Youngster Neil Mellor bagged a brace after Diouf's early strike put the Reds ahead, but the Senegalese striker was sent off in just thirty four minutes for two bookable offences, the first a two footed tackle and the second the result of an apparant attempt to con the referee.
Abel Xavier took another step in his road to recovery after a mystery virus, and Frenchman Bruno Cheyrou started in midfield.
Stephane Henchoz, making his first start in just over seven weeks, came through 45 minutes and was taken off at halftime although it's uncertain as to whether it was through injury or preparation for this weeks match in Arnhem.
Promising youngster David Raven took his place in the interval.
Kirkland, Xavier, Vignal, Welsh, Biscan, Henchoz (Raven 45), Potter, Diouf, Mellor, Cheyrou (Sjolund 75), Smyth (Foy 85). Subs not used: Luzi, Vaughan.