Benitez defiant as Liverpool held

LONDON, England -- Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez poured scorn on reports that he fears being sacked after his side had scrambled to a 1-1 FA Cup draw at third-flight Luton on Sunday.

It is being claimed that the Spaniard was convinced owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks were planning to replace him because they had not backed him or given him enough money to spend in the January transfer window.

Speaking after the unimpressive third round draw, Benitez said: "That is not true. I love the club, I love the fans. I'm really happy here and I want to stay for a long time."

Asked if he was sure he would be in charge at Anfield next season, he added on Sky Sports 1: "I think so."

Benitez would certainly have been unhappy with the performance of his players in a game which cash-strapped Luton dominated for long periods.

But they failed to take their opportunities and when England international Peter Crouch scored in the 72nd minute after a series of blunders in the home defense, it looked as if Liverpool would escape with a fortunate win.

But an own goal by Liverpool's John Arne Riise three minutes later completed an uncomfortable afternoon for Benitez.

Norwegian international Riise turned a cross from Drew Talbot past his own goalkeeper and left his side facing an uncomfortable final quarter of an hour at Kenilworth Road to earn a replay at Anfield.

Another under pressure Premier League manager, Newcastle's Sam Allardyce had to endure a nailbiting afternoon as his side battled to a 0-0 draw at Stoke City in the late kick off on Sunday.

The second-flight side carved out the better chances at a rain-soaked Britannia Stadium and it needed an incredible goalline clearance by Steven Taylor and Abdoulaye Faye to keep Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller had rounded Shay Given and played the ball into the path of second half substitute Jon Parkin whose shot from point blank range was somehow kept out by the duo.

Moments later, Given saved a volley at point blank range from Richard Cresswell as Stoke pressed.

Fuller was also sent through late on but his shot was saved by Given and as the play switched to the other end Newcastle enjoyed their best chance with substitute Roy Carroll finding the side netting as a Charles N'Zogbia cross skidded across.

England international Michael Owen played the full 90 minutes for Newcastle, appearing off the pace after a lengthy layoff, with his best chance coming in the first half but he finished tamely. E-mail to a friend