JUST 12,541 witnessed the coming of a new 'god' at Anfield in October 1993.

The new deity at Anfield was an 18-year-old from Toxteth, whose five goals against Fulham signalled the start of a love affair with Liverpool supporters.

Robbie Fowler still holds a place in the hearts of the Anfield faithful and his continuing 'good-natured' baiting of our rivals from across Stanley Park and down the M62 shows he still feels as much a Red as ever.

Although he didn't grow up as a Liverpudlian - Everton were his favourites - the folly of youth was soon replaced by a change of heart and colour.

That night in October 1993 was when it really all began. Fowler had served notice of what was to come with his first goal in a Red shirt in the first leg of the second round tie at Craven Cottage. The 3-1 victory in the capital had made the second leg a formality, but nobody told Fowler.

Fulham keeper's Jim Stannard's evening was one of torment from the Toxteth terror.

In only his fourth senior appearance Fowler took just 14 minutes to open the scoring. Stannard pushed out Rob Jones's fierce 30-yard effort, but he was powerless as Fowler pounced to slot home left-footed.

Seven minutes later the striker had hit a second after Stannard fell foul of the backpass rule, when he picked up defender Terry Angus's ball to him. From the free-kick Nigel Clough first, then Neil Ruddock teed up Fowler and he drilled home.

Two minutes into the second half the hat-trick was complete, after he tapped home from Jones's low pass.

With the second period just 10 minutes old he had his fourth, heading in from close range from Julian Dicks's left-wing cross.

With 20 mnutes remaining Liverpool were 5-0 up and amazingly Fowler scored it. He was put in on goal by Jamie Redknapp and it was only ending up in one place, the back of the net, from the moment it left his right boot.

That night his five-goal feat really was an act of God.