It's almost a decade since Keith Curle and Derek Asamoah linked up at Chester City but the Blues connection almost pulled off the most remarkable of cup upsets at Anfield last night.
Former Blues boss Curle, now manager of League Two Carlisle United, very nearly masterminded a League Cup triumph over the Reds, with the Cumbrians almost shocking Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool after drawing 1-1 with them at the end of 90 minutes and holding their own throughout extra time before being beaten 3-2 on penalties.
Danny Ings had given Liverpool a 23rd minute lead but former Chester striker Asamoah, now 34, stunned the home faithful when he equalised 11 minutes later.
Liverpool had an unbelievable 47 shots on goal during the clash but Carlisle weathered the storm and, despite the Reds emerging victorious in the end, it is a result that piles even more pressure on beleaguered boss Rodgers.
Look: Images from Liverpool FC v Carlisle United at Anfield
Ghanaian striker Asamoah became a cult hero at Chester when he was signed on loan by Curle in January 2006 from Boston United. He netted eight goals in 17 league games, including memorable strikes to seal wins against Macclesfield Town and Wrexham.
With Curle departing before the end of the season following a bad run of form after Christmas, Asamoah, who had an unspectacular lower league career before joining the Blues, opted against signing for Chester on a permanent deal and instead made the move to Shrewsbury Town.
Watch: Derek Asamoah scores winner against Macclesfield Town
His form at the Shropshire club, where he netted 10 times in 39 games, saw him earn an international call-up for the Black Stars, for whom he appeared four times. He then made the move to the top tier of French football, Ligue 1, with OGC Nice in 2007.
He has since travelled the world, playing for Hamilton Academicals in Scotland, Lokomotiv Sofia in Bulgaria and South Korean sides Pohang Steelers and Daegu FC. He signed for Carlisle last year when Curle, who was hired as Blues boss in the summer of 2005, became manager at Brunton Park.
As far as loan signings go, Asamoah was one of the rare breed who make a lasting impact. His stint at Chester was the catalyst for bigger and better things for the man from Accra. But his winner against Wrexham in April 2006, sealing a 2-1 home success, will forever see him known as 'Deadly Derek' to the Blues faithful.
