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23 April 2012| last updated at 08:28AM

Fowler helps Reds retain cup

By Ajitpal Singh

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A ROBBIE Fowler-led Liverpool side retained their Standard Chartered EPL Masters Malaysia Cup in style when they defeated arch-rivals Manchester United 5-4 on penalties after the final ended 4-4 in regulation time at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam yesterday.

Fowler, 36, also set a new record for the most number of goals in the competition by scoring 13 times.

Paul Jones, Stephen Henchoz, Rob Jones, Vladimir Smicer, Bjorn Tore Kzarme, Steve McManamanm Patrick Berger, Phil Neil and Steve Harkness were the other members of the  Liverpool team, who last won the title in 2008.

Liverpool topped the round-robin stage with maximum points from three matches. United and EPL All Stars were level with four points but the former advanced to the final on goal difference after they hammered Malaysia 10-2 in their preliminary match.

In the final, Liverpool led 3-2 courtesy of a brace from Fowler and Kzame's sole effort at half-time but United came back strongly after the break and led 4-3.

Fowler, however, scored the equaliser 10 seconds from time to force penalties.  Lee Martin scored a brace for United after Quinton Fortune and Andie Ritchie had scored a goal each in the first half.

United's David May was the only player who did not score from the spot while Henchoz's penalty handed the title to Liverpool.

"We played good football because we were able to play as a unit. It is great to score so many goals but I expected it as this is only a five-a-side tournament," said Fowler after the final yesterday.

"I must thank our fans for coming out here to support us. They played a huge role as they kept motivating us. It is a good tournament but I hope we will have more teams next year. We need the tournament to be grander."

Results: Preliminary (round robin): EPL All Stars 6 Malaysia 1, Manchester United 4 Liverpool 7, Manchester United 4 EPL All Stars 4, Liverpool 8 Malaysia 3, Liverpool 9 EPL All Stars 8, Manchester United 10 Malaysia 1, Final: Liverpool 4 Manchester United 4 (Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties).

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