ability to build on their early promise.

Such frustrations disappeared on the stroke of half-time, however, when Liverpool finally broke the deadlock.

Alonso’s first free-kick struck the Hull wall but the ball rebounded straight to him and he duly made the most of his second chance by burying a low volley past the stranded Myhill and into the bottom corner for only his third league goal of the season.

Folan’s moment of madness on 60 minutes made life difficult for the home side but the challenge became almost impossible just three minutes later when Kuyt headed home Skrtel’s deflected pass to leave Brown’s team with no way back, despite Geovanni pulling a goal back with 17 minutes remaining to set up a frantic finish before Kuyt had the final say.