Liverpool won the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the club's history in 1996, thanks largely to the goalscoring exploits of Michael Owen, who scored hat-tricks against Manchester United and Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, as well as finding the net during the final against West Ham United.
Such clinical instincts resulted in calls for the youngster to feature in the senior side during the following season, but with the Reds involved in the title race, manager Roy Evans for a long time opted for the experience of Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore in attack.
However, following Manchester United's 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough, Liverpool were four points behind the leaders ahead of their trip to Wimbledon 17 years ago today and with a win vital, Evans named Owen among his substitutes.
The hosting Dons, in eighth, had little to play for, yet they seemingly flourished with the pressure off their shoulders.
They broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through 20-year-old Jason Euell, who headed in Neal Ardley's cross at the back post, while Ardley was again the provider 10 minutes after the restart when his lofted pass from the right flank was turned in by Dean Holdsworth.
That goal prompted Evans to turn to a 17-year-old Owen, who replaced Patrik Berger. His pace caused numerous problems for the Wimbledon defence from the outset and it helped him to score his first goal 16 minutes from time. He latched on to Stig Inge Bjornebye's through pass, before showing composure beyond his tender years to beat Neil Sullivan with a low finish into the bottom corner of the net.
His memorable impact failed to spark a comeback from the Merseysiders, which ended their title charge in the process. Nevertheless, their supporters had seen a glimpse of a player that would go on to net 158 goals for the club before his departure to Real Madrid in 2004.
"He started making decent runs off the back of people and tried to get in behind them - he's a natural goalscorer. The time has come for him," said Evans of Owen after final whistle.
WIMBLEDON: Sullivan; Cunningham, McAllister, Perry, Kimble; Jones, Ardley, Gayle, Earle (Fear); Euell, Holdsworth
LIVERPOOL: James; Bjornebye, Wright, Kvarme, Ruddock; McAteer, Redknapp, Berger, Thomas, McManaman; Collymore
Liam Apicella
