Torres hat-trick puts Reds through

Fernando Torres struck a hat-trick in a rare start for Liverpool as they edged an entertaining Carling Cup third-round clash at Reading 4-2.

Yossi Benayoun broke his Liverpool duck with a goal of the highest quality, scoring past Adam Federici from distance in the 23rd minute. Bobby Convey levelled four minutes but Torres made the most of his run-out by firing Liverpool back in front early in the second half.

John Halls equalised in the 64th minute but Torres put the Reds in front for a third time with another fabulous finish in the 71st minute, before converting a one-on-one for his hat-trick.

Liverpool made nine changes to the side which drew with Birmingham 0-0 at the weekend, with only captain Jamie Carragher and Alvaro Arbeloa surviving from that team, while Reading made eight changes - with Nicky Shorey, James Harper and Michael Duberry the only ones to retain their places.

Liverpool went ahead in the 23rd minute thanks to a magnificent piece of individual skill from Benayoun. He went on a solo run and beat Andre Bikey on the edge of the penalty area before firing a right-footed shot into the roof of the net. However, the lead was shortlived as Reading were level in the 27th minute through Convey.

A corner from Nicky Shorey appeared to have been cleared by Momo Sissoko's header but the ball fell invitingly for Convey and his angled volley found its way into the corner of the net.

Torres, who had required lengthy treatment in the opening minute after a tackle by Bikey, went down again under a challenge from Duberry in the 34th minute. But he managed to run off the knock to his left ankle once more as Liverpool attempted to restore their advantage.

The Merseysiders were back in front after 50 minutes when Sebastian Leto sent Torres through the middle with a slide-rule pass - the Spaniard made no mistake as he slipped the ball beyond Federici and into the corner of the net for the first of his terrific treble.

In the 64th minute Liverpool failed to deal with another Reading corner adequately enough and when the ball fell to Halls, his quick footwork allowed him to send a low shot into the corner of the net for their second equaliser of the night.

But Torres struck for a second time in the 70th minute when he converted a low cross from substitute John Arne Riise to restore Liverpool's lead. The Spaniard was now in his element and four minutes from the end he capped a superb performance with his hat-trick.