Fowler breaks duck as Liverpool rout Fulham 5-1

LONDON, Mar 16 (Reuters) Robbie Fowler netted his first goal since returning to his hometown club in January as Liverpool finally found their scoring boots in a 5-1 demolition of Fulham in the Premier League.

Fowler had been out of luck since moving from Manchester City on a six-month contract but his 16th-minute goal set Liverpool on their way to a comprehensive win that closed the gap on second-placed Manchester United to two points yesterday.

Liverpool, in third, have 58 points from 30 games, with United, who have played 28, on 60 and leaders Chelsea on 75.

Fowler's close-range finish after Luis Garcia had flicked on a corner was only the second goal by Liverpool's four strikers this year. His team mates took their cue to inflict more misery on a Fulham side yet to win on their travels this season.

''It has been a long time but thankfully I'm off the mark,'' said Fowler, who scored 171 goals in 330 games during eight years at Anfield to earn the nickname 'God' from fans.

''It has put us on the road to a good win. I'm very pleased.

Fulham's Collins John has briefly restored parity after Fowler's goal when the Dutch striker scored following a swift break, but Liverpool were ahead again 11 minutes before halftime through Michael Brown's own goal.

Spaniard Fernando Morientes made it 3-1 20 minutes from time and late goals from Peter Crouch and Stephen Warnock completed the rout.

''There has been a lot of talk about our strikers misfiring and I think we've answered that tonight,'' added Fowler.

''It wasn't for want of trying -- we were all getting into scoring positions but it wasn't going in for us. Tonight it has clicked.'' REUTERS PM SP0945