After getting off to the worst possible start conceding a goal after just 28 seconds, the boy Blues were still trailing at the interval.
But indiscipline cost Liverpool a red card at the start of the second period and the Blues took advantage switching to three at the back and bringing on sub Joan Olle to spice up the attacking options.
The Spaniard went on to help himself to a brace and was joined as a double scorer by Harry Bunn. Although Liverpool managed a second of their own, City completed the rout through John Guidetti and Omar Elabdellaoui to make the final score 6-2 and leave the coaching triumvirate of Andy Welsh, Steve Eyre and Brian Kidd the happiest men travelling back along the East Lancs Road.