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WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1900-01 Southern League (Division One)
Manager : Committee
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It was goodbye to the Ironworks as the Hammers began the season under their new name of West Ham United. Most of the former Ironworks players were retained but there were also seven new signings. Among those were two Scots – goalkeeper Hughie Monteith from Bristol City and inside-forward William Grassam from Burslem Port Vale.
The opening game of the season saw Gravesend United beaten 7–0 at home with Grassam scoring four goals. The 2,000 attendance was a disappointment as many more were expected to see the club’s new beginning. However, there was a marked improvement through the turnstiles for the next home game with Southampton. A crowd of 7,500 went home happy as the Hammers won 2–0 with goals from Reid and Grassam. In October the team met local rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane and thanks to Monteith in goal they came away with a creditable goalless draw. The qualifying rounds of the FA Cup were played in November and after amateur side Olympic were beaten 1–0 at home, a clash with New Brompton saw West Ham win 4–1 in a replay following a 1–1 draw in Kent.
George Ratcliffe was signed from Grimsby Town and scored on his debut against Reading. The 1–0 win lifted the side to fifth in the table. Next up was the FA Cup tie with local side Clapton. The game attracted a season’s-best attendance of 10,000 to the Memorial Grounds. In a hard-fought contest the teams drew 1–1. In the replay it was another close game but a hat-trick from Grassam gave the Hammers a 3–2 victory. In the next round, West Ham were drawn at home to Liverpool, who would finish Football League champions that season. The Hammers played with pride and passion but the Merseysiders came out on top, winning 1–0. Back to the league and there were three successive wins in the New Year against Swindon, Watford and Luton. The eagerly awaited clash with Tottenham proved to be a disaster as the North London side ran out 4–1 winners following a poor show from goalkeeper Tommy Moore.
Then came an unbeaten run of eight games, which included a 1–0 win against bitter rivals Millwall. The final game of the season was a 2–0 home win against New Brompton, which saw the Hammers finish in a creditable sixth position in the Southern League.
21 May 1900
First registration players of West Ham United
WALTER TRANTER, CHARLES CRAIG, CHARLES DOVE, RODERICK McEACHRANE, FERGUS HUNT, ALBERT KAYE, FREDERICK FENTON, THOMAS MOORE, ROBERT ALLAN, FRED CORBETT, SYD KING, FRANK TAYLOR and WILLIAM YENSON
15 June 1900
LUKE RAISBECK
signs from MIDDLESBROUGH
18 June 1900
JAMES REID
signs from BURSLEM PORT VALE
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30 June 1900
WILLIAM GRASSAM
signs from Scottish side
HAMILTON ACADEMICALS
There was much transfer activity between the club's founding date of July 5th 1900 and the opening game on September 1st. The seven new additions included a strong Scottish flavour of four signings, with goalkeeper Hugh Monteith probably the most well known. He had seen experience with Celtic, Loughborough and latterly Bristol City and was to prove an outstanding acquisition. Both Billy Grassam, and Jimmy Reid who were forwards, came from Burslem Port Vale, and the fourth Scot was Luke Raisbeck, a centre half signed from Middlesbrough.
The most experienced addition was 24-year-old Fergus Hunt, who had appeared for Middlesbrough, Darwen and latterly Woolwich Arsenal. For those three clubs he had scored an overall total of 61 goals in 137 appearances. Another two forwards arrived - Fred Fenton, signed from Gainsborough Trinity, and Albert Kaye from Chatham, and formerly Sheffield Wednesday, with a record of 22 goals in 64 outings.
When the team that was now under the brand new title of West Ham United took the field for their opening match of the 1900/01 season, those spectators that were present noticed that the line-up included only four players that were familiar to them from the club's former banner of Thames Ironworks FC. They were Tranter, Craig, Dove and McEachrane, all competent players and included in the side on merit.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
GRAVESEND UNITED
Memorial Grounds
7 - 0 (Gresham 4, Reid 2, Hunt)
1 September 1900
Att: 2,000
HUGHIE MONTEITH
WALTER TRANTER
CHARLES CRAIG
CHARLES DOVE
LUKE RAISBECK
RODERICK McEACHRANE
FERGUS HUNT
WILLIAM GRASSAM
JAMES REID
ALBERT KAYE
FREDERICK FENTON
Within five minutes, the Hammers' new inside-right Billy Grassam scored but it was the work of his two teammates wingers Fergus Hunt and Fred Fenton that proved the undoing of the Kent club. Their speed caused all sorts of problems not only for the opposition but sometimes for their own colleagues, who were left in their wake as they sped upfield.
A Fenton centre provided an excellent opportunity for Kaye but he missed, Hunt however retreived the ball and scored from an acute angle. There followed another fine run by Fenton but it again ended with a sad miss by Kaye. Penny got through for the visitors but his shot hot a post. Kaye missed yet another chance his shot hitting the side-netting. Wilcox semmed out of touch - missing some very easy interceptions - but he did sve one very fierce shot from Reid. But made amends shortly afterwards by netting No.3 amidst wild applause from the moderate attendance.
The score at lemon time was 3-0. Almost from the re-start Hunt provided Gressam with a chance and it was 4-0, Hunt was playing very well on his wing as was Fenton on the other. Following a scrimmage in front of the Gravesend goal Reid got a fifth and Grassam netted two more for an outstanding 7-0 victory.
It was an outstanding team performance and besides the four forwards mentioned, skipper Roddy McEachrane and centre-half Lou Raisbeck both earned plaudits for their efforts.
The 'Sportsman' commented that the new West Ham United would be having a say in where the Southern League honours would go in 1900-01.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
East Ferry Road
1 - 3 (Reid)
8 September 1900
Att: 10,000
MOORE
Tranter
Craig
Dove
Raisbeck
McEachrane
ROBERT ALLAN
Grassam
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
West Ham United won the toss, and, although playing with the sun at their backs, they strangely enough gave their opponents the advantage of playing down hill. Soon after the start the visitors worked down to the Millwall goal, but the ball was quickly taken to midfield, then Tranter, for West Ham, with a fine long shot, sent the ball on to the top of the Millwall goal. From this the homesters worked down, and Moore was called upon to fist out, and directly after Millwall forced a comer, and from some smart work between Miller and Wilson the latter sent in a splendid screw shot, which Moore failed to completely grapple with, the ball going through off his body after play had been in progress some five minutes. The home team for some time were the chief aggressors; then West Ham played up splendidly, and for the last twenty minutes of the first half they kept Millwall busily engaged in defending their goal, but it was not until very shortly before changing over that from some brilliant passing on the part of Grasaam, Kaye, and Reed, the latter, when close up, succeeded in beating Joyce and thus equalising matters, the teams changing ends with the score one goal each. Directly alter the restart Millwall again attacked in very vigorous fashion, and from a very fine centre by Dryburgh on the right wing Caie cleverly and neatly headed the ball in, thus placing Millwall one goal up. For short space of time the homesters had the best of the exchanges, after which West Ham picked up wonderfully, and the play became of a very even and exciting character, and Allen, with grand cross shot, was within an ace of again equalising, Joyce only just turning the ball aside. Millwall dashed away, Caie, Wilson, and Sharples being very prominent, and from a corner the hail was taken by the last-named in front of goal, and he sending it past Moore, scored the third goal for Millwall. To the finish no further advantage was gained on either side, and the result a very fine game was Millwall, three goals; West Ham United, one goal.
Millwall:
Joyce, Shutt, Davidson, Henderson, Millar, Banks, Dryburgh, Sharples, Caie, Carnally, Wilson
SOUTHAMPTON
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Grassam, Reid)
15 September 1900
Att: 7,500
Moore
Tranter
Craig
Allan
Dove
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
Even the most ardent admirer of the newly named club situate in close proximity to Canning Town could hardly have wished for a better termination than that of Saturday’s game with Southampton, and the players are certainly to be congratulated. To give the Cup tie fighters good game was satisfactory, but to head them by a couple of goals to nil was feather in the West Ham United cap. Right from the start the home players showed to advantage and they made the pace very warm. The teams were strong, the visitors having the services Robinson in goal, but they were without Toman, whose place was taken by Wood, this change necessitating a remodelling of the side. The game was characterised by stoppages through accident to players, and towards the end a certain section of spectators made themselves conspicuous by indiscreet behaviour. United scored a goal in the opening half through the agency of Reid, which quite upset the calculations of Robinson, and when the interval arrived this was the only point notched. Yates had to retire for a time, hut returned after the game recommenced. About quarter of an hour had passed when Grassam added a second goal for the West Ham players, and this was all the scoring, albeit more than once it looked any odds on the Southampton men being able to get through. However. West Ham won, and won fairly on their merits, the team showing excellent form throughout.
Southampton:
Robinson, Blackburn, Lee, Meston, Chadwick, Wood, Budden, Yates, Small, Sharpe, Milward
CHATHAM
Maidstone Road Ground
1 - 0 (Reid)
22 September 1900
Att: 2,500
Moore
Tranter
Craig
Allan
Wool
McEachrane
Hunt
FRED CORBETT
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
Dickenson lost the toss and west Ham chose to have sun and breeze behind them. Smeaton the Chatham full-back uncertain in fast West Ham raids. Following some smart work on the West Ham right flank Reid scored after 15 minutes with a low cross shot. The visitors much quicker to the ball stopped Chatham building attacks. Macey dealt with shots from Kaye, Fenton and Reid in quick succession. Whelan and Chisholm missed chances for Chatham - before two glorious chances went begging - one to each side. First when Whelen lifted over as the ball bounced on the West Ham goal-line. At the other end Reid did likewise from three yards out.
Chatham resigned from the Southern League after 10 matches, record expunged
BRISTOL CITY
Memorial Grounds
1 - 2 (Kaye)
29 September 1900
Att: 5,000
Monteith
Tranter
Craig
Allan
Dove
McEachrane
Hunt
FRED CORBETT
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
West Ham had Monteith in goal against his old club but the visitors were much too good for the home side. Having the better of both halves.
Fulton put the visitors ahead with a ground shot after 40 minutes. Five minutes after half-time Kaye gave the home fans hope with an equaliser after 55 minutes. Michael regained Bristol's advantage on receiving from Wilson. Michael placed two others into the West Ham goal but these were disallowed for offside.
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
1 - 0 (Corbett)
6 October 1900
Att: 2,000
Monteith
SYD KING
Craig
Allan
Dove
McEachrane
Hunt
Corbett
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
On a gusty windy day at the County Ground Swindon the visitors were at full strength. Major Pemberton a candidate in the North Wilts election kicked off. Strong wind spoilt good football. United's forwards showed plaenty of skill but finished poorly. The only goal was scored by Corbett late in the first half as three Swindon defenders waited for the ball to bounce.
WATFORD
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Corbett, Fenton)
13 October 1900
Att: 4,000
Moore
King
Craig
GEORGE NEIL
Dove
McEachrane
Hunt
Corbett
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
Reid had a score disallowed for offside before Fenton gave the homesters the lead after 35 minutes with a speculative long shot. There were many near misses then Fenton found Corbett who made it 2-0 before half-time.
LUTON TOWN
Dunstable Road
0 - 2
20 October 1900
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Dove
McEachrane
Hunt
Corbett
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
Blessington scored both goals from corners one in each half.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
0 - 0
27 October 1900
Att: 6,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Dove
McEachrane
Hunt
Corbett
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
Monteith in goal saved the game for the visitors. King and Craig at full back had a lot of work to do and Craig made one very timely tackle on Kirwan who might have settled the issue.
OLYMPIC : FA Cup (Third Qualifying Round)
Memorial Grounds
1 - 0 (Fenton)
3 November 1900
Att: 3,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Raisbeck
Dove
McEachrane
Allan
Reid
Hunt
Kaye
Fenton
Dull weather and a slippery pitch. The game started ten minutes late, the amateurs had trouble getting to the ground. Once started the visitors pressed straight away, an early home attack produced the only goal of the game when Fenton scored with a fine shot. A series of four corners just before the interval came to nothing for West Ham. Play was much more even in the second period in which the 'teetotallers' missed several chances through erratic shooting.
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
2 - 3 (Kaye, Reid)
10 November 1900
Att: 5,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Dove
McEachrane
Hunt
Corbett
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
Second placed Portsmouth were slow to get going and Hammers had much the better of play. After nine minutes Reid put 'one' past Reilly and three minutes later Kaye repeated the trick. The Londoners were still having the better of exchanges when, near the interval, Smith the home sides inside-forward was badly fouled in the penalty area. Smith easily converted the spot kick. During the second period Clarke levelled the scores and Portsmouth's play improved rapidly. The visitors had a goal disallowed for offside, then Beddingfield got the winner. West Ham claimed he was offside and felt so convinced they were correct that when the referee allowed the goal to stand they threatened to discontinue the game. They did however continue but after this they were a beaten side.
NEW BROMPTON : FA Cup (Fourth Qualifying Round)
Priestfield Stadium
1 - 1 (Corbett)
17 November 1900
Att: 1,200
Monteith
Tranter
King
Allan
Craig
McEachrane
Hunt
Reid
Corbett
Kaye
Fenton
West Ham were ahead in 6 minutes through Corbett but just prior to this Frettingham had had one disallowed for an infringement on Monteith. Half-way through the second period Heywood tipped the ball to Seeley who equalised with a splendid shot.
NEW BROMPTON : FA Cup (Fourth Qualifying Round Replay)
Memorial Grounds
4 - 1 (Kay 2 [1 pen], Corbett, Hunt)
21 November 1900
Att: 4,000
Monteith
Tranter
King
Raisbeck
Craig
McEachrane
Hunt
Reid
Corbett
Kaye
Fenton
Although facing the wind in the opening half, Hammers found themselves 2 goals ahead at half-time. Scoring began after 8 minutes when Innes was penalised for a foul-throw. King took the free-kick and Corbett scored. Heywood and Lissenden both missed chances to put New Brompton ahead before Hunt beat Crane for number two. Tranter and King were stout at the back and soon after the interval it was a Tranter free-kick that found Kaye who was able to net the third goal. Heywood then hit a post and following this Seeley was up-ended in the 'box'. Innes duly converted the penalty. At the other end Hulmes 'handled' but managed to deceive the referee and play resumed without another penalty. But Innes scorer of New Brompton's goal from the spot then conceded one himself when he unfairly stopped Fenton in the 'area' and Kaye scored wit the penalty. Just a s the whistle sounded for 90 minutes Hubt netted but the score was too late.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Stapleton Road
0 - 2
24 November 1900
Att: 3,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
WILLIAM KELLY
McEachrane
Hunt
Corbett
Kaye
LEN WALKER
Fenton
West Ham were without Reid and were weak in attack, and after a hard game was defeated by two goals to nil. In the early part of the game Fenton twice got away without effect, but the Rovers retaliated, for Jones got in a position to shoot, so that Monteith only just stopped the leather and Griffiths nipping in and registering the first goal. Fenton then had a free-kick for a foul against Rifford close up, but lodged the ball on top of the Bristol net. Walker, at the other end, netted from an off-side position, but at the interval there had been no further scoring. Crossing over, the Rovers continued to press, a misunderstanding between two home players Griifiths and Paul confused the West Ham defenders and Jones took full advantage to score. Some smart work on both sides yielded a couple of corners to the Rovers, and no end of work for Monteith. Joyce was not troubled much, the United being weak in front of goal. The game was finished in semi-darkness with the score Bristol Rovers 2, West Ham nil.
READING
Memorial Grounds
1 - 0 (Ratcliffe)
1 December 1900
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Reid
GEORGE RATCLIFFE
Fenton
A good attendance despite the drizzleing rain. West Ham won the toss for the 'umpteenth' time this season. Reading had a lot of the play but during the opening half Hammers broke away and after some cleaver play on the left Reid centred for Ratcliffe to score. The visitors protested by referee Muir upheld his decision. Reading dominated the second period as they had done the first but were unable to restore parity. The win meant that the two clubs switched places in the League table - West Ham going into 6th place and Reading dropping to 7th.
The 'Reading Observer' was highly critical of the West Ham crowd. It alleged constant abuse was hurled at the visitors. The home players were urged to go in an 'smash em up'.
CLAPTON : FA Cup (Fifth Qualifying Round)
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Kaye [pen])
8 December 1900
Att: 10,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
A record crowd, despite inaccessibility of the Canning Town ground. There was a prompt start which was advisable due to the early darkness of December. A strong wind blew down the pitch - the amateurs lost the toss and were forced to face it. On the heavy ground Clapton were soon on the attack and in the first minute Monteith mad a marvellous save from Brown. West Ham then attacked and Cook in attempting to clear infringed and from the resultant kick Kaye scored after 5 minutes. The goal spurred Clapton but it was Kaye who found the net again only to be given offside, Brown got away on an individual run and unassisted got round Craig and scored a great goal to equalise. There was considerable jubilation among the large Clapton following. Play was switched to the other end and Earle saved from Grassam at the expense of a corner. There followed some exciting exchanges in front of the visitors goal but Brown and Folke came back to advert the danger. Clapton had opportunities to clinch the issue but Folke and Brown both squandered. Earle hurt his leg in clearing and had to come out of goal. Langhorne the wing half-back went into goal and was immediately called upon to to make a desperate save from a fierce shot from Hunt. When Earle returned to goal he too was called into action early - tipping over a Reid header. There was a brief respite for both sides when Miecznikowski was injured, half-time the score was 1-1.
With the assistance of the breeze in the second half Clapton were expected to exert more pressure but it was the Hammers who were soon attacking. After Monteith had saved an early shot - the play switched to Clapton's end and Parsons deprived Fenton of a shot at goal at the expense of a corner. Play was now end to end stuff and both goals had narrow escapes. Exchanges were hard and free-kicks frequent. The visitors goal looked certain to fall when, after Earle had cleared from Fenton straight to Hunt a goal looked sure to follow but his shot was taken by the wind onto a post. The West Ham forwards had now got their game together and gave the amateur defenders no end of trouble. Parsons and Cook gave sterling displays for the visitors in a game that maintained a fierce pace right to the end. The replay will take place at the Spotted Dog, Clapton.
CLAPTON : FA Cup (Fifth Qualifying Round Replay)
Spotted Dog Ground
3 - 2 (Grassam 3)
12 December 1900
Att: 5,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Kelly
Dove
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
Players were expected to be on the 1:18pm departure from Liverpool Street Station for the 2:30pm replay kick-off. A special train was arranged for spectators leaving Liverpool Street at 1:35pm to Forest Gate.
Admission to the Clapton's club grandstand was doubled for this match from 6d to 1/-
West Ham's second goal was a gift to Grassam. Earle left his goal, a risk he had been taking at regular intervals in this match - and the visitors inside-right had a simple task to score. Earle was perhaps risky but as so much came off for him it would be ungracious to condemn him for his one lapse. This was a fierce fought game. There was no score coming up to the interval when Grassam met a rebound and gave the 'professional' side lead. After 25 minutes of the second half Grassam scored his second as a result of Earles error. Smith and Miezcnikowski changed places and this had an immediate effect as Evans reduced the arrears. Eight minutes from time Grassam completed his hat-trick with a shot from long range which completely baffled Earle. Evans scored a second for Clapton with just four minutes remaining.
GRAVESEND UNITED
Overcliffe Ground
0 - 0
15 December 1900
Att: 1,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Dove
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Reid
Kaye
Fenton
The attendance at the Overcliffe Ground, Gravesend, for this Southern League encounter reminded one very much of the Memorial Ground in the days of Thames Ironworks. There were barely a thousand people present, and, insomuch as West Ham in the initial game of the season, had beaten the Shrimpers by seven clear goals (still a record in the Southern League), they were strongly fancied. The opening exchanges were very even, but McEachrane, with a well-judged pass, soon set his forwards going, and Hunt sent in a capital cross shot, which just went wide of the posts. From the goal kick the Gravesend front rank, principally through Parkinson and Pugh, made a lot of ground, the latter striking the post with a hard drive. Midfield play ensued, West Ham being all round the cleverer side, but the Shrimpers' halves put in a lot of worrying work, and both Reid and Kaye were hampered when taking pot shots. A smart run by Fenton brought the ball into close proximity to the Enders' goal, but Grasam, who met the centre shot rather weakly and Hamilton had no difficulty in clearing. Kaye called upon him a moment later, but he coolly kicked away, and the play being taken to the other end, where both Craig and King were responsible for strong tackling. Once Monteith had to deal with a high drive from Penney, but he easily got the ball away, and once again the ball was taken to the centre of the field, where some interesting exchanges took place. United came out ahead, and the forwards getting nicely away Reid put in the finest shot in the match. The ball travelled very fast towards the top left hand corner of the net, but Hamilton, with a supreme effort just managed to reach it and turn it round the posts. It was a superb shot and a grand save, and the custodian well deserved all the applause he received. Subsequently corners fell to each team without any tangible result, and the interval arrived with a blank sheet. After the interval Gravesend went away with a dash. but Craig relieved with a huge punt and Kaye tried a fast grounder, which was cleverly cleared, Hamilton again distinguishing himself by disposing of hot shots from Kelly and Hunt. At the other end Monteith’s, position was no sinecure, but he dealt with everything that came his way in a business-like fashion. Grassam made a bad miss when in a grand position, while Reid compelled Hamilton to put in all he knew to avert a score, but although doing the major part of the pressing West Ham could not penetrate the defence, and the game ended in a nil draw.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
Memorial Grounds
0 - 2
22 December 1900
Att: ?
MATCH ABANDONED : 70 minutes Fog
Monteith
King
Craig
Dove
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Allan
Kaye
Fenton
The Canning Town representatives have been doing so well of late that their followers anticipated victory over Millwall. A big crowd lined the Memorial Grounds enclosure, when Allan kicked off for the homesters. Grassam and Hunt got away on the wing, and Davidson relieved and Wilson put in some clever work for the visitors. Millwall forced the pace, and Sharples beat Monteith with a good shot amid great excitement and to the delight of the Millwall crowd. West Ham got dangerously close from free kick, but Shutt came to the rescue. Monteith having fisted out from Sharples, Hunt lost a grand opportunity through getting off-side. West Ham's right wing pair worked hard to equalise, but the opposite halfs gave them no rest, and play was transferred to other end, A foul against Craig resulted in Davidson putting Mlllwall two up. The visitors continued to press, and half-time arrived with the score Millwall, two; West Ham. nil. Soon after resuming the ground became enveloped in a thick fog, it being impossible to discern the players from the stands, consequently the referee was compelled to abandoned the game 20 minutes into the second half with the half-time score unaltered. Result: Millwall, two goals; West Ham United nil.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
2 - 3 (Fenton, Hunt)
29 December 1900
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Dove
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Reid
Ratcliffe
Kaye
Fenton
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Southampton made the pace at the start, but in the first two minutes both goalkeepers had to save smart shots. After a good deal of excitement, the Londoners broke away, and on the right wing Hunt became very persistent in his attentions. The visitors got away several times, but Robinson had little difficulty in clearing the few shots that came his way, until Hunt beat Fry and scored the first point. West Ham were penned in their territory for a long time, Monteith's charge having some marvellous escapes, West Ham made several good runs, and Hunt forcing a corner off Fry enabled Fenton to score from the resulting kick. On resuming, the game settled down in the West Ham half, and save for an occasional minute it never really left it. Shot after shot just missed, until finally Meston, in sheer despair, started a dribble on his own account, and making his opening fairly beat Monteith. Withh twenty-five minutes to go and two goals wanting the home forwards simply bombarded Monteith's goal, and gradually wore down the plucky West Ham defence. Shot followed shot, unceasingly, when Milward reached the centre of Turner's, and one point was rescued. Then came the tug of war; sheer dogged defence opposed to relentless attack, and in the end the latter won. But only just in time, for there were but two minutes to go when Wood snatched the result from the visitors by 3 goals to 2.
LIVERPOOL : FA Cup (Supplementary Round)
Memorial Grounds
0 - 1
5 January 1901
Att: 6,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Dove
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Reid
Ratcliffe
Kaye
The first appearance of League championship club at Canning Town hardly proved such an attraction expected, but there were probably 6,000 spectators to see a good and exciting game. An interesting note was that the railings specially erected around the pitch for the occasion were borrowed for the day from the Essex County Cricket Ground at Leyton.
Generally speaking, the visitors showed the better form, their passing being more finished than that of the home team, who occasionally, however, played quite brilliantly. Perhaps the United were a little unlucky in not scoring during the first half, and when the one goal was obtained which decided the game they experienced when the Irons were unfortunate to be reduced to ten men when Charlie Craig was injured badly when colliding with Cox.
It was a run by Cox which led up to the goal, the ball from his pass being put through by Raybould. The United tried hard to save the game, but could not overcome a splendid defence, in which Robertson and Raisbeck were most conspicuous. The frost had made the turf rather treacherous, but this did not seriously interfere with the play. The North-Easterners deserved their 1-0 win.
Liverpool:
Perkins, Robertson T., Dunlop, Wilson, Raisbeck, Goldie, Robertson J., McGuigan, Raybould, Hunter, Cox
BRISTOL CITY
Ashton Gate
0 - 1
12 January 1901
Att: 2,500
Monteith
King
ALBERT PUDAN
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Reid
Ratcliffe
Kaye
The City lost the toss, and West Ham enjoyed the advantage of a lively breeze at the start, so that their lefts got close, and but for Robson, must have scored. West Ham came again shortly, and Grassam shot outside. Play was not kept long in home quarters, for City's halves were very strong - Chambers especially. The Citizens attacked with vigour, and Monteith proved his value by clearing two shots from McDougall, both of which were dangerously put in, and created no little sensation. In return, West Ham, through Kaye and Kelly, tested Toone, who saved in excellent style. At the interval there was no score.
In the second half things went still more in favour of City, and again the spectators were given a delightful exhibition of goalkeeping by Monteith. At last, however, Michael, who had given a sleepy display hitherto, go possession in midfield, and racing away with King at his heels, won so readily as to shoot strongly and with effect, for Monteith appeared to have no chance. It was the only goal of an average game, in which either side was likely to score at any time. The visitors tried hard throughout, and in the last minute tested Toone.
SWIDON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
3 - 1 (Corbett 2, Grassam)
19 January 1901
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Pudan
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
FRANK TAYLOR
Wet and windy weather. West Ham weakened by absence of Craig, Dove, Reid and Kaye. Swindon won the toss and elected to play wind-assisted in the first half. The heavy driving rain did not help the attendance. Almost from the kick off Ratcliffe tested Menham in the Swindon goal with a low grounder. The Corbett hit a post. The Swindon 'goalie' then hurt his head in a tackle on Ratcliffe. He left the field for attention and returned with his head bandaged. Oakley provided Kirton with a grand chance to put the visitors ahead but from beneath the bar he blazed over. Ratcliffe then twice tested Menham then at the other end Downie hit a long shot that would not normally have troubled Monteith, but it bounced in front of goal struck bar a went in. This was a set back for the home side who had pressed for so long. However, a sprint by Hunt quickly retrieved the situation. His centre found Corbett and he levelled the scores. At half-time it was 1-1. With the wind now in their favour for the second half. West Ham lost no time in exerting their authority. A centre from the corner flag by Taylor let in Grassam to score No2 and Corbett immediately followed up with No3. After this the home side just 'shied' at the visitors goal. Swindon were a beaten side and to indicate how much so Monteith handled the ball just twice in the latter half and then from his own colleagues.
WATFORD
Cassio Road
1 - 0 (Grassam)
26 January 1901
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
About 2,000 people witnessed the return fixture between the two sides, and although the Canning Town team were somewhat unlucky they succeeded in winning the match. Watford showed in front for the first quarter of an hour, but West Ham played strongly, and when they responded they had hard luck, a shot by Hunt hitting the crossbar. followed immediately by another by Ratcliffe, which met the same fate. At half-time ythe score sheet was blank, and the second half was well advanced when Hammett, after saving from Hunt, was beaten by Grassam. Towards the close, Watford tried strenuously to pull the game ou of the fire, but could never beat the resolute defence of their opponents. Tne match was full of interest, the ball, during the greater portion of the time, travelling with great rapidity from end to end. The Watford forwards did well in midfield, but lost chances in front of goal through dallying, while the halves did not support them properly.
LUTON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Corbett, Taylor)
9 February 1901
Att: 1,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
The Hammers avenged an erlier defeat to the Hatters. Luton were under intense pressure for nearly all the first half. The old Arsenal goalkeeper, Ord gave a fine display. Street ws making his debut for Luton. Lindsay was just back after one months absence through injury and Cox was a reserve half-back. Monteith had very little to do for the whole 90 minutes thanks to good work by King and Craig. The weather was dull but the pitch was in good condition. Both sides wore balck arm-bands as a mark of mourning. Taylor a most dangerous winger found himself unmarked after receiving from Corbett and scored. Luton retaliated with efforts from Blessington and Gray. Fine work and a good cross by Taylor found Corbett who scored after a melee in the Luton goalmouth. Half-timme: 2-0.
Late in the game Lindsay heavily brought down Taylor with a tackle that brought the dissapproval of the crowd. Lindsay was cautioned by the referee.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Memorial Grounds
1 - 4 (Grassam)
16 February 1901
Att: 5,500
Moore
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
Tottenham faced what wind there was, Taylor and Hunt gave the visiting full-backs some early trouble but the speedy Spurs forwards soon relieved the pressure. They could make little or no headway against a sturdy King and Craig. After ten minutes a smart run by Taylor led to a magnificent goal bt Grassam who drove the ball hard past Clawley. The goal was deservedly applauded. The Spurs approach work was breaking down as their forward were dispossessed near goal. The sides retired at Half-time with the homesters a deserved one goal ahead. The ground cut-up terribly at the start of the second spell and it rained further. The exchanges were even to set up continuous attacks. Craig was dazed by a heavy blow on the head by the ball. He had played a sound game up till then but the work began to tell and he eventually left the field ten minutes from time. The equaliser came after 53 minutes Stormont shooting in as Moore came out. Spurs took the lead when Moore left his goal to tackle Smith. Hyde was left with an easy task to score. Both these goals could be attributable to Moore's errors. After this West Ham almost collapsed. They could scarcely raise a gallop. Morris supplied the pass for Brown to score with a hard drive on 80 minutes and with 5 minutes to go Stormont beat Moore again.
The only selection that West Ham have cause to regret was the placing of Moore in goal. It was a thousand pities that "Monty" was suffering from the effects of lumbago, for his presence would have undoudtedly put an entirely different aspect on the game. He is ever a trustworthy custodian of the goal, and never did the United supporters realise this more than against Spurs.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
National Athletic Ground, Kensal Rise
2 - 0 (Grassam, Taylor)
23 February 1901
Att: 6,000
Monteith
King
A. PINDER
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
The ground was heavy at Kensal Rise but it didn't prevent fast exchanges from start to finish of this match. The visiting goalkeeper, Monteith was in superb form, he stopped everything the Rangers could fire at him. There was a good contingent in the crowd from west Ham. Rangers strength was reduced by the absence through injury of Skinner. The West Londoners made the first serious threats and Monteith was soon in action. For West Ham, Hunt and Grassam were prominent as the East Londoners got into their stride. Monteith saved well from Christie before Taylor got clear on the left and centred for Grassam to score. Soon after this Hitch had to leave the field following a nasty bang on the head. While the home side were reduced, the visitors notched number 2. At the interval the score stood at 0-2 to West Ham. Hitch returned after half-time. There were some good individual moves during the second half but neither side managed much combination. There were no further goals and the visitors could count themselves rather fortunate to win.
PORTSMOUTH
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (McEachrane)
2 March 1901
Att: 3,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
It does not appear that the new railway station adjoining the Memorial Grounds at Canning Town will at present benefit the local club to the extent expected. At twenty-minutes to three on Saturday our representative ("Sportsman") was informed at Fenchurch Street station that the next train for West am would leave a 3:50 pm. In company with many others he was compelled to make the journey by the old wearisome route but it is to be hoped that the London Tilbury and Southend Railway will in the course of time become fully alive to the fact that the football public appreciates a good thing in the way of short cuts and would not be slow to patronise the same.
Not a very exciting game, bright sun-light together with a boisterous wind that blew goal to goal. There was not a chance of any scientific football. West Ham lost the toss and were compelled to face both wind and sun. Monteith was once again in wonderful form and was responsible for keeping the West Ham slate clean during the early minutes. As the home team came into the game Hunt, Taylor and Grassam all tested Reilly in the Portsmouth goal. Portsmouth had a goal disallowed when referee Muir considered Joyce had impeded Monteith. It was in fact Joyce who gave Pompey the lead two minutes before half-time. Smith the visiting number 10 floored the referee much to the amusement of the crowd. Late in the second half Portsmouth decided defensive tactics would serve them best and continued with only four forwards but with four hal-backs. They obviously intended to make one goal do but with eight minutes to go the West Ham skipper McEachrane, equaised with a low shot, his first goal of the season.
NEW BROMPTON
Priestfield Stadium
1 - 1 (Hunt)
9 March 1901
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
REPORT:
BRISTOL ROVERS
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Corbet, Grassam [pen]))
16 March 1901
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
The turf being in good condition, a fast game resulted. Bristol Rovers were the first to break away, and Griffiths shot over. The visitors continued to attack for the first ten minutes, but then West Ham pressed, and gained a corner kick, but it was cleared, and then, after exactly eighteen minutes' play, Corbett eluded the opposition, and registered the first goal with a low swift shot. Gray having no chance of saving. Bristol attacked after this, and Griffiths sent in a shot, but Monteith cleared. Taylor was next conspicuous with a nice run on the left, but his final shot was too high. The home side kept up the pressure. Gray saving In clever style from Taylor, and then Hunt, Ratcliffe had a good chance, but missed, following which Kifford fouled Taylor inside the twelve yards line, with the result that the referee awarded a penalty kick, from which Grassam scored, and West Ham led at half-time by two goals. In the second portion the Rovers improved, and certainly had most of the game on resuming. Monteith having to save from both Boucher and Griffiths. The ball was got away, following which a good shot by Hunt nearly lowered the Bristol colours. Bristol again took up the running, but Kelly at centre half, and King and Craig at back, wrre not to beaten. Bristol gained a couple of corners, but nothing resulted, and the result was West Ham United, two goals; Bristol Rovers, none.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
Memorial Grounds
1 - 0 (Corbett)
21 March 1901
Att: 2,500
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Fenton
Considering the heavy rain of late the pitch was in a wonderful condition. The attendance was not as large as anticipated. It was practically a half-day holiday in the district as at lunch-time the eagerly awaited launching of the H.M.S. Duncan took place at the local Thames Ironworks Shipyard. It was a bitterly cold afternoon. Corbett scored the only goal of the match near the end, Griffiths the Millwall goalie appealed fiercely against this goal but his objections were turned down.
KETTERING TOWN
Rockingham Road
1 - 0 (Grassam [pen])
23 March 1901
Att: 1,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Kaye
REPORT:
KETTERING TOWN
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Taylor)
30 March 1901
Att: 1,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
A goal by Coleman seperated the sides at half time, but Taylor restored parity in the second half.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Memorial Grounds
2 - 1 (Ratcliffe 2)
5 April 1901
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
With the wind slightly in their favour, West Ham had the best of matters, and Ratcliffe scored for them twice in the first half. Subsequently the visitors played in grand style and twice beat the West Ham goalkeeper, but only one goal by Downing was allowed.
READING
Elm Park
1 - 3 (Grassam)
10 April 1901
Att: 1,000
Monteith
Craig
Dove
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
Before a small attendance at Elm Park, and despite playing against the wind in the first half, the locals had far the better of the exchanges, but failed to beat Monteith, who played finely. On crossing over, Grassam scored for the visitors, but subsequently Reading had the better of the game. Evans equalised the scores and Spencer added two more goals with fine shots.
NEW BROMPTON
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Ratcliffe, Taylor)
20 April 1901
Att: 2,000
Monteith
Craig
Dove
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Taylor
West Ham won the toss, Ratcliffe scored in the opening five minutes and Taylor added a second.
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*Chatham United resigned from the league after 10 matches, record expunged