Liverpool were struck another blow when Danny Murphy was brought down by Kevin Campbell just before half time. He had to be stretchered off with an ankle injury.
On a more positive note, Stephane Henchoz completed a full 90 minutes alongside Djimi Traore in the centre of defence.
Florent-Sinama Pongolle scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after being brought to the ground inside the box early in the second half.
Both Pongolle and his fellow Frenchman Anthony Le Tallec impressed the 4,000-strong crowd.
Team: Luzi, Otsemobor, Whitbread, Henchoz, Traore, Diao, Murphy (Potter 43), Welsh, Sinama-Pongolle, Le Tallec, Partridge (Foy 85).
Subs not used: Foley-Sheridan, Harrison, Wright.