WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1904-05 Southern League (Division One)
Manager : Syd King
It was fair to say that the home supporters were all looking forward to attending a match at the new Boleyn Castle ground. There was a covered grandstand holding 2,000 spectators on one side of the ground and opposite was a covered terrace which could hold a further 3,000. After a poor showing the previous season only five players were retained. Among the new recruits were goalkeeper Matthew Kingsley, full-backs Tommy Bamlett and David Gardner, half-back Frank Piercy and forwards Christopher Carrick and Charles Simmons.
The opening Southern League game was at home to rivals Millwall. The Hammers put on a good performance by winning 3–0 with two goals from William Bridgeman and another from Jack Flynn. The improved form continued with only one defeat in the first seven fixtures. Both Luton and Swindon had been beaten 2–0, with Jack Fletcher scoring in both games. Fletcher was the man in form and so it proved when he grabbed a hat-trick in the 4–0 home victory with Wellingborough. After beating Plymouth 2–1 in November the team were in fourth place in the table and looking for a successful campaign. What followed was a disastrous run of eight consecutive defeats with only one goal scored. Six of those defeats were by 1–0, which indicated that it was the forwards who were to blame. During that period the Hammers were also knocked out of the FA Cup after a 2–1 defeat to Brighton.
In late January things turned for the better when visitors Luton Town were thrashed 6–2, with Carrick scoring a hat-trick. An improved run gave only one defeat in six games (albeit the defeat was by 3–0 away to bottom of the league Wellingborough). Following a 2–0 home defeat to Reading in early April the team were third from bottom. However, in the remaining five games there were three wins and two draws, resulting in an improved final position of 11th. Off the field there had been success, as the move to the Boleyn Castle ground had attracted bigger crowds and increased revenue.
West Ham United was one of four London clubs beginning the 1904-05 season on new grounds: The Hammers moved from the Memorial Grounds in Canning Town to the Boleyn Castle Ground. Fulham moved from the Half Moon Cricket Ground to Craven Cottage, Queens Park Rangers left Kensal Rise for Park Royal and Brentford shifted to Griffin Park from Boston Park.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Bridgeman 2, Flynn)
1 September 1904
Att: 10,000
MATTHEW KINGSLEY
TOMMY BAMLETT
DAVID GARDNER
Allison
FRANK PIERCY
JOHN RUSSELL
WILLIAM McCARTNEY
JACK FLETCHER
Bridgeman
CHARLES SIMMONS
JACK FLYNN
Favoured by the weather turning fine after the heavy rains of the morning, West Ham United began their season most auspiciously, when they beat Millwall by 3 goals to 0 on their new enclosure at Upton Park.
The Boleyn Castle ground is situated in a densely populated neighbourhood where the keenest interest is taken in football, and the crowd to see the first match was estimated at fully 10,000. Compact and well-furnished with stands, the ground can probably accommodate twice that number of people.
Much enthusiasm prevailed, and, the winning side fully deserved the cheers that rewarded their efforts. Almost entirely composed of new 'players from the north, among whom Kingsley, the Newcastle United goalkeeper, and Simmons, the West. Bromwich Albion forward, are the best known, the team at once settled down to a strong, fast game, and, despite the rather heavy going, they kept up their pace and form in a manner quite wonderful for the start of the long campaign. Millwall, though their halves, particularly MacLean, worked very hard, were completely outplayed. About fifteen minutes from the kick-off Bridgeman, a local player, who earned his promotion from the reserves last winter, scored a capital - goal from a pass by Flynn; and the dashing centre-forward put in two other shots that almost scored, one hitting underneath the bar, and the other being well stopped by Joyce.
Flynn obtained a second goal about half an hour after change of ends, his clever shot from the left wing sending the ball just under the bar. From a pass by McCartney, Bridgeman got the last point, this piece of combined work being, perhaps, the smartest in the match.
Millwall:
Joyce, Stevenson, McLaren, Blythe, McLean, Baker, Watkins, Jones, Graham, Hunter, Bradbury
BRENTFORD
Griffin Park
0 - 0
3 September 1904
Att: 7,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
Our
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Upton Park
1 - 3 (Allison [pen])
10 September 1904
Att: 14,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
West Ham won the toss and made the visitors face the sun, Rangers were never in danger of defeat, Bevan tricked both home full-backs to notch the first goal and Hitch nodded in the second from a cross centre and the score was 0-2 at the break.
Both sides were awarded penalties in the second half. Bevan scored from his, whilst Allison registered Hammers only score with his.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
North Greenwich
1 - 1 (Fletcher)
17 September 1904
Att: 10,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
Kingsley was marvellous in the Hammers goal. Only one of 30-40 shots beat him. It is doubtful if so prolonged an attack on one end ever yielded as little as one score. Hunter got that goal after 75 minutes. West Ham had led for almost an hour, Fletcher scoring after good work by Simmons.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
0 - 0
24 September 1904
Att: 16,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
The match between these old rivals attracted fully 16,000 spectators to the Boleyn Castle grounds, and the result of a hard and not over-scientific game was a draw, no goals being scored. Unfortunately a heavy shower just before the start rendered the playing pitch heavy and slippery. In the first half, aided by the wind, the Spur’s put on a lot of pressure.
Woodward, Kirwan and Walton forced Kingsley to clear on several occasions, but the West Ham defence was very fine, and they preserved their goal intact up to half-time.
In the second half West Ham improved forward, but the shooting was weak, and on one occasion Bridgeman and Fletcher missed the chance of an opening goal. Watson, who had been forced to retire through a collision prior to the interval, was able to resume, and Tottenham were glad of his services under the pressure put upon them. Bridgeman netted the ball from a corner kick, but the referee, after consulting his linesman, disallowed the point, and when Kirwan got through on behalf of the Spurs he repeated his decision.
It was a hard game to the end, and with a little luck either side might have won. Faulty shooting was spoiled by the slippery surface caused by the rain which fell, and the game resulted in a draw.
LUTON TOWN
Dunstable Road
2 - 0 (Bridgeman, Fletcher)
1 October 1904
Att: 4,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
Luton were beaten at home by West Ham. Both teams made alterations at the last moment in the front rank. Moody taking the place of Penman at centre forward for Luton, and McCartney substituting Carrick on the extreme right wing position for the visitors. It was West Ham that put in the first dangerous attack, and David Ross, the ex- Bury forward also was conspicuous for much brilliant individual work, but nearing the interval the visitors created a surprise by making dashing run, and scoring goal through the agency of Fletcher, who put in a shot that gave Lindsay no chance.
The ball accidentally touched Bridgeman just as McEwen was about to clear, and fell right at the toe of Fletcher, about ten yards from goal. This was the extent of the scoring up to the interval, and the second half opened very tamely. Luton's attack was not sustained, and again from a breakaway in a very similar manner West Ham scored another goal, the trick this time being done by Bridgeman with a cross shot that was well out of the reach of Lindsay again.
Then Luton became spasmodic and unmethodical, and rarely looked like beating Kingsley. With no further scoring Luton had the mortification of being beaten before 4,000 of their own spectators by 2 goals to none. It was an interesting game to a certain extent. On the run of the play Luton ought to have won, for they had the best of the exchanges, but the forwards were so unsystematic in their efforts that they rarely looked dangerous enough to get goals against Kingsley.
On the other hand West Ham took advantage of every opportunity and worked with method that was certainly likely to produce goals. They did not have many chances, but they took full advantage of two of them and deserved to win for that reason. West Ham are thickly-set, likely lot. Kingsley kept a fine goal. The backs were safe, and Gardner kicked powerfully.
All the half-backs did good work, especially in defence, and the forwards at limes combined well. Lindsay could not be blamed for Luton’s downfall. He had not a lot to do. McEwen and Turner were fairly good, but both have played better, and so have all the middle men, who were certainly not up to the usual form. The forwards were ragged and disjointed. Ross and Lambert were the pick, but Moody failed to reproduce his form of last year.
SWINDON TOWN
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Fletcher, Flynn)
8 October 1904
Att: 6,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Russell
CHRISTOPHER CARRICK
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
At Upton Park, before 6,000 spectators. For the home club Carrick came in at outside right instead of McCartney, and Jarvis at half owing to the illness of Piercy. Losing the toss, the United had to face a strong wind, and for some time absolutely failed to settle down, twenty-five minutes having elapsed before Fletcher, taking a neat centre from Flynn, headed into the net for them.
For the next ten minutes the Swindon backs were over-played, and Flynn, who was left unmarked, added a second point with a very clever shot in the corner. Before the interval, Cowley hurt himself in a collision, and was carried off the field. Immediately after the restart, the visitors lost Kirby also, and thenceforth played the one-back game. The home team got through from an offside position, but were unable to increase their lead owing to the fine work of Milligan at back and Hemmings in goal.
NEW BROMPTON
Priestfield Stadium
0 - 3
15 October 1904
Att: 7,000
Kingsley
Fair
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Russell
Carrick
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
West Ham won the toss and forced New Brompton to face the sun. The home side however had the wind at their backs. Morris soon had New Brompton in front and thia after the visitors had very luckily escaped a penatly appeal. A McKie pass found former Southampton international Joe Turner but he hoisted over.
Turner redeemed himself by crossing accuratly for McKie to head in number two. West Ham were much improved at the start of the second half. Barnfather is a crowd favourite, his centres often foxed Kingsley in the West Ham goal. The visiting custodian kept the score at 0-2 until 6 minutes from the end when Leigh, who had been up-ended on the edge of the box shortly before, weaved his way through to net number three.
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Fletcher 3, Flynn)
22 October 1904
Att: 5,000
Kingsley
FRED MILNES
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
Recent results had cast a shadow of gloom at Upton Park but it was little compared to bottom of the table Wellingborough's troubles. In seven games the Northants club had been successful only once and they were already firmly entrenched at the foot of the Southern League.
Discontent at the club involved finance as well as playing performances and the latest episode had resulted in six of the playing staff, Beaver, Dunn, Bushell, Cole, Cookson and McDonald receiving suspensions. These were in operation at the time of Wellingborough's visit to the Boleyn Ground and they therefore put a much weakened XI into the field.
It was a very one-sided game - hardly a contest. Hammers were all over the away side from the start but surprisingly the home fans had to wait until 5 minutes before the interval for the first goal by Fletcher - who took a neat pass from Piercy playing well forward.
The second half was much the same pattern Wellingborough unable to raise a gallop and their attempts to raise attacks looked pathetic and futile. It was just a question of how many West Ham would get. In the event they added three more. Fletcher the most prominent forward getting two making a hat-trick in all and Flynn the other. Kingsley had only two shots to save in the 90 minutes duration.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
2 - 2 (Bridgeman, McCartney)
29 October 1904
Att: 4,000
Kingsley
Milnes
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
West Ham gave the home crowd a demonstration of accurate shooting but it was Southampton who scored first when H. Turner converted one of Mouncher's excellent centres. Fletcher then weaved his ay passed several Saints defenders and slipped the ball to Bridgeman who scored with a long range shot. West Ham went into the lead when Flynn made a chance for McCartney after Clawley had first mistakenly thrown the ball to him.
Soon after the restart Southampton made a determined effort to get back on level terms, H. Turner struck a post with a hard shot. Saints drew level when Bluff hooked an awkward ball into West Ham's net. As the final whistle approached Kingsley saved magnificently a fierce oblique shot, when falling, from A. Turner. During the latter half the Hampshire side had numerous opportunities but wild shooting mainly by H. Turner sent them begging. Kingsley's fine save at the end crowned a superb goalkeeping display.
FULHAM
Upton Park
0 - 0
5 November 1904
Att: 8,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Jarvis
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
Referee Howcroft halted play for a few moments to address crowd in enclosure for constant hooting and howling his decisions. The 'Athletic News' commented this is a bad habit of the West Ham crowd and if they do not mend their ways the ground could be closed. In the game West Ham applied to much cleverness to their play and didn't seem too concerned about the job in hand.
Gardiner and Bamlett both retired before half-time - injured. Gardner ricked an ankle. Both took their positions for the second period, The second period was like the first though a trifle more exciting. Time after time the forwards on both sides worked their way to the last line of defence, but they generally took so devious a course in getting there that the backs had time to collect themselves for a final onslaught.
As before, the home men did the major part of the shooting, but when Ross and Sharp were not in the way Fryer could be relied on. The one chance of the game fell to West Ham. A Fulham defender handed in the fateful area, and a penalty was granted. Simmons took the kick, but throwing himself at the ball, Fryer got it away in splendid fashion.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Simmons 2)
19 November 1904
Att: 10,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Fair
Jarvis
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Simmons
Bridgeman
Carrick
Flynn
After the Hammers had pressed for the opening five minutes Plymouth broke away and continued with a series of lightning dashes along the touchlines. Their combination while at full speed was quite wonderful. The home defenders were for a time non-plussed.
Then West Ham regained their composure and two dangerous attacks by them ended with Simmons testing Horne with drop-shots. The scientific approach of the Argyle forwards finally paid off when Dalrymple got in a centre which McLuckie nodded past Kingsley. For a few minutes the visitors dominated. At this stage it was high class against Hammers kick and rush. So fast was Argyle's combination that a second goal semed iminent. But it was Wst Ham who scored. Simmons broke through and hit a hard shot passed Horne. Hardly had the game restarted whena bad mis-kick by Saul let in Simmons and he again beat Horne to put West Ham ahead. Two goals against in so short a time and after dominating play so much, disheartened the Devonshire club, but they were still dangerous, half-time 2-1.
In the second half Argyle inexplicably went to pieces. The defence particularly A. Clarke and Ashby were often at fault and Saul's play began to be a little unscrupulous. Horne saved his side in the latter stages. Plymouth still made occasional raids and in these Jack ought to have scored and Picken fluffed a chance provided by Jack. The game was played out in semi-darkness.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Upton Park
0 - 2
26 November 1904
Att: 7,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Fair
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Simmons
Bridgeman
Carrick
Flynn
A frost bound slippery pitch. The Rovers tactics proved more effective. After 35 minutes some pretty play up the left wing ended with Dunkley centering for Tait to surprise Kingsley through a crowd of players. Near the end Beats a former Wolves and England player who gained one of his 3 caps in the same game as Kingsley got his only cap - scored a second goal for Bristol. The centre-forward tricked both Piercy and Fair before scoring.
READING
Elm Park
0 - 1
3 December 1904
Att: 5,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Fair
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Simmons
Bridgeman
Fletcher
Flynn
Long scored the decider after a faulty back-pass by Fair. Simmons worked hard and was always dangerous.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION : FA Cup (Sixth Qualifying Round)
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Flynn)
10 December 1904
Att: 6,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Fair
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
Leading up to the FA Cup-tie, Brighton trained at Southend-on-Sea and West Ham took up residence at the Forest Hotel Chingford. This tie contained a large amount of brute force but kept the crowd at a high pitch of excitement. An own goal by Russell gaveBrighton the lead and Gardner the visitors left-winger made it two. Hammers trailed by this scoreline for a long time until Flynn reduced the deficit in the last few minutes. From then Brighton defended desperatley to the end.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
County Ground
0 - 1
17 December 1904
Att: 4,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Fair
Allison
Piercy
Russell
McCartney
Simmons
Bridgeman
Fletcher
Flynn
Just before the interval a centre by Frost gave Lowe, a 19-year-old, deputising at centre-forward a chance and he put Northants ahead. West Ham attacks was weak. The home-side might have had 3 or 4 more.
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
1 - 4 Blackwood
26 December 1904
Att: 16,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Fair
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
JOHN HAMILTON
Fletcher
JOHN BLACKWOOD
Simmons
Flynn
REPORT:
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Upton Park
0 - 1
27 December 1904
Att: 12,000
Kingsley
Fair
Gardner
FRED BRUNTON
Piercy
Jarvis
Hamilton
Fletcher
Blackwood
Simmons
Flynn
The large attendance no doubt attracted by the fact that it was Brighton who knocked out West Ham here a couple of weeks previously. The manner in which Hammers finished that game, with Brighton defending desperatley, suggested that a slaughter might be at hand. In the event lowly Brighton did it again.
A goal 5 minutes from the end by Garfield settled the issue and pushed West Ham below half-way in the League table for the first time this season.
BRENTFORD
Upton Park
0 - 1
31 December 1904
Att: 8,000
Cotton
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Hamilton
Blackwood
Simmons
Flynn
Kingsley was down with 'flu' and Cotton deputised in goal. The wholesale rearrangements did not work. Brentford distinctly the superior side and their victory was well merited in every way. The visitors had the assistance of the wind in the second-half and were all over West Ham. The passing, what little there was, was purposeless, the ball more often than not going to an opponent rather than the individual for whom it was intended, and when the forwards did get into position for shooting they had as much idea of the location of the net as a penny box of tin soldiers.
McCartney at outside-right was absolutely ineffective; Hamilton at inside was a round peg in a square hole; Simmons at centre was a complete failure; Blackwood was clever only at letting the ball through his legs; and Flynn never got a chance.
To describe the game in detail would be simply waste of good space. Fletcher missed a very easy opportunity then from the second of two quick corners Oliver headed in from Warrington. Brentford won by a goal to nil - and they just about deserved it; they were not quite so hopelessly bad as West Ham.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Royal Agricultural Society Showgrounds
0 - 1
7 January 1905
Att: 8,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Hamilton
Fletcher
Blackwood
Simmons
Flynn
A rough, physical game, Rangers were superior throughout. Lyon deputised for the suspended Archer at full-back. West Ham fielded two former Rangers - Hamilton and Blackwood. Hitch put Queens Park Rangers in front following a scramble beneath the West Ham woodwork. After this the Hammers defence reverted to some very rough tactics and twice Bevan was bowled over when in shooting range. Half-time QPR 1, West Ham 0.
Milward badly hurt in the opening half was little more than a passenger in the second and Bevan the target of many rough tackles had to leave the field.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
0 - 1
21 January 1905
Att: 12,000
Kingsley
SYDNEY HAMMOND
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
At Tottenham, for the benefit of Copeland and Kirwan, the Spurs famous left wing, both of whom did duty. The ground was very hard, and the players had much difficulty in keeping their feet. In the first half the Hotspur were never dangerous, Copeland missing a capital opening. Half-time 0-0. Afterwards, Kirwan, with an open goal, put through and won the game.
LUTON TOWN
Upton Park
6 - 2 (Carrick 3, Bridgeman 2, Simmons)
28 January 1905
Att: 5,000
Kingsley
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
There was a calm feeling of satisfction at the Boleyn Castle after the Southern League success at the expense of Luton. The Hatters had much of the game as West Ham but were defeated by the pitch. Frostbound on the morning of the game the sun soon softened it. Despite a liberal application of sand it soon became a quagmire in a deplorable condition.
Carrick, who once again figured at the outside left, opened the Hammers scoring with a cross shot, got a second goal in a similar manner and completed his hat trick with a capital drive of a ball that weighhed something tangible. Before the interval, Bridgeman got a fourth point, and the Lutonians had a big deficit to face when they crossed over.
Within 5 minutes of the start of the second period Lamberton reduced the defecit. With the visitors backs playing well up Piercy found Bridgeman who broke clear away. Unimpeded until the penalty line he was tackled by Luton's goalkeeper Lindsay. Bridgeman lost the ball momentarily but regained it to steer just under the bar for 5-1. Bridgeman got his second goal shortly after, heading in McCartney's centre.
Bob Hawkes was then tripped in the box and the same player converted.
The most noticeable incident in the second half was a splendid solo by Bridgeman. Getting the ball in midfield he dashed clean through the opposition, and though the Luton keeper saved the first drive, he was unable to get the ball away, and Bridgeman slammed it into the net. The Hammers also got a sixth point, but as Luton also scored twice, once through Lamberton and the other from a penalty by Hawkes, West Ham won by 6-2.
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
3 - 3 (Bridgeman, Fletcher, Piercy)
4 February 1905
Att: 3,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Flynn
West Ham went to Swindon and the men of the North Wilts town were expected to win, and as matters stood at the close of the first half of the game, it looked as though their hopes would be realised, but the result of a keenly contested encounter was a draw of 3 all. Although West Ham won the toss, and had the wind in their favour in the first half, they only succeeded in scoring once, while in the same period Swindon put on two. At the very commencement it looked as though the Hammers were going to score early, for at the kick-off Bridgeman made a dash for the home citadel, and with Hemmings, Swindon's goalkeeper, fumbling the ball, the West Ham centre had a fine chance but muffed it. Then the hammers got a free kick, and converted it somewhat simply into a goal, a misunderstanding among two or three of the Swindon players being the reason for the leather being allowed to pass through with such small opposition. Twenty-six minutes' play had elapsed before Swindon equalised, though but for the gallant defence of the visitors they would have done so much earlier. Two minutes later the Wiltshiremen were a goal ahead and at half-time the score read: Swindon 2; West Ham 1.
The opening stages of the second half were littered with very rough play, largely due to the fact that the referee failed to keep control of the game. Amid great excitement West Ham scored twice, through Piercy and Bridgeman respectively. Then Chalmers registered a point for the home side, so the game ended in a draw of 3 goals each.
NEW BROMPTON
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Hilsdon, Simmons)
11 February 1905
Att: 6,000
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
GEORGE HILSDON
Simmons
Carrick
By two goals to nil West Ham United defeated New Brompton in the Southern League in a game that was more notable for its vigour than its science. It was a case of ninety minutes of excitement and whistle blowing. Right from the start the teams went at it hammer and tongs; hard knocks were taken as a matter of course, and if one missed the machine-like movements the individual bursts in some measure compensated. West Ham, all through, had slightly the best of matters, Simmons heading their first goal neatly when the game was twenty minutes old. Ten minutes later Hilsdon, who was deputising for Bridgeman in the centre, did a short solo on his own, and steadying himself at the critical moment, shot the second goal. Hilsdon, who has not yet attained his majority, is a lad with plenty of good football in him, and with a little more experience in first class company he should make a class player.
Carrick, who had been doing sparkling things on the wing, made a shocking miss towards the close, when he had an open goal, and the Hammers should have scored at least another couple of points.
Watts, was a tower of strength to New Brompton; and Griffiths, who used to 'keep' for us did many cleaver things in goal for the Kentishers. Allison was the pick of the West Ham halves; Gardner was hardly as safe as usual in the rear; while forwards Carrick, Simmons and Hilsdon were very smart.
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN
Dog & Duck Ground
0 - 3
18 February 1905
Att: 1,500
Kingsley
Bamlett
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
Hilsdon
Simmons
Carrick
Benevolent West Ham provided Wellingborough with the ir last win of the season. Wellingborough drew 2 and lost 10 of their final twelve Southern League fixtures after this.
Cookson scored for Wellingborough 10 minutes prior to half-time. A second-half penalty by Draper and soon after Winterhalder scored to make it a 3-0 score. Winterhalder later joined West Ham.
SOUTHAMPTON
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Hilsdon, McCartney [pen])
25 February 1905
Att: 1,500
Kingsley
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
Hilsdon
Simmons
Carrick
Saints were the current Southern League leaders but lost their top place as a result of this defeat. The visitors were without Blyff who was reserve for England against Ireland at Middlesborough. An interesting game but it produced no goals before half-time.
Shortly after the break Harrison scored for the visitors. This sparked the home side into action and Clawley was forced to save from Simmons. West Ham kept up the pressure but were always aware of Southampton's centre-forward Harrison who was quick and dangerous in breakaways. The game developed 'end to end' and Kingsley and Clawley were both kept busy. Luckily both sets of forwards were a bit erratic with their shots. With 15 minutes to go Benson fouled a home forward iin the 'box' and McCartney scored from the spot. With 3 minutes remaining Hilsdon took a pass from McCartney and gave Hammers both points.
WATFORD
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Bridgeman, Carrick)
11 March 1905
Att: 3,000
Kingsley
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
West Ham revelled in the muddy conditions McCartney hit the post with a penalty kick for West Ham. Carrick then put Hammers in front. A McCartney lob was headed in by Bridgeman, Watford were skippered by John Goodall a vetran of Preston North End's 'double' winning side of 1889.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Home Park
0 - 2
18 March 1905
Att: 7,000
Kingsley
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
Sutcliffe made his debut for Plymouth two months after signing for Argyle. McLuckie headed in after 65 minutes and Wright added to it a few minutes later.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
1 - 3 (Bridgeman)
25 March 1905
Att: 5,000
Kingsley
Fair
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Hilsdon
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
This game was a sensation... A goal up in 2 minutes. Two penalties against in a 15 minute spell, and a player sent off in the second half.
Bridgeman put Hammers ahead in the 2nd minute. Brighton got to work and gave the visitors defence a trying time. The West Ham defenders employed some questionable tactics, which earned two penalty decisions against them in a 15 minute first half spell. Robertson missed the first but Lyon was successful with the second to send the teams in at half-time level.
The second half was sensational. It soon became apparent that a lot of feeling was being imparted into the proceedings. This culminated in an exciting scene when Brighton gained the lead in the 25 minute. Kingsley had saved a shot from Parsons but Lyon got to the rebound and netted.
No sooner had the referee pointed to the centre when Kingsley ran out from his goal and kicked Lyon to the ground. The incensed spectators rushed onto the field in their hundreds and the matter looked very ugly for the West Ham goalie. Kingsley was ordered off by referee Adams and Fair went into goal. Kingsley had to be escorted through the angry crowd by a posse of police and Brighton officials. The ground was then cleared and play continued. Gardner scored a third goal for Brighton.
READING
Upton Park
0 - 2
1 April 1905
Att: 5,000
Kingsley
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Fletcher
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
Lang scored following a melee in front of West Ham's goal and Harris increased the lead when his long range shot sailed in.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Eastville
2 - 2 (Carrick [pen], Hilsdon)
8 April 1905
Att: 5,000
Kingsley
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Hilsdon
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
Bristol Rovers went one up when Lewis scored from Dunkley's pass. Dunkley himself scored next after a shot by Billy Beats had been only partialy cleared. Carrick reduced the arrears from the penalty spot after Appleby 'handled' and Hilsdon levelled the scores after McCartney had met Carrick's centre with his head.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Upton Park
5 - 1 (Carrick 2, Simmons 2, Bridgeman)
15 April 1905
Att: 7,000
Cotton
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Hilsdon
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
Carrick and Simmons were too smart for the visiting defenders and Gardner gave a sound display at full-back for West Ham. Early on Perkins had to fist away during a West Ham raid. The home sides thrusts continued but relief came when Carrick was caught offside. Then Bridgeman and Simmons missed open goals. Simmons atoned when he put the Hammers ahead in the 30th minute. But McCartney and Hilsdon both shot wide in the succeeding minutes. McCartney scored West Ham's second goal but the referee consulted his linesman before allowing it to stand. Half-time 2-0.
Early in the second half Bridgeman and Hilsdon were both guilty of missing chances before Carrick made it 3-0. Bridgeman at last got one in after Perkins had made several fine saves. But Perkins was beaten yet again when Simmons got a 5th for the home side. With 10 minutes left Northampton scored a goal that Cotton should have saved, having entered the net off Hammond for an own goal. As a result of this win West Ham lifted themselves to 14th in the table.
FULHAM
Craven Cottage
3 - 0 (Allison, Hilsdon, Simmons)
17 April 1905
Att: 1,000
Cotton
Fair
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
Hilsdon
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
This was Fulham's second home defat in three-days. Clutterbuck in goal for fryer was hardly satisfactory. He gave away one goal with a weak kick and Thorpe gave away another with a miscued clearance. The visiting halves put in some sterling work and the forwards were always ready to shoot. Hilsdon soon tested Clutterbuck with a long rasping drive. After 17 minutes West Ham went in front when Allison scored from a well placed corner by McCartney. Ten minutes later Carrick broke away and his shot struck Cutterbuck who might have stopped it dead but it came out to Hilsdon who thumped it home. Half-time 2-0.
Twenty minutes from the end Hilsdon was forced to retire with an ankle injury which kept him inactive for the remaining matches of the season.
In attempting to stop a leftwing raid by West Ham, Thorpe mis-hit his clearance and Simmons took the opportunity to score West Ham's third goal. With 5 minutes to go Fair handled in the 'box' but Fraser's penalty struck a post.
PORTSMOUTH
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Bridgeman)
21 April 1905
Att: 6,000
Cotton
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
McCartney
SIDNEY SMITH
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
West Ham gave Smith a young player who had been scoring heavily in the reserves recently a place instead of Hilsdon who was injured at Fulham. The brothers Smith on the Pompey left wing gave a brilliant display of understanding with their subtle dribbling and close combination. West Ham scored first when a Carrick header found Bridgeman who scored from close in.
Harris was a little lucky to save a well placed corner from McCartney. Half-time 1-0. Just after the break a Cunliff shot bounced over after striking the cross-bar. Against the wind and with the low sun beaming into their eyes West Ham battled to hold on to their slender lead. Portsmouth made continuous attacks upon the home goal but Cotton was magnificent. After 25 second half minutes a throw-in went to Cunliffe who hit a hard low centre across goal and Digweed racing in crashed a fierce shot into the home side net.
WATFORD
Cassio Road
3 - 0 (Piercy [pen], Simmons, Smith)
25 April 1905
Att: 1,000
Cotton
Hammond
Gardner
Jarvis
Piercy
Russell
Hamilton
Smith
Bridgeman
Simmons
Carrick
After 15 minutes play Simmons made it 1-0 then Piercy converted a penalty for hands against Simons. In the second half a good run and centre by Carrick was put in by Smith for 3-0.