WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1901-02 Southern League (Division One)
Manager : Committee
There were new additions to the squad as the second season got under way. James Bigden, a half-back, came from Old St Luke's together with William Linward, a winger from Doncaster Rovers. For this campaign the club decided that, in addition to their Southern League fixtures, they would also enter the Western League and London League. The team made a positive start and by the end of September they were leading the Southern League courtesy of four wins and a draw. Included in those games was a victory against Brentford, who were beaten 2–0 with William Grassam scoring both goals. Also among the goals was Fred Corbett with a hat-trick against Wellingborough in a 4–2 win. There were four goals scored against both Northampton and Luton but what followed next was a disappointing run of six defeats with only one goal scored. Due to an administrative error, the team had to fulfil an FA Cup tie against Leyton on the same day as they were due to play Tottenham in a league match. To resolve this, the reserve team were sent to Leyton, where they won 1–0, and the first team entertained Tottenham. Before a crowd of 17,000 the Hammers lost 1–0 to their London rivals.
A home tie in the FA Cup followed against local side Grays United, ending in a giant-killing as the village team won 2–1. The side was inconsistent – during December and January there was a run of three games without a win followed by three straight victories. However, this all changed as the team remained unbeaten during the last two months of the campaign. Fergus Hunt scored twice against Luton and got two more in the 4–0 defeat of Queens Park Rangers. Fellow striker George Ratcliffe also hit form as he scored nine goals in the last ten games including two against both Watford and Queens Park Rangers. There was an excellent 2–1 victory in north London against Spurs, where goalkeeper Hughie Monteith was the star performer. The backbone of the side had been four Scots: forward William Grassam, half-back Roderick McEachrane, full-back Charlie Craig and goalkeeper Monteith. It had been a good campaign with the team finishing in fourth position in the Southern League but off the field the club struggled with their finances.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Draycott [og])
2 September 1901
Match abandoned : 78 minutes Bad Light
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Grassam
Hunt
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
The visitors were twenty minutes late in getting to the Memorial Grounds for the 5.30 pm kick-off and the 2,000 attendance was kept waiting. The 20 minute delay proved critical for the game had to be abandoned through bad light 12 minutes from time. The first goal of the new season was scored by Linward for West Ham after 10 minutes. Busby levelled the scores near half-time. Hunt was carried off injured after 55 minutes. Play had become scrappy as it went on and referee Partridge brought play to a premature end after 78 minutes due to the failing light.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Stapleton Road
2 - 0 (Corbett, Grassam)
7 September 1901
Att: 5,000
Monteith
King
Craig
JAMES BIGDEN
Kelly
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
WILLIAM LINWARD
Train from Paddington 10.40 am G.W.R.
West Ham won the toss at Stapleton Road. The Hammers won 2-0 on a ground where no visiting XI had triumphed all last season.
Grassam scored after 35 minutes following a period of Rovers pressure. Half-time: 1-0. The hammers were a constant threat to the Rovers goal and their smart work earned another goal when Corbett's shot went in off Cartledge's hand in the 55th minute.
BRENTFORD
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Grassam 2)
14 September 1901
Att: 4,500
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
Brentford in their first season of senior Southern League football gave a meritorious performance. Spicer kept goal in capital style Grassam with a spectacular overhead kick gave West Ham the lead near half-time. The clever little inside right had several shots saved by Spicer but he headed in a second for the Hammers in the latter half.
NEW BROMPTON
Priestfield Stadium
0 - 0
21 September 1901
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
The match at Preistfield Stadium was played out in showery weather before 4,000 spectators. The play was very even in the first-half with neither side managing to find the net. The second period continued in much the same vain but the longer the play went on the hotly contested match was starting to turn in favour of the home side with Brompton having slightly better of the exchanges. However, the defence on both sides prevailed throughout and a very fast game ended in a goalless draw.
KETTERING TOWN
Memorial Grounds
1 - 0 (Grassam)
28 September 1901
Att: 6,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
As a result of this match Hammers replaced unbeaten Kettering at the head of the division. The corresponding match in the League last season ended in a win for the teetotal team by 1-0. Ketterings form fully justified their position at the top. They had much the best of the first half although it was a Ratcliffe shot that crossed the line only to be disallowed because of off-side. The first half was goal-less and this was entirely due to the magnificent King and Craig partnership being at their very best and had to be. After 20 minutes of the second period Allan put over a magnificent centre and Grassam shot low past Cooch for the only goal of the game. After the goal the game became a little physical and several visiting players were cautioned by referee Partridge. Kettering will do better if they learn to control their tempers.
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Memorial Grounds
4 - 2 (Corbett 3, Grassam)
30 September 1901
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
The first meeting of these teams on the opening day of the season having been left unfinished owing to the light failing the match was replayed at Canning Town, where West am again asserted their superiority, and won rather easily by four goals to two.
Busby put the visitors ahead but Corbett equalised from a pass by Linward. Corbett made it 2-1 just before half-time. West Ham did nearly all the attacking, and Corbett and Grassam added to their lead,
both scored in a five minute spell to give Hammers a 4-1 advantage but Turner reduced it to 4-2 very near the end.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
County Ground
4 - 3 (Grassam 2, McEachrane, Bennett [og])
5 October 1901
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
West Ham were a trifle lucky to maintain their winning ways but it was a well contested game from start to finish. The first half went slightly in favour of the home side who opened the score when Chapman netted after 10 minutes. It was only a momentary lead for McEachrane restored parity immediatley. Grassam put his side ahead with a lucky goal but Coleman levelled. West Ham went ahead again before half-time. Both sides tired a little in the latter stages. Grassam increased the visitors lead and Coleman scored a third for Northampton.
LUTON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
4 - 1 (Corbett 2, Linward, Ratcliffe)
12 October 1901
Att: 6,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
West Ham, at their own ground, maintained their unbeaten record, and position at the head the table, but were fortunate in so doing, as although they won by 4 goals to 1, they had all the worst of the greater portion the game, in the first half, during which Corbett and Linward scored for them, West Ham had the beat of the exchanges. Subsequently, Luton repeatedly hard lines, and could only score only, through White, whilst Corbett and McEachrane added goals for teh winners.
Why did West Ham discard their loud blue shirts with red band in favour of white. They were hardly distinguishable from Lutons washed out pale blue shirts.
WATFORD
Cassio Road
0 - 0
19 October 1901
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Craig
WILLIAM YENSON
Bigden
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
J. HITCHENS
Linward
Entertaining game in fine weather. Grassam was the only one to distinguish himself. King and Craig played their usual good game, and Monteith was everything that could be desired in goal. Watfiord gained considerable advantage from winning the toss, but for the greater part of the first 45 minutes, West Ham had the best of the game. When nearing the interval Watford pressed, and Lyon succeeded in scoring near the end but referee dissallowed it after consulting a linesman.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
Memorial Grounds
0 - 2
26 October 1901
Att: 9,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
WILLIAM JENKINSON
Linward
It must have delighted the hearts of the directors of the London, Tilbury and Southend Railways when they saw hundreds booking to their new station at West Ham (Manor Road).
But the poor Station-master and his staff of one could hardly be expected to share their joy. Half the passengers were literally carried out without giving up their tickets. The 2.40 pm train from Fenchurch Street was packed and there was chaos at West Ham Station.
Very good game contested in a fair manner. It was a curious game, though Millwall did most of the pressing, West Ham appeared to be the better team, the combination of passes by the backs and halves was beautiful. When it looked like being a goal-less first half Hulse scored for the visitors with a swift low shot half-a-minute before the whistle. The other goal came from Bell with just 10 minutes remaining.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Memorial Grounds
0 - 1
2 November 1901
Att: 17,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
McEachrane
Hunt
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
There was a real mix-up by the West Ham management, due to one reason or other the club was forced to field three teams on this day. One in the Southern League, another at Leyton in the FA Cup and the third in the London League. The Tottenham Hotspur club was said to have given West Ham a choice of Saturday's for the Southern League fixture - when they foresaw West Ham's involvement in the FA Cup.
The Southern League game attracted enormous attention and the 17,000 gathered at the Memorial Grounds, many of them from North London. It was easily the largest attendance in the 4-year history of the arena. The game was decided in Tottenham's favour by a single goal scored by Jones.
Before 17,000 excited spectators the First XI faced Cup-holders Tottenham Hotspur at Canning Town. A new ground record for the enclosure. The FA Cup itself was placed on view.
The record attendance witnessed a fine game, which ended in a win for the Spurs by a goal to none, which margin was a fair example of the balance of play. Nothing was scored until after change of ends, but ten minutes after the interval, from a corner-kick, Jones obtained the winning goal for the Spurs, amid great cheering. Nearing the close West Ham made a big effort to equalise, but were unsuccessful.
LEYTON : FA Cup Third Qualifying Round
Hare & Hounds
1 - 0 (Taylor)
2 November 1901
Att: 2,000
CHARLES AMBLER
AUBREY FAIR
Pudan
ROBERT McGEORGE
Yenson
Pinder
Allan
JAMES WALLACE
PETER KYLE
Hitchens
Taylor
With the prospect of two games on the same day, West Ham’s experiment of sending a reserve side to oppose Leyton in their Football Association Cup 3rd Qualifying tie almost proved disastrous and must be considered one of the luckiest teams still left in the competition. Had Leyton utilised half of their many easy chances they would have won, and that handsomely. The amateur sides three inside forwards were very weak, especially in front of goal. Leyton’s superiority was most manifest in the first half, when they should have scored two or three goals. West Ham certainly had the better of matters afterwards and scored the only goal of the game through Frank Taylor, but before their goal was registered Barker had failed to convert a penalty kick for the home side.
QUEENS PARK RAGERS
Latimer Road
1 - 2 (Linward)
9 November 1901
Att: 4,000
Ambler
King
Craig
Allan
Kelly
McEachrane
Corbett
Grassam
Kyle
Ratcliffe
Linward
The Rangers were seen to advantage in the opening half, McQueen gave Rangers the lead in 15 minutes and Pryce increased it shortly afterwards to give them a lead of two goals at half-time. Upon changing ends, West Ham improved, and Linward scored, but they failed to draw level, and the Rangers, who had a point disallowed for a foul, won two goals one.
GRAYS UNITED : FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round
Memorial Grounds
1 - 2 (Linward)
16 November 1901
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Pudan
McGeorge
Craig
McEachrane
TOMMY WARD
Grassam
Kyle
Ratcliffe
Linward
West Ham United have indeed experienced "the stings and arrows of outrageous fortune" to bring the divine William’s philosophy in as a salve to their wounded feelings. To think that but a short month ago the outlook was of the brightest for them! They headed the Southern League record, were working up towards unprecedented support in the Canning Town district, and generally could look ahead with a complacency which few clubs could outweigh. Since then all has gone wrong with West Ham. But the greatest blow of all - their being “knocked out" of the Association Cup - came to them yesterday, They went down before Grays United on their own ground and in sight of their supporters. Once or twice the winning lot have shown very smart form this season, but it was asking them a big question to tackle West Ham United at Canning Town. Rising to the occasion, however, and thanks to some inexplicable eccentricities of the Hammers' directorate, Grays United earned for themselves the right to a step further into the competition by a 2-1 victory, which has plunged West Ham United's many admirers into a deep train of thought. To try such experiments as putting their best full-back (Craig) at centre half and filling his place with a practically untried man savours of tempting fortune - and so it proved. Fine weather, curiously enough, prevailed at Canning Town.
The tie kicked-off 125 minutes late due to the late arrival of the referee. Moore formerly the West Ham custodian kept goal for Grays.
READING
Elm Park
0 - 3
23 November 1901
Att: 5,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Yenson
Kelly
McEachrane
Grassam
Wallace
Jenkinson
Ratcliffe
Linward
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
0 - 4
7 December 1901
Att: 4,000
Monteith
Pudan
Craig
Bigden
Kelly
Jenkinson
Allan
Grassam
Corbett
Ratcliffe
Linward
The visit of Wst Ham to Southampton did not attract so great a crowd as was expected. From the very start the home side had the better of the game, the visitors defence, with but one exception, Monteith, were quite unable to keep the forwards in check, who played a really fine game, Wood and the two Turner's being especially brilliant. The first goal obtained by Southampton came from a centre after 20 minutes by A. Turner, which Joe Turner easily converted, the latter player being responsible for the second point. The game continued to be very free from fouls, but it was apparent that West Ham were playing far below their reputation, as only on very few occasions were they dangerous. Wood added a third goal with a fine drive, and as Brown netted again Southampton won handsomely by four goals to nil.
SWINDON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
2 - 1 (Linward, McEachrane)
14 December 1901
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Pudan
Bigden
WILLIAM JONES
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Jenkinson
Ratcliffe
Linward
Stormy weather-bittery cold, the home side lost the toss and had to defend the Stratford-end goal facing a stiff cold wind. After 20 minutes Swindon went ahead when Downie scored following a scrimmage. Jenkinson missed an early opportunity to put matters back level. Linward eventually equalised then it was a hard game till half-time. Swindon deteriorated badly in the scecond half and were rarely out of their own half of the field. McEachrane put Hammers in front and from then on the home side outplayed the opposition.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (McDonald 2)
21 December 1901
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
ALEX McDONALD
Jenkinson
Linward
The whole of the opening half was contested in the rovers part of the field. McDonald making his debut for West Ham scored both goals within 20 minutes of the start, the first a smart header the second following a tricky dribble. Bad light made it difficukt to distinguished the players. In order to get finished before the light failed the teams changed ends without an interval. Jones playing only his second Southern League game for the Irons since his transfer from Kettering was impressive.
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Dog & Duck Ground
2 - 0 (Allan, McEachrane)
27 December 1901
Att: 2,500
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
Wellingborough goalkeeper Baldrey let a 40-yard McEachrane shot slip through his hands and the visitors were ahead in 4 minutes. Within 5 minutes they were two gals up when Allan beat Baldrey with a fine screw shot. The home side tried desperately to get back into the game but the stout West Ham defence kept them out.
NEW BROMPTON
Memorial Grounds
0 - 0
4 January 1902
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
Jenkinson
Allan
Grassam
Hunt
McDonald
Linward
A very even game was witnessed, the ground was very heavy, and this considerably hampered the players, who had difficulty in keeping their feet. The visitors got down to the West Ham goal, but Milward was pulled up by Bigdens, and an incursion was made into the visitors' territory. Here Hunt had a chance, but dallied too long, and the opportunity was lost. West Ham continued to have the best of matters, but though good efforts were made by Grassam and Linward, they failed to break through the visitors defence and the other side being equally unsuccessful, half-time arrived without any score to either side. In the second portion the play was again of an equal nature. A good combined movement on the part of the home forwards was becoming dangerous, but Lockie offered a very stubborn defence and spoilt many well-meant efforts. At length McDonald got an opening and cleverly netted the ball, but the referee adjudged him offside, and the effort accordingly was wasted. From then to the finish West Ham had much the better of the exchanges. Grassam, Hunt and Allan each tested Harris in turn, but the New Brompton goalkeeper was very safe, and thanks to his efforts, many well-directed shots failed to reach the net. Towards the close New Brompton rallied, but Monteith easily accounted for the one or two shots he had to deal with, while just before the whistle blew a big effort on the part of the home forwards was frustrated by Lockie and Killean. However, nothing was scored by either side, and at the call of time the result was a pointless draw.
KETTERING TOWN
Rockingham Road
0 - 1
11 January 1902
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Allan
Jones
Bigden
Hunt
Grassam
McDonald
Jenkinson
Linward
The two clubs recently exchanged players, Jones moved from Kettering to West Ham and Kyle going the other way. Kettering won the toss and elected to play up the slope. Platt got the only goal of the game from a free-kick shortly before the interval.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
0 - 1
18 January 1902
Att: 5,000
Monteith
Pudan
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Allan
Grassam
McDonald
Ratcliffe
Linward
In the first half the work was moderate, there being little dash about the play. West Ham were a little the better of the two teams, but failed to penetrate their opponents' defence, and at half-time nothing had been scored. In the second portion Northampton began to stir themselves, and were rewarded quickly, as at the end of five minutes play Chapman scored a goal After this the home side made several excellent rushes and tried to get on terms. However, the Northampton defence was seen to advantage, as at no time did it appear likely to break down. In turn the visitors attacked, the play being fairly level to the end, when Northampton had deservedly won by a goal to love.
LUTON TOWN
Dunstable Road
3 - 0 (Hunt 2, Grassam)
25 January 1902
Att: 5,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
Pudan
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
Ord the regular Luton goalkeeper was absent injured, Lindsay the Luton captain injured a knee halfway through the opening period and had to leave the field temporarily. Craig was in great form repelling virile home attacks - numerious corners fell to the local side - but two goals by Hunt and another by Grassam won the game for the visitors.
WATFORD
Memorial Grounds
3 - 2 (Ratcliffe 2, Grassam)
1 February 1902
Att: 2,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
Pudan
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
REPORT:
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
North Greenwich
1 - 1 (Ratcliffe)
8 February 1902
Att: 3,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
Fog during the morning was clearly the reason the attendance of only 3,000 was low for this popular fixture. From the start the game was exciting, both teams were representative, and a splendid game was witnessed, exceptionally brilliant form being shown by the respective goalkeepers, Monteith and Joyce. Hunt kicked off for the visitors, and the exchanges became very fast and even. The ball quickly became greasy, and the good shooting by Miller, Maher and Almond proved ineffective, the latter's shot being grandly diverted by Craig. The ball was continuously in the centre of the field, and play was fairly even until just before halt-time, when, after a good rush by the local forwards, from a well-timed centre by Hamilton, Watkins scored. West Ham tried desperately to equalise, but were unable, owing to Joyce's fine defence, to draw level at the interval. Upon resuming West Ham continued to force the game, but Joyce splendidly supported the backs, and for a time the play was of a most even character. In turn the visitors pressed, and generous applause was given Ratcliffe when he equalised.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
2 - 1 (Jenkinson, McEachrane)
15 February 1902
Att: 8,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
A large contingent of east Londoners were among the 8,000 crowd. West Ham were first to attack, but some pretty work by the Spurs led to the visitors/ goal being threatened. The defence prevailed, and a foul against Jones in midfield was followed by a smart attack by the Hammers. After ten minutes Grassam sent across to the left, and McEachrane taking a pass, sent in a fast shot that hit the top of the bar and dropped into the net.
The early reverse caused the Spurs to play with renewed vigour. Jenkinson put the Irons' two goals up after Erentz had blocked a hard shot. The second half was keenly contested, the Spurs working hard to reduce the margin. They, however, did not show good combination, and their opponents had quite as much of the game as the home team. The West Ham defence was very strong, the half-backs rendering Craig and King great assistance. Midway through the second half, following a free kick for a foul, Cameron found a weak spot in the visitors' defence, and sent into the net. This proved to be the extent of the scoring, excellent work by both custodians preventing anything further accruing. Monteith had more to do than Griffiths in the concluding stages, but he saved all shots sent him, and enabled West Ham to win a good game by two goals to one and went home with the two points.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Memorial Grounds
4 - 0 (Hunt 2, Ratcliffe 2)
22 February 1902
Att: 4,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
Some delay was caused by Hitch of Queens Park Rangers being unable to find his boots and stockings. The game started without him.
Wheldon injured his ankle at the close of the first half and retired after 50 minutes. Ratcliffe beat Collins with a low drive to give West Ham the lead after 40 minutes. Rangers had the worst of the second period, during which their goal fell three more times to the Hammers advantage. Hunt, who allowed a fine opening to pass, added a second goal on 55 minutes with a good shot. For the remainder of the game the visitors played one back, with the result that West Ham were frequently put offside. Still, they did the bulk of the attacking, and a pretty piece of work by Ratcliffe, Jenkinson and Hunt ended in the last named scoring.
The Rangers made ineffectual, efforts to reduce the lead, but were unsuccessful, and Collins being again beaten by Ratcliffe, the home team were left winners by four goals to nil.
BRENTFORD
Boston Park
2 - 0 (Hunt, Jenkinson)
3 March 1902
Att: 500
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Yenson
McEachrane
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
REPORT:
READING
Memorial Grounds
2 - 1 (Hunt, Ratcliffe)
8 March 1902
Att: 6,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
Play was very fast all through the first half. Both goals were threatened, but the custodians were not called upon to any great extent. The only point registered came as the result of a corner to Reading ten minutes after the start. Evans placed the ball nicely, and Monteith was called upon to fist away a shot by Blackwood. The ball cam out to Allison, however, and the full-back, with a fine shot, reached the net and gave Reading the lead. Resuming after the interval West Ham played up in determined fashion, but it was not until the last fifteen minutes that they were able to drew level. Then, from a free kick close in, Cotton was tested by Ratcliffe, but proved equal to the occasion. The West Ham inside right was not to be denied, however, and coming back to the attack, he succeeded in equalising with a good low shot. The exchanges then became very exciting, and West Ham, five minutes later, amid much enthusiasm, drew to the front, Hunt reaching the net with a capital effort. The remainder of the game was keenly contested, but nothing further was scored, and West Ham were left winners by two goals to one.
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
0 - 0
15 March 1902
Att: 6,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Yenson
McEachrane
Allan
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
A very impressive performance by West Ham - getting a point from Fratton Park. Pompey had previously only dropped 7 points in all matches and reached the last eight of the FA Cup.
SOUTHAMPTON
Memorial Grounds
2 - 1 (Grassam, Ratcliffe)
22 March 1902
Att: 7,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
Unsettled weather kept the attendance down otherwise the Cup finalists would have proved a huge attraction. West Ham won on their merits, their form throughout being of a highly creditable order, whereas the Saints were erratic. West Ham pressed at the outset, but with their backs mis-kicking, the visitors subsequently became very dangerous. Gradually the home side settled down and secured a series of corners, but nothing resulted. The home side had the better of the first half, but Southampton crossed over with the lead, Harrison heading through after receiving from Small just before the interval. In the second half the Hampshire side slowed down. West Ham put in all they knew, however, and were rewarded with an equalising goal from Grasssam, who had the better of a tussle with Robinson. Amid great enthusiasm Ratcliffe put the home team in front from a rebound, Robinson having just previously fallen in effecting a clearance. At the other end Monteith saved grandly from Harrison, while Turner missed an easy chance, and the result of an interesting match was West Ham United, two goals; Southampton one.
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
1 - 0 (Ratcliffe)
29 March 1902
Att: 1,000
Monteith
King
Yenson
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
Monteith won the toss and played with a strong wind. Give and take play ensured for a time period Linward got away and centered well, and Major had plenty of time to clear, but mulled, and Ratcliffe easily beat Menham, who had no chance. The visitors kept up the attack, but Menham was in good form, and was not beaten again. With the assistance of the wind the home lot found Monteith plenty of work, but the defence was sound, and when time was up West Ham had won a good game by one goal to love.
PORTSMOUTH
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Ratcliffe)
12 April 1902
Att: 6,000
Monteith
King
Craig
Bigden
Jones
McEachrane
Grassam
Ratcliffe
Hunt
Jenkinson
Linward
West Ham won the toss, and went into the lead in the twelfth minute - Ratcliffe scoring. Ten minutes later Corrin received from Marshall and equalised.
