WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1902-03 Southern League (Division One)
Manager : Syd King
There was an exodus of senior players as the season began, which upset the home supporters. Key players such as Charlie Craig, William Jones, Roderick McEachrane and Fergus Hunt left for pastures new. Among the new recruits were wing-half Joe Blythe, centre-half Tommy McAteer, full-back George Eccles and winger William Barnes.
The opening game of the season saw West Ham draw 1–1 with Reading at home and this was followed up with a 0–0 draw at Queens Park Rangers. A visit to Wellingborough finished with the Hammers being beaten 5–1. With no victories on the board there were complaints that the new players were not as good as those who had left.
The team responded and wins followed over Watford (3–1) and Brentford (3–0) with Grassam scoring twice in both games. However, the good form did not last; visitors Millwall won 3–0 and a week later the Hammers were knocked out of the FA Cup with Lincoln City winning 2–0 at Sincil Bank. Worse was to follow with a crushing 6–0 defeat at Reading in early December. The Christmas fixtures did not bring any cheer with a 2–1 home defeat to Southampton on Christmas Day and a 2–0 loss at Fratton Park against Portsmouth on Boxing Day. However, the supporters morale soon changed as the team went on to record five successive home wins, with club marksman Grassam scoring five times. At home West Ham were to remain unbeaten for the rest of the season, which gave an upsurge in the attendances resulting in a crowd of 10,000 for the final home game against Portsmouth. The remaining three games of the season were all away, which resulted in a 6–0 defeat at Reading, a 4–0 defeat at Luton and a final game 2–1 loss at rivals Millwall. Overall it meant a final placing of 10th in the table but the 49 goals conceded was one of the worst in the league.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
READING
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Barnes)
6 September 1902
Att: 7,000
WILLIAM BIGGAR
GEORGE ECCLES
JAMES DOW
Bigden
TOMMY McATEER
JOE BLYTHE
JOHN CAMPBELL
Grassam
JOHN FARRELL
WILLIAM BARNES
Linward
Fine weather for the kick-off of the new season. Hammers won the toss and kicked-off from the railway end. Bull and Allison for Reading were both in fine form, fifteen minutes from half-time Grassam got thru' and passing to Barnes West Ham gained the lead that they held until the interval. West Ham had much the better of the early period of the second half. A Davidson shot nearly scored for Reading but Eccles unintentionally, handled and a penalty was awarded from which Allison equalised.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Kensal Rise Athletic Ground
0 - 0
13 September 1902
Att: 7,000
Biggar
Eccles
Dow
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Farrell
Barnes
Linward
The game got rougher the longer it went on and ended with a penalty award to Queens Park Rangers. Hamilton shot wide.
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Dog & Duck Ground
1 - 5 (Grassam)
27 September 1902
Att: 4,000
Biggar
Eccles
Dow
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Allan
Grassam
Farrell
Barnes
Linward
Barnes and Linwood gave the Wellingborough backs a lot of trouble, and Rodway venturing out, Grassam nipped in to beat Ord. Neither side increased its score up to half-time. On resuming, the home team pressed, and McCairns shot into Biggar's hands. A foul put back the visitors, and from this the home forwards had a run of luck. Smith scored a pretty goal, and from the kick-off Hyde secured and centred and McCairns, who was watching his opportunity, breasted into the net the third goal. The visitors played up and Barnes got within range when Stevenson kicked out along the line. As the result of a brilliant bit of dribbling, Dartnell eluded the backs, and scored the fourth goal from within the penalty line. The visitors could not make any substantial progress, and Hyde, getting in again, passed to Dartnell, who obtained the fifth and last goal.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Memorial Grounds
1 - 0 (Grassam)
4 October 1902
Att: 6,500
FREDERICK GRIFFITHS
King
Eccles
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Allan
Grassam
Farrell
Barnes
Linward
Griffiths replaced Biggar in goal for West Ham. Both sides employed rushing tactics and good football was conspicuous by its absence. The defence of both sides was very strong and goalkeepers, Griffiths and Cartledge had little to do. At half-time the score sheet was blank. Most of the second half was a repetition of the first. The only goal of the game came 15 minutes from the end, Barnes got away and passed to Linward who put in a capital centre across the face of the Rovers goal. Farrell miss-judged it badly but Grassam dashing in made no mistake.
Hammers played much better after this and Rovers goal was hard pressed but it was the visitors who came nearest to scoring when King diverted a dangerous centre by Howie over the bar. The was West Ham's first Southern League win of the season and Rovers first defeat.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
County Ground
0 - 2
11 October 1902
Att: 3,000
Griffiths
King
Eccles
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Allan
Grassam
Farrell
Barnes
Linward
West Ham won the toss and played wind assisted. There was no score at the interval and the match was still goal-less with 15 minutes to go. At that point Northampton re-arranged their forwards. The change worked splendidly when Crump scored following a three-man breakaway started by Benbow. This success roused the Northampton men, who immediately rushed down the field and Brown notched a second goal, after the West Ham custodian had saved from Benbow. Farrell the West Ham centre-forward was formerly with the Northampton side, King the better full-back and Griffiths the West Ham goalkeeper was the best players on show.
WATFORD
Memorial Grounds
3 - 1 (Grassam 2, Barnes)
18 October 1902
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Dow
Eccles
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
SYDNEY SUGDEN
Barnes
Linward
A fast and interesting match with the home side the better of the two sides. A thick haze hung over the ground and accompanied continually by rain drizzles that were unpleasant for the players. A fine run by Linward ended with Grassam securing the ball and scoring after 20 minutes. After this Watford had a brief spell of attacking, and Proudfoot had a chance, but shot over. Campbell then missed narrowly - twice. All the West Ham forwards tested Horner and McAteer managed three tries from half-back. Watford pressed at the start of the second half and Harvey and Murray shot at Griffiths. Then Tennant got past the West Ham defence with a screw shot that completely beat the West Ham goalkeeper. With the scores equal the visitors played hard to get the get the lead, but they were beaten back, and the home side once more made the running. It was getting towards time before anything tangible resulted from their efforts, but Barnes found an opening and restored the home sides lead. Still forcing the game, West Ham made matters very warm in the neighbourhood of the Watford goal, but it was not until the shadows were gathering that Grassam scored a third time. The whistle went just after, leaving the result West Ham United three goals; Watford one.
BRENTFORD
Boston Park
3 - 0 (Grassam 2 [1 pen], Bigden)
25 October 1902
Att: 3,000
Griffiths
Dow
Eccles
Kelly
McAteer
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Farrell
Bigden
Linward
Despite the scoreline West Ham were fortunate to win. This was Brentford's eight successive reverse. The Bees had numerous shots but as things always seem to go for losing sides, all were inches high or wide. After half-an-hour had elapsed Shanks was brought down by Dow in the box. Regan took the kick, but although after the first ball was brought back Griffiths twice saved the retaken spot kick. Just before the interval, after having to go on the defensive for some time, the visitors broke away on the left, and Linward, centring nicely, Bigden turned the ball into the net to put West Ham one up at the interval.
On resuming this advantage looked like being quickly lost, for Brentford attacked with vigour, but their shots were always wide of the mark. West Ham's second goal was scored by Grassam with two defenders and the goalkeeper on the ground. Brentford continued to experience most disheartening luck, but they persevered against it pluckily to the end, although they failed to score. Towards the close of play a penalty was awarded to West ham for 'hands' and Grassam made it 3-0.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
1 - 1 (Grassam)
1 November 1902
Att: 7,000
Griffiths
Dow
Eccles
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Farrell
Barnes
Linward
This was another fine display by the Hammers on a ground that in the past had proved unlucky for them. Spurs' opened with a fierce onslaught and the visitors defended desperately for the first 15 minutes. West Ham could not force the Spurs back but a free kick gave them a brief respite. But the home side came back and after another spell of pressure a Copeland pass enabled Barlow to put the North Londoner ahead. From here on Spurs deteriorated and West Ham began to get back into the game. Chances began to fall to them but at half-time they still trailed 0-1. Play evened ouut in the second half but Kirwan had bad luck when his clever drop shot was only kept out by a miracle save from Griffiths. Once more West Ham began to create chances and as the game progressed th e away side were getting closer and close to Clawley's goal. With 13 minutes left the Hammers grabbed a point when Grassam equalised.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
Memorial Grounds
0 - 3
8 November 1902
Att: 10,000
Griffiths
Dow
Eccles
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Farrell
Barnes
Linward
Heavy rain in the morning kept the attendance down. At kick-off time the weather had cleared but the pitch was in a very heavy state. The match opened very fast but slackened noticeably near the end. The game was started by Mr. George Hay J.P. A prominent supporter of the Hammers and donator (in 1888) of the West Ham Charity Cup.
The Hammers were on top in the opening 20 minutes. Millwalll then cracked the West Ham defensive system and opened their account when Watkins scored. Some spectators thought Hulse may have been interfering with Griffiths as the ball was netted, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Eccles and Griffiths were playing particularly well until Hulse sent in a harmless looking shot which Griffiths came out to and attempted to kick away. He missed his kick completely and the ball rolled over the line for Millwall's second goal.
The Dockers then raised their game and the Hammers defenders were hard pressed to present further goals. The half-time whistle came as a welcome relief.
The second half was not very old when the visitors went into a 3-0 lead. Griffiths was again at fault, and he had just made two grand saves from Hulse and Astley, when he left his goal and was easily beaten by a Watkins shot. Moran was Millwall's best forward his tricky play and good centres were a constant source of danger to West Ham.
NEW BROMPTON
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Campbell)
22 November 1902
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
King
Eccles
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Farrell
Barnes
Linward
Abandoned: 60 mins Bad Light
It was evident soon after half-time, that this match would run into light problems. At the break it was failing fast. The referee twice consulted his linesmen before deciding to call a halt just 8 minutes from time.
At half-time Hammers were a goal down, a good shot by Bradbury was well stopped by Griffiths but he couldn't clear and Satterwaite following up put the Kent side one up. West Ham's equaliser came from a free kick for hands against McCurdy, an offence he committed more than once in this game. Linward's kick found Campbell who shot home.
KETTERING TOWN
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Grassam)
6 Decemebr 1902
Att: 2,500
Griffiths
King
Fair
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Allan
Campbell
Grassam
Barnes
Linward
Frosty pitch surface made conditions slippery. Fair gave a capital display in one of his occasional first team outings. After 35 minutes Hammers were one-up through Grassam. Just after the break, King forced his way through and put in a shot. A rare happening for him, the incident gave the crowd much pleasure. Kettering's most prominent player, Becton got away down the left-wing and from his centre Parker scored the goal that robbed the Boleyn club od a point, 10 minutes from time.
LINCOLN CITY : FA Cup Intermediate Round
Sincil Bank
0 - 2
13 December 1902
Att: 3,000
Griffiths
Dow
Eccles
Bigden
Kelly
Blyth
Allen
Grassam
Farrell
Barnes
Linward
In the 20th minute a Kelly eror let in Proudfoot for Lincoln's first goal. Griffiths kept out a super shot from Smith but Hartley beat him soon after. The visitors combination was very good at times but the shooting left a lot to be desired.
READING
Elm Park
0 - 6
20 December 1902
Att: 4,000
Biggar
King
Eccles
Yenson
McAteer
Blythe
Grassam
Bigden
Farrell
Campbell
Barnes
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON
Memorial Grounds
1 - 2 (Grassam)
25 December 1902
Att: 6,000
Griffiths
King
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
ALEXANDER DAVIDSON
Farrell
Barnes
Hammers had the better of the first half. Blythe, Yenson, Davidson and Farrell all played well, but Robinson and Co presented a resolute barrier. Saints livened up in the second half and Bigden and King blocked promising Southampton advances. Southampton went in front from a half stopped free-kick. Turner equalised and Lee got the winner for the away side.
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
0 - 2
26 December 1902
Att: 18,000
Griffiths
King
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Davidson
Farrell
Barnes
REPORT:
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Barnes, Grassam)
27 December 1902
Att: 2,500
Griffiths
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Farrell
Davidson
Barnes
Capital game, weather charming, no wind. Following early Rangers attacks West Ham found an opening and when Bigden found Grassam the inside man found the net amid great rejoicing. The visitors tried hard to get back on terms and pressed straight from the restart. But the home defence was too clever, Griffiths being in his best form. A Barnes shot found the net but it was disallowed. Later a Campbell pass found him and he put the issue beyound doubt.
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Memorial Grounds
3 - 0 (Barnes, Davidson, Grassam)
10 January 1903
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Davidson
Wallace
Barnes
On a bright clear afternoon West Ham just had to avenge that stinging 1-5 reverse at Wellingborough on September 27 last. West Ham won the toss and gained the advantage of a slight breeze. There was a lot of feeble play to start with but then the visitors 'woke up' Fair did useful work at the rear and Griffiths too was twice enticed off this goal-line to clear. Hammers first shot came from Campbell - his effort was headed clear by Rodway. Then an easy chance fell to Grassam but his shot hit a post. At this stage the Londoners were having by far the best of the exchanges, they should have been leading but their shooting was either woefully weak or innaccurate. Grassam did get the ball 'in' but was adjudged offside. After 25 minutes came welcome relief when Barnes made it 1-0. And that's the way it stayed until half-time.
At the start of the second period Campbell and Grassam made some fine runs, being prompted by Bigden from behind. Wellingborough came back and Griffiths had a lively 3 minute spell in the home sides goal. A mix-up in front of the visitors goal ended with Grassam in possessio. He got the ball to Davidson who made it 2-0. Ten minutes later Grassam himself scored number 3. A late Wellingborough rally was well contained by Griffiths and Fair.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Stapleton Road
1 - 1 (Wallace)
17 January 1903
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
King
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Davidson
Wallace
Barnes
An even game, West Ham continue with their daring experiment of playing young inexperienced locals in their side. In the team at Bristol was Wallace, Yenson, Bigden and Barnes. And Fair was only missing because of a business call. Yet West Ham held their own and scored a magnificent goal whereas Bristol had to depend on a penalty to win their point. The pitch was frostboind and snow which had been falling turned to rain at the kick-off time.
West Ham won the toss. King in place of Dow did some doubtful things early in the game. The crowd differred witrth the refereee when he gave King the benefit of the doubt in a handling incident. But when he bought down Wilcox from behind the referee awarded a penalty and Lyon scored. This happened halfway through the opening period.
Halfway into the second spell Wallace met a good centre after a splendid bout of combination between Campbell and Grassam and smashed a grand equaliser passed Cartlidge.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
3 - 2 (Davidson, Grassam, Wallace)
24 January 1903
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Davidson
Wallace
Barnes
Unfavourable conditions - Ground heavy and rain was falling but their was a large assembly for a keen contest. Hammers were at full strength and won the toss and chose to play with the slight breeze. Barnes, Grassam and Davidson all tested Cook before Davidson got one passed him in the 8th minute. West Ham followed this with a long spell of pressure. Then the Northants side broke away and Wilson got in a shot that struck Griffiths the ball came out to Benbow who equalised with a capital shot. There were no more goals until just before half-time. Grassam got possession and 'sent thru' the referee allowed the goal after consulting a linesman. Half-time 2-1.
The visitors pressed early in the second half and looked likely to level.
three corners were conceded by Hammers defenders in quick succession but all were fruitless. Northampton eventually got level when a Dilkes shot evaded Griffiths reach. Near the end an error by dainty cost the Midland side a point. Bigden was allowed to centre and Wallace had no difficulty scoring the winner.
WATFORD
Cassio Road
1 - 2 (Davidson)
31 January 1903
Att: 5,000
Griffiths
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Davidson
Wallace
Barnes
Five thousand people assembled to witnees this match Watford, which, ended in the defeat of the United two goals to one. Both sides were at full strength. A free kick halfway through the opening period led to Watford's first goal. Grassam committed the offence, Cotterall's shot rebounded off Griffiths and Tennent following up put Watford one up at half-time. Early in the second half Hammers were reduced to ten-men when eccles left the field with a severe strain. West Ham thereupon employed the one-back game. Exchanges became very un-interesting and the off-side whistle was constantly heard. Ten minutes from the end a centre from Campbell was shot home by Davidson and the visitors were level. But the jubilation was short-lived for Cotterall got the Watford winner five minutes later.
BRENTFORD
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Grassam 2)
7 February 1903
Att: 3,000
Griffiths
Fair
Dow
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Davidson
Wallace
Barnes
Strong wind spoilt play. West Ham won the toss and played first half wind-assisted. The Hammers forwards soon made things lively around Brentfords goal and Nidd saved one or two dangerous situations. Then a Wallace shot was stopped by Spicer but he fell and the ball ran loose to Grassam who made no mistake 1-0. The home side were still only a goal ahead at half-time but 10 minutes into the latter spell Grassam scored a second.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Memorial Grounds
1 - 0 (Wallace)
14 February 1903
Att: 8,000
Griffiths
Fair
Dow
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Campbell
Grassam
Davidson
Wallace
Barnes
The absence of "Woodward, Kirwan and Copeland no doubt weakened the Spurs' attack, but Gilhooly, Fredericks, and Chalmers were excellent substitutes, and the Hotspurs will do well to give the Chelmsford man some further trials. The home team were alll good, and there was not a really weak spot in the team, all playing well up to the mark. Blythe was the best man on the field, and the work he got through was tremendous. Barnes, too, has seldom played, a better game; while Wallace, Yenson, and Fair improve week by week. Wallace's goal was a good one, but Barnes deserves the credit for it. Dow, who turned out for Eccles, was in great form, and on one occasion saved his side when Griffiths was all but 'beaten, the ball being hooked out over his head for a corner. In fact, he played with dogged determination all through, and was very nearly, if not quite, the best back on the field. Griffiths, Bigden, Davidson, Grassam, and Campbell were all in their usual form, and little fault could be found with any one, only Campbell will take the ball back instead of forward.
On the Spurs side their halves shone up in brilliant style; in fact, they were the best three I have seen on the ground this season; while Tait played a resolute game at back, and was ably supported by Watson previous to the latter's injury, Chalmers and Dryburgh were both in good form on the extreme wings; but Cameron was decidedly below par; while I have seen Gilhooly play many a better game. Clawley was safe, and on two occasions cleared in marvellous style.
NEW BROMPTON
Priestfield Stadium
0 - 2
7 March 1903
Att: 7,000
Griffiths
Fair
Dow
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
WALTER MIECZNIKOWSKI
Grassam
Farrell
Wallace
Barnes
A fully deserved victory for New Brompton and only Griffiths in the West Ham goal kept the score down. The locals were in aggressive mood from the start. Griffiths saved two splendid shots from Dunkley who was deputy for Milward who was down with flu. Later Griffiths failed to clear and Smith netted but the score was dissallowed. New Brompton very much in control of the first half but were unable to pierce a stiff West Ham defence. Grassam got through at the other end and almost gave West Ham an undeserved lead. half-time 0-0. After 55 minutes Bradbury provided Smith with a pass from which he gave the home side the lead. Satterwaite got another 20 minutes later. Hammers attack lacked sting but Barnes once he got the ball passed Daws but was adjudged offside. Fair had a good game at the back but 'Mickey' was a disappointment up front.
SWINDON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Farrell)
14 March 1903
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Allan
Grassam
Farrell
Wallace
Barnes
West Ham have done none to well away from home - having lost eleven games - but they have yet they have pnly been beaten at home once. In this game they were unlucky not to have won. They were always in command, when at full strength. Unfortunately Grassam after 10 minutes ricked his back badly. The clever little inside-right had to leave the field and rest until half-time. In addition Fair was off for 10 minutes and when he returned was under considerable dis-comfort. Swindon began in fine style - scoring in the first minute through Pugh. Breaking away Pugh beat Griffith with a clever shot. Grassam was subsequently guilty of a couple of bad misses. WEst Ham were severely handicapped up front when Grassam was forced to retire. Just before half-time during a tussle in front of the Swindon goal, Farrell got possession and sent in a shot over the heads of several players. It glanced off the inside of the post and went in. The game hotted up in the second half and there were frquent stoppages for fouls. There was also a lot of aimless high, and long kicking.
NEW BROMPTON
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Farrell)
23 March 1903
Att: 1,000
Griffiths
Dow
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Allan
Farrell
Grassam
Wallace
Barnes
Fine weather, a good pace was maintained throughout. Both sides tended to prefer individual performance rather than combination. Both sides also indulged in frequent kicking to touch in the second half. New Brompton took an early lead when Dunkley scored after only 5 minutes from a pass by Satterthwaite. Fifteen minutes later a foul on Grassam led to Farrell equalising after Barnes got across a good centre. New Brompton had the best of the remaining first half minutes but i the second period the Hammers were more aggressive. Neither side seemed to have much idea when near goal. Archer was a fine full-back for the visitors and Daw a competent 'keeper'.
LUTON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
4 - 1 (Grassam 2, Bigden, Farrell)
28 March 1903
Griffiths
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Allan
Farrell
Grassam
Wallace
Barnes
Turbulent elements kept the attendance down, this was the first-ever Southern League meeting between the two sides. Davidson with West Ham up to a few weeks ago was now in Luton's colours.
On a heavy rain-soaked pitch the home club, thanks to Griffiths, Eccles and Fair were able to claim an easy victory. This trio were especially conspicuous in the first 20 minutes when Hammers faced the full force of a gale wind - and rain. At this stage Luton enjoyed a good deal of the play but were woefully deficient in shooting, Blessington, Davidson, Moody and Allsop all tried shots at the West Ham goal in the hope that the wind might assist the ball into the West Ham net. But Griffiths dealt with each in capital style.
After 30 minutes Wallace and Barnes broke away and Barnes cross was met by Farrell whose soft shot surprised Frail in the Luton goal and the home side were ahead. As the weather began to clear West Ham attacked vigorously and from an accurate centre by Allan, Grassam headed number two. Just prior to the break Luton made a determined attack and Griffiths pulled off a magnificent save from Moddy.
Immediately after the break Barnes got away but was brought down near the corner flag by Lindsay. Eccles free kick found Grassams head and West Ham were three up. Slackness in the Luton defence let Bigden get in a drop-shot which fell into the goal behind Frail for 4-0. Davidson the former West Ham centre-forward scored for Luton near the end.
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
1 - 1 (Grassam)
4 April 1903
Biggar
Eccles
King
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Allan
Grassam
Farrel
lWallace
Barnes
REPORT:
PORTSMOUTH
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Grassam [pen])
10 April 1903
Griffiths
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
Allan
Farrell
Grassam
Wallace
Barnes
A fine well fought game in ideal conditions, no wind and no sun and a fast turf. From start to finish play was fast and exciting with the visitors always a trifle superior. The Smith brothers on the Pompey left wing was prominent early and caused Hammers defence some anxiety. West Ham's inside trio Farrell, Grassam and Wallace were well held by Chadwick and Houlker. Fair and Eccles protected Griffiths well, first 20 minutes generally dominated by the visitors. Griffiths cleared a long shot from Brown who was being closely watched by Yenson. Half-time 0-0.
Wallace was badly fouled by Houlker when placed to shoot. Grassam's penalty kick was partly stopped by Reilly but not enough and it dribbled over the line to give West Ham the lead.
From here on Griffiths was kept busy in the West Ham goal. Marshall, Cunliffe and S. Smith all tested the goalkeeper and finally a centre by Smith was headed in by Brown to make the final score one a piece.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
0 - 6
13 April 1903
Biggar
Eccles
Dow
Bigden
Yenson
Blythe
McAteer
Farrell
Grassam
Wallace
Campbell
Fine weather following a snowstorm. Southampton started in fine style combining well and causing the West Ham defenders some trouble. Eccles being hard pressed by Turner handled and Harrison scored from the spot.
Saints forwards were playing brilliantly and Wood supplied a through pass for Harrison to dash between the West Ham full-backs to score a second. Robinson in the Southampton goal was seeing plenty of the ball but Biggar at the other end conceded yet another goal when he fumbled a Harrison shot and Turner score for 3-0. In the second half Saints were still more on top. Turner netted twice more and the Hammers defender 'put through' following a melee in front of the visitors posts.
KETTERING TOWN
Rockingham Road
1 - 1 (Bush)
15 April 1903
Biggar
Yenson
King
Bigden
Kelly
HARRY PARKINSON
ROBERT BUSH
Farrell
Grassam
Wallace
Miecznikowski
Snow and hail fell during the first-half. West Ham won the toss and chose to kick-down the slope. Early on Farrell missed a golden opportunity then Adey struck the side-netting. Hammers attacked hotly and the man with the long name (Miecznikowski) sent in a long shot which Mearns caught but could not hold - but he quickly recovered. A smart shower of rain and hail fell at this time and this was followed by a heavy fall of snow in the second half.
Just before the interval 'Mickey' sent in another shot that Mearns in the Kettering goal only partially stopped a shot from Miecznikowski and Bush rushed in to score. Half-time 1-0.
Two minutes into the second half Kettering equalised. Adey got away beat King and centred. Banks got his head to the ball and Kettering were level. After this the home side quite outplayed the visitors and Biggar's charge had several narrow escapes. Banks netted again but was ruled off-side. Banks was giving the visiting defenders a troublesome time. He git through again but Biggar saved cleverly when he looked certain to score. Biggar also punched out a shot from Adey and then Woods shot wide. Biggar then cleared a hectic melee in front of his goal. Bush broke away down the West Ham right and Mearns had to save a hot shot from 'Mick Whisky' (Miecznikowski)
LUTON TOWN
Dunstable Road
0 - 4
18 April 1903
Griffiths
Eccles
Fair
Bigden
McAteer
Blythe
Miecznikowski
Bush
ROGER EVANS
Wallace
Barnes
Luton's last home match of the season began in sensational style. Allsopp broke clear from the kick off and sent in a smashing shot. Griffiths in attempting to clear puched the goal post instead of the ball. The ball went into the net and Griffiths went into the dressing room for attention.
Eccles took over in goal where he remained for the rest of the game. Griffiths returned after half an hour and took up the right back position. He had a surgical bandage on his hand. Gall got another score for Luton who led 2-0 at half-time. Davidson scored two second half goals against his old colleagues to give Luton a convincing four goal triumph.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
North Greenwich
1 - 2 (Grassam)
25 April 1903
Biggar
Eccles
Dow
Parkinson
Yenson
Blythe
Allan
Bigden
Grassam
Wallace
Barnes
The weather was delightfully fine. Millwall were depleted in strength, Bell was out with bronchitis and Astley, Gettins, Franklin and Hulse were all recovering from injuries. But Millwall still just about deserved to win. Eccles the Millwall number eleven gave them the lead after 6 minutes following Biggar saving from Moran. Twenty-five minutes later Grassam equalised for the Hammers with an exceedingly clever shot after collecting a pass from Barnes. Half-time 1-1.
Half way through the second half Parkinson fouled Jones in the box and Hammers surrendered their point as Watkins 'kick' beat Biggar.
Note:
There were 11 meetings of the Millwall v West Ham clubs this season (1902-03) in various competitions and friendlies and the Hammers have not a victory to their credit.
