The scorer of Liverpool’s first Premier League goal, Mark Walters, picks his top memories from his time at Anfield.
Liverpool’s first Premier League goal scorer Mark Everton Walters – his middle name ironically selected by his mother – played 124 games for Liverpool between 1991 and 1995 and was at his best during the 1992/93 season, scoring 13 goals in 44 games from midfield.
When asked to recall his best moments in a Liverpool shirt, Walters fondly remembers an iconic 1991 European tie against Auxerre and his scoring landmarks in the first Premier League season.
Walters’ pride when making his Liverpool debut (a 65th-minute substitute appearance against Oldham Athletic on 17 August 1991) is also clearly evident.
The magical UEFA Cup comeback against Auxerre – 6th November 1991
The aftermath of the Heysel disaster in 1985 left Liverpool with a six-year European ban.
In November 1991, with Liverpool allowed to compete in Europe again, Walters was part of the side that welcomed Auxerre to Anfield for the second leg of the UEFA Cup second round.
Liverpool were trailing 2-0 from the first leg in France and an outstanding performance proved to be one of Walters’ best game in a Liverpool shirt.
Going into the final seven minutes the score was 2-2 on aggregate when Walters capped a stand-out display full of pace, tricks and turns to score an 83rd-minute decider.
A fine first touch to take him through Auxerre’s defence, followed by a finish into the far corner brought the Kop into meltdown and Walters sliding to his knees in celebration before being mobbed by team mates.
Liverpool’s first Premier League goal – 19th August 1992
The 1992/93 season saw the Premier League’s introduction to English football. It was also Liverpool’s 101st league campaign – which started with a disappointing 1-0 opening day defeat away to Nottingham Forest.
After going 1-0 behind in their first Anfield game of the season, Liverpool drew level before half time – thanks to the first of their 1,553 Premier League goals to date.
Ronnie Whelan swept a pass out to the left, where Walters took just one touch to pull the ball from the air before unleashing a right-footed drive from the edge of the penalty area – which flew past Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon Tracey.
The Kop erupted on witnessing Liverpool’s first Premier League goal, as Walters entered the Anfield record books.
The young Walters started his career at Aston Villa and Glasgow Rangers before joining Liverpool
Liverpool’s first hat-trick and their 50th Premier League goal – 17th April 1993
The man of the match performance from Walters helped Liverpool defeat Coventry City 4-0 at Anfield. The afternoon started well for Walters as the Liverpool number 11 volleyed a Don Hutchison cross into Coventry’s net after 16 minutes. The goal would prove to be the first of Walters’ three strikes past Coventry goalkeeper Jonathan Gould that day.
Walters’ second goal was outstanding. After collecting a John Barnes pass just over the half-way line, Walters turned, ran with the ball, jinked past a Coventry defender’s challenge with his right foot and executed a fantastic lobbed finish 25 yards from goal with his left foot.
Liverpool’s first hat-trick in the Premier League was completed in the 50th minute, when Paul Stewart was fouled in the penalty area and Walters stepped up to covert the spot kick.
In the process of scoring Liverpool’s first Premier League hat-trick, Walters scored the club’s 50th Premier League goal – to complete a trio of records that will stand the test of time at one of the world’s most historic clubs.
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