WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1903-04 Southern League (Division One)
Manager : Syd King
During the close season there had been many changes to the playing staff as eight players had left. As replacements, the club signed goalkeeper Charlie Cotton, inside-forward Herbert Lyon, wing-half Tommy Allison, centre-half Ernest Watts, outside-right William Kirby and centre-forward Charlie Satterthwaite.
The opening game in north Greenwich against Millwall saw the Hammers beaten 4–2. This was followed by two home victories against Kettering (4–1) and Queens Park Rangers (1–0). There were no wins in the next eight league games but in between those there had been victories in the FA Cup. In the third qualifying round Brighton were beaten 4–0 with two goals from Herbert Lyon. The same player scored another brace in the next round with a 3–0 victory against Clapton. Chatham were the opponents in the fifth qualifying round, where Charlie Satterthwaite scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 win. The FA Cup run came to an end before an attendance of 12,000 against Fulham. It was a poor performance as the visitors won 1–0.
The Christmas period brought two welcome home league wins. League leaders Southampton were beaten 2–1 and revenge for the Cup defeat was sweet as the Hammers beat Fulham 2–0. The next victory, though, didn’t come until the end of January when visitors Wellingborough lost 4–1. The gate was only 250 and was to be the club’s lowest ever Southern League attendance. The team were again inconsistent – a 0–4 reverse at Bristol Rovers was followed by a 5–0 win against Brighton, where Satterthwaite scored four. In March there was a poor run of five consecutive league defeats without scoring. It was the away form that was letting the Hammers down with one draw and eleven defeats.
The West Ham directors were at this time looking to relocate the club to a new ground. They met with officials of the Boleyn Castle FC and it was decided that the two clubs would merge and West Ham would move to the Boleyn Castle Ground at Canning Town, commencing the following season.
On Good Friday there was a 3–0 home triumph over Portsmouth but this was followed by five consecutive away fixtures. Facing relegation, the team rallied and fought out two wins and two draws with only one defeat. The final home game – and the last at the Memorial Grounds – was a disappointment. Swindon Town were the visitors and won with a solitary goal, which left West Ham finishing in 12th position in the league.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
North Greenwich
2 - 4 (Kirby, Sattherwaithe)
5 September 1903
Att: 10,000
CHARLES COTTON
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
ERNEST WATTS
Blythe
WILLIAM KIRBY
HERBERT LYON
WILLIAM INGHAM
CHARLES SATTERTHWAITE
Barnes
Millwall were without Joyce, injured in practice a week earlier. Hulse got the first Millwall goal when he received from Watkins. Astley quickly added a second and Maxwell netted two more.
KETTERING TOWN
Memorial Grounds
4 - 1 (Lyon 2, Allison, Bigden)
7 September 1903
Att: 1,000
Cotton
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Watts
TOMMY ALLISON
Kirby
JAMES BUTCHART
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
Start delayed until 5:35 pm and consequently the last 15 minutes were played in semi-darkness. Hammers were the better side all round and have the makings of a good side. The four men transferred from Reading during the close season, Cotton, Watts, Allison and Lyon, were all especially conspicuous. Lyon score twice and Allison once in the 4-1 win.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Memorial Grounds
1 - 0 (Satterthwaite)
12 September 1903
Att: 6,000
Cotton
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Watts
Allison
Kirby
Butchart
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
Only Satterthwaite West Ham and Hamilton Rangers played anything like they are capable. The other twenty made a major contribution to a ragged game. Satterthwaite hit a post with a lightening drive after good individual work
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Home Park
0 - 2
19 September 1903
Att: 5,000
Cotton
Fair
Eccles
Bigden
Watts
Allison
Kirby
Butchart
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
REPORT:
LUTON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
0 - 0
24 September 1903
Att: 3,000
Cotton
Eccles
PERCY MAPLEY
Bigden
Watts
Allison
Kirby
JACK HILSDON
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
The visitors showed little of the form that beat Millwall 3-2 at East Ferry Road the previous Saturday. Early in the game a glorious chance fell to Hilsdon but the old Clapton Orient man shot wide. Kirby was also well placed when he shot wide. Satterthwaite skimmed the bar after a long run. At this stage West Ham were enjoying three-quarters of the play. Bob Hawkins the popular amateur in the Luton side was hurt and had to leave the field. He returned after a while to foil some promising moves between Hilsdon and Kirby but was forced to leave the field for good. Luton thus finished the game a man short.
READING
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Satterthwaite)
26 September 1903
Att: 10,000
Cotton
Eccles
Fair
Bigden
Watts
Allison
Kirby
Lyon
Ingham
Satterthwaite
Barnes
An interesting match played at a fast pace. Satterthwaite gave West Ham the lead in the 18th minute with a 30 yard shot. Poppitt equalised for Reading a few minutes later but soon after had to leave the field when he wrenched a knee. Good missed a penalty for Reading.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Memorial Grounds
1 - 4 (Watts [pen])
10 October 1903
Att: 5,000
Cotton
Eccles
Mapley
Bigden
Watts
Allison
Kirby
WILLIAM BRIDGEMAN
Lyon
Barnes
ARTHUR EARL
West Ham not 3 goals inferior, dull weather and Hammers 3 down at the interval. Cotton saved a penalty awarded for hands and Watts scored one for the home side.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
2 - 3 (Fair, Satterthwaite)
17 October 1903
Att: 4,0000
Cotton
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Bigden
Fair
Satterthwaite
Barnes
Hammers dominated the first half and kept the home side under serve pressure for long spells. The only goal in the period was scored by Satterthwaite. Brighton equalised within 3 minutes of the restart when Scott scored and the same player put Bright ahead but Fair levelled at 2-2. Garfield got the winner for the home side.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION : FA CUP (Third Qualifying Round)
Memorial Grounds
4 - 0 (Lyon 2, Satterwhwaite, Watts)
31 October 1903
Att: 5,000
Cotton
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Bigden
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
Satterthwaite and Barnes were an especially dangerous partnership to an outclassed Brighton side. Satterwthwaite was quite the best player on the field. Blythe was the pick of the half-backs. Howes formerly of Dundee saved some cannon drives from Satterthwaite. After only 8 minutes West Ham were one up when Lyon headed a Barnes corner into the net. Hammers second goal was scored by Watts from a scrimmage after a good run by Lyon. Satterthwaite made an opening from a clever run. His low shot hit an upright and came out to Kirby. His shot was stopped by Howes but the ball ran loose and Satterthwaite just beat his colleague Lyon to it and netted West ham's third goal.
BRENTFORD
Memorial Grounds
0 - 1
7 November 1903
Att: 2,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Bigden
Blythe
Kirby
ALEXANDER BIRNIE
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
REPORT:
CLAPTON : FA Cup (Fourth Qualifying Round)
Spotted Dog Ground
3 - 0 (Lyon 2, Satterthwaite)
14 November 1903
Att: 4,500
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Bigden
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
Report:
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
1 - 2 (Kirby)
21 November 1903
Att: 8,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Bigden
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
In the game at Tottenham a fierce shot by Satterthwaite dislocated the finger of Williams the Spurs goalkeeper. Hughes deputised for the short spell Williams was off having it put right.
Something like 8,000 spectators saw the 'Spurs prove successful over West Ham by the narrow margin of two goals to one. It was a victory well deserved on the run of the game, but was not obtained until they had been hard put to it throughout the ninety minutes. The visitors opened with a goal in the first two minutes, through weakness on the part of Williams, the home custodian, who allowed a shot by Kirby to escape his vigilance, and West Ham kept the lead till change of ends. Needless to say, they worked hard to do this, and were materially assited in their efforts by a stiffish breeze. It was not a great game by any means up to half-time, neither side settling down.
CHATHAM : FA Cup (Fifth Qualifying Round)
Maidstone Ground
5 - 0 (Satterthwaite 3, Kirby, Lyon)
28 November 1903
Att: 5,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Bigden
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
Heavy rain for 24 hours prior to the match - turf not suited to Chatham's lightweight forwards and style. The Southern Leaguer's were far to good for the locals. The home side had few chances - the centre-forward and inside men being too slow and uncertain. Satterthwaite scored first two goals and Kirby 'brested' one over for three nil at half-time. Satterthwaite and Lyon added two more in the second period to bring about Chatham's first defeat.
NEW BROMPTON
Priestfield Stadium
0 - 0
5 December 1903
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Bigden
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Barnes
If somewhat dull, the weather at New Brompton was fine, and about four thousand people witnessed this match. The play vigorous and even in the first half, but try as they would neither side could get through, and at the interval nothing had been scored. After change of ends, the home forwards were repeatedly dangerous, but Griffiths saved some fine shots, and all the attacks were brought to nought. When the end came, nothing had been scored, and the match thus ended in draw. Misty weather towards the end of the game almost caused an abandonment.
FULHAM : FA Cup (Intermediate Round)
Memorial Grounds
0 - 1
12 December 1903
Att: 12,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Birnie
Bigden
Lyon
Satterthwaite
Kirby
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON
Memorial Grounds
2 - 1 (Kirby [pen], Satterthwaite)
25 December 1903
Att: 10,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Bigden
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Barnes
REPORT:
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
1 - 2 (Barnes)
26 December 1903
Att: 14,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Bridgeman
Bigden
Kirby
Satterthwaite
Barnes
This fixture at Portsmouth proved great attraction, something like 18,000 holiday-makers being present on the ground at Fratton park. At the start the weather was fine, but westerly breeze set in, and the second half was spoilt by rain, which rendered the turf somewhat treacherous in the later stages of the game. Portsmouth had the Smith brothers in their ranks, and both sides had a player 'Blythe' in their half-back lines. Portsmouth early showed their superiority, Smith opening the score for them immediately after play had commenced, and Burnett adding a second goal about eight minutes later. The visitors were seldom dangerous, but five minutes before the finish Barnes beat the home goalkeeper, Reilly, an appeal being overruled by the referee. This proving the extent of the scoring. Portsmouth won two goals one.
FULHAM
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Kirby, Satterthwaite)
28 December 1903
Att: 2,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Bridgeman
Bigden
Kirby
Satterthwaite
Barnes
REPORT:
MILLWALL ATHLLETIC
Memorial Grounds
0 - 1
2 January 1904
Att: 10,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Bridgeman
Bigden
Kirby
Satterthwaite
FREDERICK MERCER
West Ham were unfortunate to lose this match ona slippery treacherous surface. Hammers had much the best of the early play the best chance falling to Kirby who shot wide. Bridgeman was only just stopped by Stevenson when he looked certain to score. Eccles in capital form checked Bucher but Millwall improved as the game progressed. Astley notched the winner from a right-wing cross.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Kensal Rise
1 - 2 (Kirby)
9 January 1904
Att: 7,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Bigden
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
ALEC THOMPSON
Satterthwaite
Barnes
West Ham won the toss and chose to defend the College Road end. It was a strenuous hard game with frequent fouls and stoppages. Rangers had the best of a rough and ready game, Blackwood the home sides crack marksman could have had four goals if he had used a little more judgement. The inclusion of Thompson, a recent recruit from Middlesbrough, and the switching od Kirby to outside right seemed to disorganise the whole of the Hammers side. It was not until the last 10 minutes that they seemed to get under way.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Memorial Grounds
1 - 1 (Kirby)
16 January 1904
Att: 8,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Bigden
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Barnes
James Crabtree formerly of Aston Villa made his Plymouth debut. He had not met his teammates before travelling down from Birmingham and his arrival in Canning Town on the day of his first match. In the event he was overshadowed by his full-back partner A. Clark who proved the best player on the field.
A fine day in east London with the pitch in good condition which resulted in a well contested fair game without the foul play that often goes with a slippery field. Argyle was without their celebrated 'goalie' Robinson. Winterhalder and Leech were also missing. Kirby delighted the huge crowd by scoring first after 25 minutes play. The goal was a little lucky for the ball hit a post before going in.
Soon after the restart Thompson got the ball in, but the score was disallowed as Barnes was impeding Pinnell the visiting 'keeper'. The crowd disagreed with this judgement. Shortly after this Picken got away down the flank and his centre was headed iin by Peddie. The same player had other efforts either saved or go wide. Hammers were awarded a penalty when Satterthwaite was tripped. Taking the kick himself he miskicked the ball and it was easily saved.
READING
Elm Park
1 - 1 (Lyon)
23 January 1904
Att; 1,500
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Barnes
Match Abandoned : Fog 55 minutes
The fog fiend was much in evidence with the result that very few of the League matches were played, the few games that actually took place in spite of the cloudy atmosphere being contested for the most part as short-time friendlies.
West Ham were away at Reading, but the conditions were very little better there than in smoky London-over-the-border. The Hammers scored through Lyon just after the start, and the Biscuit men equalised by a penalty given for handball, the crowd at the opposite end could only judge whether or not a score had been made by the noise of the crowd. Good scored from the spot.
Fog was very thick and worsened during the interval. The match was subsequently abandoned 10 minutes into the second period.
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Memorial Grounds
4 - 1 (Kirby 2, Satterthwaite, Thompson)
30 January 1904
Att: 250
Griffiths
Eccles
Mapley
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Barnes
The smallest attendance at the Memorial Grounds so far this season with only 250 paying spectators. The game went ahead although the state of the pitch was not great - if anything it became worse. This was not a day for precision football and the big boot was the order of the day.
The mud was so bad that when Murray the visiting centre was twice up-ended early on it looked as if he might have to retire. He was in a shocking state - covered all over with mud. At the interval he almost collapsed on the walk to the dressing rooms. But he reappeared for the second half, freshly attired and no doubt warmed by a 'cuppa'. Murray scored Wellingborough's only goal. A scoring shot by Satterthwaite for West Ham went clean through the net.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Eastville
0 - 4
6 February 1904
Att: 2,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Watts
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Barnes
In this match Satterthwaite was kicked in the face and was off the field receiving attention for 15 minutes. As he returned Thompson was being led off with a bad head injury. Thompson did not return.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Memorial Grounds
5 - 0 (Satterthwaite 4 [1 pen], Lyon)
13 February 1904
Att: 3,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Fair
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Barnes
Hammers faced a stiff wind in the opening half but found themseleves 3-0 ahead at the interval. Duringf the break it turned around and West Ham faced it in the second half too. However, it did moderate and there was little advantage to either side.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
2 - 0 (Kirby, Lyon)
27 February 1904
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Eccles
WILLIAM OAKES
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Bridgeman
Northampton's first defeat since Christmas. Lyon scored his goal after a shot from Blythe struck Durber's head.
READING
Elm Park
0 - 1
2 March 1904
Att: 1,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Bridgeman
Dull cold weather. Fletcher scored midway through the second half. Satterthwaite was West Ham's most impressive forward.
BRENTFORD
Boston Park
0 - 2
5 March 1904
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite again West Ham's best forward, the side showed only ocassional glimpses of his real ability but the defence appeared sound.
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
0 - 1
12 March 1904
Att: 3,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
WILLIAM CHURCH
Hammers won toss and played with the sun and wind at their backs. The winning goal was scored in the 40th minute when Beardsworth headed in Green's cross.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Memorial Grounds
0 - 2
19 March 1904
Att: 9,500
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Church
The position of West Ham United in the Southern Leagu is a sorry one; they occupy the seventeenth place, with only eighteen points to their credit. They have been decidedly unlucky in their matches, and their bad luck remained with them, when Tottenham Hotspur gained two points at the Hammers' expense.
Tottenham ahead through Walton in the 8th minute. Visitors down to 10 men in 35th minute J. Jones injured. Allison for the home side kept a tight rein on Woodward, but the Spurs' scored again in the second period to win the match comfortably.
LUTON TOWN
Dunstable Road
0 - 1
26 March 1904
Att: 5,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Allison
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Mercer
REPORT:
PORTSMOUTH
Memorial Grounds
3 - 0 (Satterthwaite 2, Bridgeman)
1 April 1904
Att: 8,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Watts
Allison
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Mercer
REPORT:
NEW BROMPTON
Memorial Grounds
0 - 0
2 April 1904
Att: 5,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Watts
LEN JARVIS
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Mercer
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
1 - 1 (Bridgeman)
4 April 1904
Att: 10,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Watts
Jarvis
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Mercer
West Ham opened surprisingly well and kept the League leaders pinned in their own half for a spell. The Saints were weakened by the absence of Robertson, Spence and Hedley their places being taken by Meston, Houlker and Evans. West Ham continued with Jarvis in place of Allison.
After the initial West Ham pressure Southampton hit back and Griffiths was forced to save well from Harrison and Mouncher, but a few minutes later Turner beat him with an oblique shot. Satterthwaite retired hurt just before half time, but he was in the line-up for the start of the second period.
West Ham were still dangerous and Bridgeman and Kirby both had excellent chances of levelling the scores. Harrison got clear for the Saints but just as he threatened the visitors goal he fell over the ball. Griffiths picked it up and cleared. Harrison again missed a good chance when he misjudged Evans' centre.
Southampton were now pressing the most but Hammers defence was stubborn. Three minutes from time Bridgeman caught Meston napping and beat Clawley for the equaliser. Harrison hit the West Ham crossbar in the closing seconds.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
County Ground
3 - 1 (Allison [pen], Kirby, Mercer)
7 April 1904
Att: 1,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Watts
Allison
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Mercer
Cobblers loss the toss, and early on York broke through from a pass by Brown; whilst at the other end Bridgeman missed a sitter within one minute of kick off. Shortly after Mercer completely unmarked put the visitors in front beating a plucky attempt by Perkins to save.
Frost worked down, but the ball was sent back, and then Brown twice distinguished himself, forcing Eccles to concede a corner. This was followed by a second, from which Griffiths in the West Ham goal saved from Frost. Watts and Satterthwaite both missed with long shots. A grand piece of work by Garfield ended in a centre, which York turned into the net for the equaliser before half time. Half-time came with the score 1-1.
Changing ends, Northampton got down, but a centre by Benlow went past. The visitors retaliated, but several good openings were not taken full advantage of. "Hands" against the visitors was got away, and then a grand centre by Murray went past three Northampton players, and finally Frost shot past. Kirby was pulled up for offside tactics when dangerous.
The visitors attacked, and from a corner one of the Northampton men handled, and a penalty was awarded. From this Allison scored, giving the Hammers' the lead. In a desperate gamble to get back on terms Northampton employed six forwards and one back. But it cost them, when a mistake by Clark let Kirby in, and he beat Perkins to settle the issue making it 3-1 to West Ham.
KETTERING TOWN
Rockingham Road
1 - 0 (Bridgeman)
9 April 1904
Att: 1,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Watts
Allison
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Mercer
Accurate play was impossible due to the strong wind that blew down the field. There was a shower early in the second half otherwise it was a bright day. Bridgeman scored to put West Ham ahead but soon afterwards Satterthwaite had to leave the field with an injured leg. Oakes almost scored with a free kick near the halfway line. His kick struck a post. Satterthawaite limping badly resumed the second half. Griffiths annoyed the crowd with his continual kicks to touch. As the game neared its end the Hammers packed their goal to prevent an equaliser. This defeat made Kettering wooden spoonists for sure.
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Dog & Duck Ground
0 - 3
20 April 1904
Att: 3,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Thompson
Satterthwaite
Mercer
West Ham won the toss and chose to play with the sun at their backs. The home side had the best of the early exchanges. Smart missed narrowly when Eccles just cleared in the nick of time. Griffiths saved magnificently from Murray while another shot from Dartnell just missed the post, and Cookson just missed with a long shot. But Wellingborough were not to be denied and a shot from McDonald rebounded off Griffiths to Murray and the inside-left scored. The goal was scored in the 20th minute and represented the only score of the first half.
Straight from the restart Wellingborough came through again and Griffiths was forced to make a splendid save. The home side attacked yet again and Beaver got in a great shot but Griifiths proved equal to it. Early in the half Dartnell wasted a good chance by getting off-side. The Dog and Duck side then won a corner and from Smarts kick Dartnell headed a second goal amid loud cheering from the locals. After this West Ham were completely 'penned' in their own quarters and Griffiths was in champion form.
FULHAM
Craven Cottage
1 - 1 (Bridgeman)
23 April 1904
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Bigden
Watts
Blythe
Kirby
Lyon
Bridgeman
Satterthwaite
Barnes
It was quite appropriate after the numerous close games that Fulham and West Ham have played this season that the former's last match should have ended draw - one goal each. It was doubtless rather a surprise to most people to see the three brothers Farnfield - who are well known in amateur ranks — turn out for Fulham, but their appearance had been anticipated those ‘in the know’ before this, and it is an open secret that Fulham hope to obtain their services on occasions next year. “P. H." occupied Gray’s place at centre-half, while “H.V." and “G.S.” had charge of the left-wing. There was no score from either side up to half-time. The improvement shown by the home eleven was more marked after the interval, and for five minutes they gave their opponents a trying and troublesome time. Then West Ham broke away, and from a pass by Kirby, Bridgeman scored the first goal. This success seemed to take the steam out of Fulham, and for the next half-hour or more West Ham were playing the winning game. Not that they were overplaying their opponents much, but they were checking their encroachments in masterly fashion. In the Last twenty minutes or quarter of an hour, however, Fulham rose in their might, and from a determined onslaught a series of free kicks ended in Fletcher equalising.
Fulham:
Fryer; A. Harwood, Turner; Robotham, P. H. Farnfield, Goldie, Soar, Fletcher. Hunt, H.V. Farnfleld, G.S. Farnfield
SWINDON TOWN
Memorial Grounds
0 - 1
30 April 1904
Att: 4,000
Griffiths
Eccles
Oakes
Allison
Watts
Blythe
Bigden
Lyon
Bridgeman
Thompson
Barnes
West Ham's final Southern League fixture at the Memorial Grounds, Canning Town. There was a colour clash in this match and the Hammers changed their strip for the second period.
