WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1905-06 Southern League (Division One)
Manager : Syd King
Once again there was an exodus of players and in their place arrived full-back Alex McCartney, goalkeeper George Kitchen both from Everton and Blackburn Rovers' pair Lionel Watson and Fred Blackburn . The opening game at the Boleyn was against Swindon Town and in a close contest the Hammers won 1–0, the goal being a penalty scored by goalkeeper Kitchen.
Both Brentford and league leaders Plymouth were beaten at home but these were the only victories in the next nine games. By early December the team were third from bottom in the league, but there was an improvement after the purchase of two new forwards. Former player William Grassam returned, together with the promising amateur Harry Stapley. They rejuvenated the team, and there were 1–0 home wins against New Brompton, Portsmouth and Millwall. In the first round of the FA Cup West Ham travelled to First Division side Woolwich Arsenal. Goalkeeper George Kitchen again scored from the penalty spot and the game ended 1–1. In the replay there were 12,000 present to see the Hammers put up a gallant fight but eventually lose 3–2. The side were playing well at home, with victories over Norwich (6–1) and Southampton (3–0), but as usual it was the away form that was causing concern. Four goals were conceded at Plymouth and in early March there was a 6–1 defeat at Reading.
Aside from beating Northampton 4–1, the remaining games of the season – with four goalless draws – were drab affairs. The mid-table finishing position of 11th was the same as the previous season, with the goalscoring form continuing to be the main problem.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
SWINDON TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Kitchen [pen])
2 September 1905
Att: 10,000
GEORGE KITCHEN
ALEX McCARTNEY
Gardner
HARRY HINDLE
Piercy
Jarvis
Bridgeman
WILLIAM FORD
CHARLES MACKIE
LIONEL WATSON
FRED BLACKBURN
The mud heap of last season has been transformed into a sweep of green, the pitch looking almost unrecognisable from the quagmire supporters endured a year ago. The banking on the terraces has been raised, and new wooden steps now stand before the grand‑stand, giving the crowd a clearer view of West Ham’s latest recruits: Kitchen and McCartney from Everton, Hindle from Blackburn Rovers, Ford from Portsmouth, and Mackie from Manchester United.
The match itself turned on the most unlikely of heroes. George Kitchen, the new goalkeeper, settled the contest with a penalty ten minutes from time. Until then the play had been evenly shared, both goalkeepers kept constantly employed as the game swung briskly from end to end. Breakaways were frequent. Mackie looked certain to score before being robbed at the last moment, and Wheatcroft soon after drove over Kitchen’s bar.
Mackie’s hesitancy in front of goal persisted, yet Ling in the Swindon goal still had to deal smartly with efforts from Ford and Watson. Swindon suffered a blow when their own Hindle was injured and carried from the field, and West Ham seized the initiative. Watson tried his luck, Bridgeman followed with a shot wide, and the home side’s pressure mounted. Watson’s switch to centre‑forward only heightened the sense that a breakthrough was imminent.Ford came closest, cracking a shot against the upright before it spun away. Kitchen then endured a brief flurry of work at the other end, but West Ham were soon back on the offensive, this time with sustained purpose. In the midst of a crowded goalmouth a Swindon defender handled, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Kitchen made the long, deliberate walk from his goal to take the kick. Ling attempted to gain an advantage by standing on his six‑yard line, but referee Fred Kirkham promptly ordered him back. With the stage cleared, Kitchen struck firmly and cleanly, giving Ling no chance and securing the only goal of the game.
Swindon Town:
Ling, O'Brien, Atterbury, Hindle, Holyhead, Logan, Dean, Monks, Wheatcroft, Lyon, Chalmers
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
North Greenwich
0 - 1
9 September 1905
Att: 6,55
Kitchen
McCartney
Gardner
Hindle
Piercy
Jarvis
Ford
Mackie
Bridgeman
SAMUEL McALLISTER
Blackburn
Mr. Sidney Buxton, M.P., set the game in motion at North Greenwich, though the occasion deserved far better weather. Conditions were wretched in the extreme, and Millwall took immediate advantage, sweeping forward from the kick‑off. Only sharp work by the West Ham backs — and Kitchen’s alert goalkeeping — prevented an early calamity. Millwall were without Trigg, yet their forward line still carried menace, and neat interplay between Watkins and Heaton opened the way for Milson to score what proved the only goal of the match.
Blackburn was closely shadowed throughout, but even so the West Ham forwards showed flashes of promising combination. McCartney’s injury forced him to retire for a spell, though he later returned to contribute some determined work. As the match wore on, however, the Hammers faded. Millwall dominated the second half, their pressure unrelenting. West Ham’s halves were frequently at fault, leaving Kitchen to shoulder a heavy burden. He produced fine saves from both Watkins and Hunter to keep his side in touch.
At the other end, West Ham found little joy. The Millwall backs were so completely in command that Joyce, the home goalkeeper, was called upon only twice in the entire second period. With the visitors unable to break through and Millwall content to manage their lead, the match drifted to its close with the early goal standing as the decisive moment.
Millwall Athletic:
Joyce, Campbell, Stevenson, Comrie, McLean, Blythe, Hunter, Milsom, Heaton, Jones, Watkins
LUTON TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Blackburn)
16 September 1905
Att: 10,000
Kitchen
Hammond
Gardner
Bush
Piercy
Jarvis
HERBERT WINTERHALDER
Mackie
Bridgeman
HENRY WILKINSON
Blackburn
This meeting of old rivals carried the memory of last season’s 6–2 triumph for the Hammers, but West Ham arrived with a reshaped side featuring Hammond, Wilkinson, Bush and Winterhalder. Luton, for their part, fielded Sandy Brown of Spurs renown and Barnes, once a Hammer himself. The home side won the toss, though it brought no discernible advantage.
From the outset Luton held the upper hand, settling quickly and carving out the first real openings. Brown fired narrowly wide, Gallacher — another former Spurs man — missed by inches, and Blackett’s free‑kick skimmed close. Their pressure told in the fifteenth minute when Warner struck decisively. West Ham’s forwards, Mackie and Blackburn in particular, found themselves repeatedly frustrated by Luton’s defenders.
Warner continued to impress, a fine solo run presenting Gallacher with a golden chance, only for the latter to waste it by shooting wide. Bridgeman then missed a clear opportunity, Mackie forced Platt into action, and Winterhalder drove over, yet despite their efforts the Hammers could not draw level. Half‑time arrived with Luton still leading 1–0.
Three minutes into the second half Luton tightened their grip, Brown finishing smartly from a pass by Barnes. The setback stirred West Ham. Bridgeman broke away to the roar of the home crowd and squared for Blackburn, who beat Platt with a splendid shot to halve the deficit. The goal transformed the Hammers, who from that moment pressed almost incessantly.
Blackburn struck the side‑netting, and Bridgeman had the ball in the net only to be ruled offside. The pressure grew so intense it seemed inevitable the Luton defence must finally yield, but they held firm with admirable resolve. Despite West Ham’s late siege, the score remained 2–1 to Luton at the finish.
Luton Town:
Platt, Blackett, McCurdy, Hawkes F., White, Hawkes R., Gallacher, Warner, Brown, Pickering, Barnes
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
0 - 2
23 September 1905
Att: 12,000
Kitchen
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Winterhalder H.
Mackie
Bridgeman
Wilkinson
Blackburn
The visitors carried their greatest threat through Wilkinson and Blackburn, both of whom kept Watson fully occupied from the outset. West Ham had a real scare when O’Hagan let fly and Kitchen’s hurried clearance sparked momentary confusion, several players convinced the ball had crossed the line — but the referee was unmoved. Tottenham earned the first corner on fifteen minutes, and although Kitchen twice dashed boldly from his goalmouth, his full‑backs covered stoutly to snuff out danger. Blackburn later forced another corner off Tait, yet this too came to nothing, and the interval arrived with the match still goalless.
West Ham came out briskly after the restart, Eggett having to beat away an early raid with a firm fist. Spurs responded immediately, sweeping upfield where Stansfield and then Chapman both drove wide. The breakthrough arrived in contentious fashion: Tait launched a long return kick that found Chapman stealing in high up the pitch, and whether he was onside or not was a matter for debate. What was beyond dispute was the finish — before the West Ham defence grasped the peril, the inside‑right had swept the ball home, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Buoyed by the goal, Spurs’ football sharpened noticeably. Stansfield, Bull and Chapman combined with growing confidence, their interpassing stretching the visitors and keeping them penned back. Ten minutes from time the pressure told again. Chapman, lively throughout, seized upon another opening and drove in Tottenham’s second, sealing both his brace and the match.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Eggett, Watson, Tait, Morris, Bull, Dartnell, Stansfield, Chapman, Kyle, O'Hagan, Murray
BRENTFORD
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Blackburn, Wilkinson)
30 September 1905
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Bush
Winterhalder H.
Bridgeman
Hilsdon
Blackburn
Wilkinson
Further changes were made to the West Ham side after several disappointing weeks, Fred Blackburn taking over at inside‑left with Henry Wilkinson outside him. George Hilsdon returned to lead the line at centre‑forward, with William Bridgeman occupying the right‑wing berth.
Although the Hammers had the benefit of the breeze in the opening half, it was Brentford who looked the sharper outfit early on. Shanks opened proceedings with a firm drive that Kitchen handled cleanly, before Blackburn went close at the opposite end. Bridgeman then squandered a fine chance when well placed, only to force Whittacker into an excellent save moments later. Cross and Hartley kept Kitchen busy with further efforts, and Whittacker was again called upon to tip another Bridgeman attempt over the bar.
Persistence finally paid off after twenty‑five minutes. Bridgeman, lively throughout, slipped a neat pass to Blackburn, and the inside‑left made no mistake, driving the ball home to give West Ham the lead. Both sides fashioned further opportunities before the interval, but the score remained 1–0.
Barely minutes into the second half West Ham doubled their advantage. Bridgeman’s shot was only parried by Whittacker, and Wilkinson reacted quickest, calmly slotting the loose ball into the net. The setback roused Brentford, who responded with a series of determined attacks. Shanks and Parsonage both tried their luck, but Kitchen and his defenders held firm as the Hammers worked to protect their advantage.
Brentford:
Whittacker, Watson, Riley, Jay, Parsonage, Tomlinson, Cross, Shanks, Cookson, Hartley, Underwood
NORWICH CITY
Newmarket Road
0 - 1
7 October 1905
Att: 6,000
Kitchen
Hammond
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Bush
Winterhalder H.
Bridgeman
Hilsdon
Blackburn
Wilkinson
The weather was mild and there was a little rain in the second half. Bowman and Graham returned after 4-weeks absence for Norwich. The dash and keeness of the Canaries gave them the advantage and the West Ham defence was heavily taxed. Presure was almost continuous and was delivered with a great spirit. It was entirely due to Kitchens brilliance that Norwich did not win by a huge margin.
The West Ham goal had a series of wonderfully narrow escapes. Ross was particularly unfortunate with a number of shots. Ronaldson got the only goal when he headed in after Kitchen had twice pushed oyt efforts. This was scored after 15 minutes and it was surprising West Ham got away with such a small deficit.
Norwich had quite a number of corners and there were quite a few fierce scrambles in front of the Hammers goal. Altough under constant attack West Ham were not without hope of drawing level but City ought to have had a larger score.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Blackburn, Mackie)
14 October 1905
Att: 5,000
Kitchen
McCartney
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Bush
Ford
Bridgeman
Mackie
Blackburn
Wilkinson
Unbeaten Plymouth lost their record and place at the head of the Southern League table. Hammers fully deserved their victory for there was plenty of energy in their methods and for three-quarters of the game were on the attack. The visitors had Buck and Banks absent injured but Godley and Buchanan their deputies did excellent work. West Ham's forwards were better together than the Plymouth line and with the defence not making a mistake the home side gave their best display of the season. The home side pressed from the start and Sutcliffe was forced to save shots from Mackie and Bridgeman in the first two minutes. Leach got Wilcox away by McCartney soon checked him. Gardner put Ford clear but he too was dispossessed. The Hammers continued to attack and Blackburn won a corner but it came to nought.
A dangerous centre from Wilkinson gave Sutcliffe some trouble and he just got rid of the ball as he was charged over the line. Then for 10 minutes Plymouth had to defend desperately and their backs kicked out several times. Play became a bit too vigorous and keen and several stops occurred for injuries to be attended too. Clarke was hurt and had to leave the field for a spell. Plymouth defended pluckily and then Leach got a chance for them. His terrific shot beat Kitchen and the visitors were one-up at half-time.
After the break West Ham continued to press and from a scrimmage Blackburn secured the ball and levelled the scores. A moment later Sutcliffe ws in action saving from Blackburn and Saul twice kicked out when a goal seemed certain. There was a moment of danger for West Ham but McCartney stopped a briercliffe dash. Plymouth were unable to stall off the Hammers attacks. Then a long shot from Mackie decided the issue when he beat Sutcliffe with a shot that just got beneath the bar.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
0 - 1
21 October 1905
Att: 6,000
Kitchen
McCartney
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Bush
Ford
Bridgeman
Mackie
Blackburn
Wilkinson
Brown had an early opportunity but shot the ball out of the ground. Kitchen was often tested but West ham began to attack once they settled. From a corner Allison just missed then Burrows was called upon to svae from Mackie. Southampton built up their attacks brilliantly but broke down when near the West Ham goal. Half-time: 0-0.
Saints attacked from the restart Tomlinson made a clear run but was stopped just in time. Harrison twice troubled Kitchen with shots which the goalkeeper ably dealt with, and several corners proved abortive. The Hammers forwards coud not now get going and Lee and Hartshorne often broke up their attempts to combine. Eventually Brown rushed the ball through to give Saints the points. Brown was very tricky and persistent and had one great shot tipped over by Kitchen.
READING
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Allison, Ford)
28 October 1905
Att: 7,000
Kitchen
McCartney
Gardner
Allison
Hindle
Bush
Ford
Bridgeman
Mackie
Blackburn
Wilkinson
Although both clubs have some of the finest players in the country the hopes of both sets of supporters have not been realised and both sides put on a match of a distinctly high standard and a finer game has not been seen at the Boleyn Ground this season. Reading had Henderson and Bainbridge missing and the win was all the more merited. Piercy absence had more effect on the West Ham side. Hammers had three weak spots, McCartney, Hindle and Ford. The last named being put off his game by the visitors attentions of Brown the Reading left-half. Those who shone were Kitchen, Gardiner, Allison, Wilkinson and Blackburn/
Reading gave a fine display with Lindsay the best back on the field. Herbert Smith was also in fine fettle. Brown did good work at half-back and Higginson was the shining light of the visiting forwards. West Ham started at a rare pace and Newbeggin was tried twice in the first minute. Reading retaliated and Leonard sprinted down the wing whipped the ball across to Long who was standing unmarked 20 yards from goal. Taking excellent aim. He let fly with his left foot and Reading were one up.
The visitors were not destined to hold the lead for long and admirable work from Wilkinson and Bridgeman made an opening for Ford who equalised with another left foot drive. There ensued a fierce struggle for the lead and both goalkeepers were kept busy by dangerous attacks. Shortly before half-time Higginson worked his way through the home defence and with an electrifying shot he got a good goal. A minute later Blackburn almost scored but his shot struck the bar.
After crossing over the struggle became keener then ever and stops were frequent for fouls. On one occasion Bridgeman sent the ball straight at Lindsay when almost under the bar. The equalising point was not long delayed. Bannister indulging in gallery work allowed the ball to go between his legs to Allison and the West Ham half with a beautiful swerving shot made it 2-2.
It was a magnificent effort and the enthusiasm was unparallelled. Reading were soon swarming around the home goal. Kitchen saved a hot shot from Long but could only parry it and Garbutt getting the loose ball sent in a telling shot.
WATFORD
Cassio Road
1 - 3 (Bridgeman)
4 November 1905
Att: 4,000
Kitchen
McCartney
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
ARTHUR FEATHERSTONE
Bridgeman
Mackie
Blackburn
Wilkinson
A fair crowd despite the depressing weather lined the ropes. The visitors brought a good compliment of supporters with them. In an early attack Main caused Kitchen to punch clear. Kelly tested Kitchen at the expense of a cornor Blackburn shot wide when in a dangerous position. Reid sent in a shot which struck the cross-bar and bounced down onto the goal-line. After consulting a linesman the referee decided the ball had crossed the line and awarded a goal amid a loud cheers. Even play followed with Blackburn and Wilkinson trying shots at the Watford goal which were splendidly frustrated by Biggar. Hammers custodian Kitchen was deservedly applauded for a grand save from a Turner shot. Aston miskicked but Lindsay came to the rescue.
Just on half-time Bridgeman headed in a Wilkinson cross to level the scores. On resuming West Ham had much the better of the play but halfway through the second half Foster scored Watford's second goal and soon after Turner nothed a third.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Mackie, Wilkinson)
11 November 1905
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
JAMES JACKSON
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Mackie
Blackburn
Wilkinson
Drizzle fell all the time play was in progress. The game was especially interesting from the fact that James Jackson the late manager of Leyton and former captain of Woolwich Arsenal was to turn out for West Ham. He recieved a great ovation when he did take the field. West Ham won the toss and had a good deal of the opening play. The forwards showed the correct method and the defence was safe. A fine shot from Allsop and one from Joynes tested Kitchen but he was very safe.
The visitors tried again but Jackson swooped on Yates before he could shoot. Featherstone got away down his wing but Clare was too clever. Jarvis was injured and had to retire. The itch was very treacherous but the game continued at a fast pace and was even for about 20 minutes then Wilkinson got possession and finished a good move with a shot well out of the reach of Mellors. Jarvis returned and West Ham played with redoubled energy. Clare was playing excellently at back for the visitors and broke up many threatening moves by the persistent West Ham forwards. Just before half-time Jackson placed the ball nicely to Mackie and the home centre-forward made no mistake as he beat Mellors 'all ends up'. Some spasmodic attacks by the visitors were repelled by the West Ham backs and despite long spells of pressure by the home side the score was not added too.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
County Ground
1 - 2 (Mackie)
18 November 1905
Att: 5,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Mackie
Blackburn
Wilkinson
Northampton scored two quick goals and would have had more but for the briliance of Kitchen in the West Ham goal.
Hammers had most of the second half but could only score once. Durber and Platt were injured and played most of the game in a crippled state. West Ham were at full strength but their display in the first half was poor in comparison with that of the Midlanders. Within minutes of the start Durbers knee injured during the previous week gave way and he was carried from the field. He returned after a few minutes limping badly.
A breakaway by Gooing who when tackled passed to Frost who scored with a shot into the top corner. Kitchen was beaten again a few minutes later when Springthorpe scored. Durber left the field and returned a few minutes later fitted with an elastic stocking. Owing to the light being bad there was no interval. After 20 minutes of the second half, Neal gave away a corner. Wilkinson dropped the ball in beautifully. From the ensuing melee Mackie scored with a sharp low shot. During the concluding stages Hammers tried hard to salvage a point. Perkins twice saved brilliantly, once from Bridgeman who played very well in the latter half of the match.
FULHAM
Craven Cottage
0 - 1
25 November 1905
Att: 12,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Hilsdon
Watson
Blackburn
Even the most bigoted of Fulham supporters could not enthuse over this performance. Certainly the west Londoners playing at home won both the points but in still descending still lower in the Southern League the East Enders deserved every sympathy. At Craven Cottage West Ham put up such a struggle that it would have won them nine games out of ten but they had no luck. Twice in the second half the Fulham backs had been well cleared by the visiting forwards and Thompson both times saved the situation by leaving his goal and hurling himself at the ball. To make matters worse West Ham played a man short for three-quarters of the game. After fifteen minutes Blackburn was going right through when he was brought down heavily. One of his arms sustained serious injury and he took no further part.
The Fulham forwards did some pretty work in mid-field but when near goal their shots were sadly inaccurate and it was left to Jackson to put the ball through his own goal and consequently lose the match for his side. Jackson has done Yoeman service for his new club and that one blunder was a dreadful misfortune.
The game kicked off in dull weather. The pitch considering the thaw and subsequent rain proved in excellent order. The early exchanges were even and despite losing Blackburn, Hammers continued ti hold their own. The only danger in the first half was a Threlfell centre that flashed across the face of the West Ham goal. Half-time 0-0.
On resuming Fulham played with more dash and Kitchen brought off one good save from Edgley and a few minutes later Jackson cleared a goal bound shot. Featherstone and Hilsdon had shots stopped by Thompson. With ten minutes to go Jackson made his fatal mistake in trying to clear a centre from Bell.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Hilsdon, Watson)
2 December 1905
Att: 7,500
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Hilsdon
Watson
Wilkinson
It was hardly expected that West Ham would win but win they did. The East Enders made the first dangerous attacks. Featherstone's work made Wilkinson an opening but he shot wide, then White shot over for Rangers. Bean spoilt an excellent opportunity by getting offside. There followed three quick corners to Rangers but all were cleared after narrow escapes. A fine shot from Allison started a series of raids on the visitors goal. In one of these a fine centre by Featherston enabled Hilsdon to put West Ham ahead in the 25th minute.
Hilsdon then made a fine individual run but his final shot went wide. In the next few minutes Watson twice put the ball over the Rangers bar. Offside twice stopped Rangers raids, Bevan being the culprit each time. Half-time 1-0.
Kitchen saved an early rush by the Rangers at the start of the second half and sent his forwards to the other end where following a free kick Watson netted number two for the home side in the 47th minute. Rangers shooting was very poor and several chances were unaccepted. Sugden formerly of West Ham had a fine chance but shot wide from a good spot. A penalty was awarded to Rangers following a foul by Gardiner on Sugden but Downing failed with his kick.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Eastville
1 - 2 (Hilsdon)
9 December 1905
Att: 5,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Hilsdon
Watson
Wilkinson
Kitchen once again West Ham hero, Rovers got the winner only in the last minutes. Match was full of lively incident an good football. The features were the effectiveness of the West Ham attack and the re-instatement of old tie vigour and brilliance of last years Southern League Champions. The home side looked like winners after the first 15 minutes when several straight hard hit shots had been dealt with by Kitchen, Hales gave his side the lead.
However a different aspect was put on the game when Hilsdon scored from Wilkinson's pass. Then almost immediately found himself at Cartlidges goalmouth with the goalkeeper's chances at a minimum. His shotcame back off a post and Watson collecting, shot over. Half-time 1-1.
Rovers assumed ascendancy on resuming the second half and maintained it throughout. Cartlidge needed attention from the St Johns Ambulance men following his effort to save Hilsdon's successful shot. His ribs is so injured he is not expected to play this eek. His defenders protected him well and he was rarely called upon during the second half.
The referee was hooted by the home supporters ignorant of the off-side rule which was applied to many of Rovers attacks.
NEW BROMPTON
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Jarvis)
16 December 1905
Att: 6,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Wilkinson
Hilsdon
Watson
Blackburn
Hilsdon lost a good early chance through hesitancy. The visitors were seldom dangerous and when they were they got themselves off-side. Jarvis got the only goal from a corner by Blackburn, halfway through the first half. Jarvis had to leave the field near the end through injury. Darkness was fast approaching as Griffiths fumbled a shot from Hlsdon that ended the game.
PORTSMOUTH
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Stapley)
23 December 1905
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Grassam
HARRY STAPLEY
Watson
Blackburn
West Ham won by the only goal and well deserved their victory. It was a great game and Portsmouth did well not to go under without a desperate struggle.
West Ham pressed at the start and Watson lost an early chance by shooting badly. Harris was conspicuous with his dashing runs. Jackson and Gardiner however never allowed him to get dangerous. Kitchen had plenty to occupy him in dealing with shots from McDonald and Lee. At the other end goalkeeper Harris was far from idle. Half-time 0-0.
The second period was splendidly fought out and on the run of play there was not a pin to choose between the sides. Stapley however claimed the honour of not only making the cleverest runs of the day but of crowning it by scoring a grand goal. It was a beautiful effort and thoroughly deserved the enthusiasm that followed it. Portsmouth retaliation raids West Ham survived a free kick just outside the six-yard area and a penalty appeal against Jackson.
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
3 - 2 (Blackburn, Jarvis, Watson)
30 December 1905
Att: 4,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Piercy
Featherstone
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
Swindon skipper Chalmers won the toss and set West Ham to face the glaring sun although they had the advantage of a slight breeze. It was a very tame opening and little life throughout, onlt the goalkeepers showed any brilliance. Dean scored after 27 minutes, Kitchen never seeing the ball as it went through a maze of legs. Watson equalised two minutes prior to half-time, following a long period of even play.
Early in the second period a Featherstone cross went begging as no West Ham forwards were up. After 22 minutes of the latter half Capes put the homesters back in front. With just 7 minutes to go, Atterbury gave away a corner and from it Jarvis levelled the scores. The with just 2 minutes remaining Blackburn shot hard at Ling in the Swindon goal. The home custodian surprisingly let it pass over his head and into the net for the winner. West Ham thus won a poor game 3-2.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Watson)
6 January 1906
Att: 15,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Piercy
Featherstone
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
The Boleyn Castle ground is spacious but not spacious enough to afford an uninterrupted view for 15,000. But everybody appeared perfectly satisfied. Although not as scientific as Southern League games go it was very interesting to watch the play. During the game, the teams, urged on by their supporterrs tended to lose their heads and forgot the finer points of the game. However although the contest did not produce much that was clever it was a strenuous struggle and singularly fast game from start to finish. West Ham must consider themselves lucky for the visitos did more attacking and were a shade superior.
The visiting forwards controlled the ball better in the severe cross-wind and gave the home defenders plenty of trouble. Jackson and Gardiner however were equal to the occasion, and the former player showed magnificent form with his long kicking and stopping a resource gained from his long experience. At the other end Campbell and Stevenson were also in form and both sets of forwards were held comfortably in check. West Ham's front row did get through on occasions and one of these decided the issue. After 25 minutes play a centre from Stapley was crashed in by Watson. Joyce the Millwall goalkeeper just managed to touch the ball as it passed him by. Millwall complained of offside but the referee ruled the goal a good one. The visitors put more vim into their play and up to half-time they were more vigorous than sciebtific. The wind dropped after the interval and there were long spells of even play. Near the end Hammers forced three successive corners but nothing resulted.
WOOLWICH ARSENAL : FA Cup (First Round)
Manor Ground, Plumstead
1 - 1 (Kitchen [pen]
13 January 1906
Att: 18,000
Kitchen
Milnes
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Piercy
Bridgeman
Bush
Hilsdon
Watson
Blackburn
The whistle played a not unimportant part in this tie. The referee was kept busy awarding free-kicks and the home side was by no means the aggressors. At the same time it cannot be said that the game was as rough as cup-ties go although on two occasions it was necessary to delver mild lectures to players who showed a super abundance of energy. On the whole the contest was fast and interesting and at times the excitement rose to a high pitch. Following a wet morning the weather became delightfully fine with bright sunshine and the attendance reached 18,000.
The 'Reds' played in white owing to West Ham's colours being somewhat similar to those of the 'Gunners'. Arsenal won the toss but no advantage was gained. Fitchie and Templeton were first to become prominent for Woolwich - but then West Ham attached down their left and Sharp checked them cleverly. The initial shot at goal came from Templeton and a minute later Sands tested Kitchen. Tricky play by Watson gave West Ham some terretorial advantage though it was of short duration.
Both Ducat and coleman gave Kitchen hard shots to deal with and the visiting custodian proved early on to be in capital form and as the game wore on showed ot was quite his day out. A finer day betwen the posts could not have been desired and West Ham have him to thank for no sustaining a heavy defeat.
For a few minutes Arsenal had much the best of the play but then Watson, Hilsdon and Blackburn who were nicely fed by Allison caused trouble at the other end where Sharp showed a particularly sound defence.
Kitchen saved four shots in quick succession from Templeton and Fitchie. His wonderful exhibition being loudly applauded by both friend and foe. Allison at length got away and forced a corner. From the kick Sharpe handled close to the home posts. Kitchen made the the long trek upfield and scored form the 'spot' for Wst Ham whose supporters went almost frantic with delight. At half-time the Hammers were still holding on to their onegoal advantage.
Try as they would the home forwards couldn't get away, the visiting halves were playing a very determined game.
Arsenal attacks were getting closer to Kitchen's goal and the game was now much in Arsenal's favour with the Hammers goal having a series of narrow escapes. Just as it seemed West Ham must pass into the next round a scamble occured in the visitors goal-mouth. What happened is not exactly clear but a penalty was claimed and awarded and Sharp levelled the score. Both sides strove hard for the winning point but without success, and the game ended 1-1.
Arsenal:
Jimmy Ashcroft. Archie Cross, Jimmy Sharp, Jimmy Bigden, Percy Sands, Roddy MacEachran, Billy Garbutt, John ("Tim") Coleman, Andy Ducat. Tommy Fitchie (amateur), Bobby Tempteton.
WOOLWICH ARSENAL : FA Cup (First Round Replay)
Upton Park
2 -3 (Bridgeman, Watson)
18 January 1906
Att: 12,000e
Kitchen
Milnes
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Piercy
Wilkinson
Bridgeman
Hilsdon
Watson
Blackburn
There were two team-changes for the second meeting; F. Wilkinson replaced Bush in the home side, and Satterthwaite took over from Fitchie for Arsenal. The "gate" was 12,000. (Receipts £375).
There had been some hard tackling at Plumstead, and the "atmosphere" built up over the preceding days may have impelled the FA to change the referee, with A.J. Barker of Hanley taking the place of J. Adams of Birmingham.
To quote: "The recent heavy rains had left the Boleyn Ground in a very bad state, patches of mud and pools of water catching the eye every few yards. Notwithstanding this, the game was very fast and exciting and full of incident from start to finish."
Blackburn, Hilsdon and Bridgeman combined for the latter to put Hammers ahead, but Arsenal scored twice before the interval; Ducat equalised from a scrimmage after a 27th minute corner and then Garbutt swerved the ball past Kitchen to make it 2-1.
Fred Blackburn's absence due to an injured ankle left Hammers with ten men to start the second half, but although he came back to the field of play later it was a handicapped side. Templeton fired a centre across the face of the West Ham goal and Satterthwaite met it to easily score the visitors third goal.
Hammers were not disheartened and forced their rivals back. An exciting scrimmage took place in front of Ashcroft's goal out of which Watson shot at goal. The Arsenal goalkeeper stopped the ball but the referee ruled it had crossed the line for West Ham's secind point. A lot of extra vigour was put into play after this and fouls were frequent". Arsenal won 3-2.
Arsenal:
Jimmy Ashcroft. Archie Cross, Jimmy Sharp, Jimmy Bigden, Percy Sands, Roddy MacEachran, Billy Garbutt, John ("Tim") Coleman, Andy Ducat. Sattertwaite, Bobby Tempteton.
LUTON TOWN
Kenilworth Road
1 - 1 (Stapley)
20 January 1906
Att: 5,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Bush
Jarvis
Piercy
Featherstone
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
ARTHUR WINTERHALDER
Luton won the toss and kicked off n muddy conditions. West Ham soon got possession and forced two quick corners. Luton gained two corners also but all four were fruitless. Jackson cleared twice he was easily the best defender. A clever piece of play by Pickering resulted in a goal. He drew the West Ham defence to him before passing to the unmarked Brown who put the Hatters one-up. West Ham promptly set to work to improve matters but were still the one goal behind at half-time.
The first half had created little excitement and the second period produced even less. West Ham equalised when Stapley brought the ball up through the stiky conditions. When within 12 yards of the Luton goal he shot. The ball was slowed considerably by the mud but Platt made no effort to save. This was Hammers first Southern League draw of the 1905-06 season.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
0 - 1
27 January 1906
Att: 16,500
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Bush
Jarvis
Piercy
Featherstone
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
Spurs without their celebrated centre-forward V.J. Woodward, who was injured in the international trial at Leeds earlier in the week. Hammers were at full strength and their recent form suggested they might run the Spurs close. It was a stubbornly contested game, scrambled at first but both sides soon settled. Tottenham made the first opening but Brearleys final shot was comfortably saved by Kitchen. At the other end Watson had two attempts at the visitors goal, both were dealt with by Eggett.
Kitchen was having another fine game. Once he saved from Chapman at the expense of a fruitless corner. Blackburn and Stapley were West Ham's best forwards at this stage. There was still no score at the interval but the opening minutes of the second spell proved anxious for both goalkeepers. Kitchen had to save from former Hammer Carrick whilst Eggett was called to action by Blackburn. Kitchen saved well from Walton. Then after a brief attack by the home side the visitors came back. This time Kyle beat Kitchen with a beauty which gave him no chance. The goal after 60 minutes decided the issue.
NORWICH CITY
Upton Park
6 - 1 (Stapley 2, Watson 2, Grassam, Kitchen [pen])
10 February 1906
Att: 6,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Piercy
Bridgeman
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
Although West Ham succeeded in defeating Norwich City by six goals to one at Upton Park, the score rather flattered the abilities of the home side for on the run of play there was nothing like that difference between the teams. As a matter of fact Norwich City were extremely unlucky to lose at all for they held their own well in the opening half when each side scored a goal. After crossing over however luck went against them. First a penalty was awarded to West Ham then Williams gave them a gift and the referee indirectly gave them yet another when he got in the way of the ball which rebounded off him to a West Ham player who seized the chance and scored. The ground was in a bad state and the wind added to the difficulties. An early stoppage occurred when Piercy was winded, then after 5 minutes Watson placed the Hammers in the lead. Norwich retaliated and some clever play between Muir and Ronaldson left Ross an easy chance and he netted a 20th minute equaliser. Half-time 1-1.
On the resumption Hammers attacked strongly. During this onslaught Bennett handled and Kitchen came up and converted the spot kick. Norwich protested strongly about the penalty decision but to no avail. Fro the restart Bridgeman sprinted along the touch-line and centred for Stapley to notch number three.
The same player added a fourth with a long shot which Williams caught, fumbled and turned into his own goal. Watson's goal, number five, was the shot that came off the referee following a Bridgeman cross. The visitors were now disheartened and well beaten and Grassam added to their misery when he headed West Ham's sixth. Near the end Gardener was penalised. Archers spot-kick was hard but straight at Kitchen who saved well.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Home Park
2 - 4 (Grassam, Kitchen [pen])
17 February 1906
Att: 3,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Piercy
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Grassam
Watson
Blackburn
It was uncertain right up till the last moment whether Harry Stapley, the amateur, could get away from his scholastic duties and leave with the team for the West Country. The directors were very keen on taking their best team and Stapley's presence was most desirable, but he could no make the journey.
Unfavourable weather and heavy rains had left the ground like a swamp. West Ham had rather a weak side out but there was absolutely no reason why the players should have lost their tempers. Men on both sides were cautioned and two penalty goals were scored - one by each side.
Plymouth were always the better side on he loose ground and Buck opened the scoring in the 8th minute. The visitors retaliated and forcing a corner Saul gave away a penalty from the kick Kitchen came up from his goal and converted from the spot.
Near half-time Wilcox got away and his shot struck the cross-bar but hit a defender on the way down and went in. Plymouth led 2-1 at the break.
Immediatly on changing ends Saul redeemed his early misdemeanour by converting a penalty for Argyle. Grassam reduced the deficit but Plymouth complained their goalkeeper had cleared. Fouls were frequent and two of the visiting team were cautioned while two other players - one of Plymouth - were spoken to. Wilcox scored Plymouth's fourth goal to end the scoring in an unpleasant match.
After the match the players were booked for Weston-Super-Mare. They spent Sunday at the seaside resort and were due to travel on to Bristol for their Western League fixture with Bristol Rovers.
SOUTHAMPTON
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Stapley 2, Bridgeman)
26 February 1906
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
Hammers were at full strength whilst Saints made five changes from the side that beat Middlesbrough in the Cup 6-1 last wekkend.
This was a clever win by West Ham who were a shade better all round and led by 2-0 at half-time. Stapley led the forwards well his dash and his example was followed by the whole front line. Jefferies and Mouncher found Jackson and Gardner a rare stumbling block. Kitchen though tried less, then Crawley came out of several hot ordeals with credit. Saints conceded four corners early on but a pass from Watson to Stapley saw the centre-forward dash through and score into the far corner of the Saints net - a fine piece of individualism. There was an appeal for off-side but the referee disregarded it.
Meston almost put through when he made a fierce back pass to Crawley. The Saints goalie just managed to get to it. West Ham's second goal resulted from a Bridgeman shot which Crawley and Clarke hesitated to clear. Stapley came in to notch mumber two. This roused the visitors and Kitchen saved rasping shots from Soye and Jeffries.
Gardner was off for a few minutes during the start of the second half but the best Saints could do in his absence was a weak shot from Brown. Kitchen stopped two more shots from Jefferies, and Crawley dealt with one from Blackburn.
Five minutes from the end Bridgeman broke away and outpacing Clarke he got Hammers third goal.
READING
Elm Park
1 - 6 (Watson [pen])
3 March 1906
Att: 5,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Jarvis
Bush
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
Beautifully fine weather and turf in good playable condition were not help as the Hammers were overthrown by a crushing majority of 6 goals to one.
West Ham had their strongest available XI, but Reading were without skipper Herbert Smith and their regular centre-forward McCafferty.
Higginson enabled Bainbridge to open the scoring with a fine pass. Bainbridge got a scond goal on the half hour. Stapley looked likely to reduce the difference but he was brought down in the box. Watson stepped forward and shot the penalty home.
Before hal-time Gettins restored Reading's two two advantage. Bridgeman never appeared at the start of the second half. As a resuult West Ham employed the one-back game and thus earned the disapproval of the home supporters. Reading were still the more aggressive side and Gettins got himself a second goal following a corner. Allman made it five with a clever goal and Bainbridge completed his hat-trick in notching the sixth and final goal.
WATFORD
Upton Park
0 - 0
10 March 1906
Att: 7,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Hilsdon
Piercy
Featherstone
Watson
Stapley
Blackburn
Winterhalder A.
Watford had Goodall the old Preston North End skipper at inside-right and at outside-left newly acquired Spikesly formerly of Sheffield Wednesday. In this game West Ham were somewhat fortunate to get a point - Jackson, three times made headed clearances off his own goal-line.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
0 - 0
17 March 1906
Att: 5,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Hilsdon
Piercy
Bush
Ford
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
In the summer-like weather Hammers were lucky to get a point. At left-half for Brighton was F. Buckley who later had an impressive career as a manager.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Bridgeman 2, Stapley 2)
24 March 1906
Att: 4,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Bridgeman
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
Weakened Northampton were beaten by four goals to one on a heavy pitch. After only 3 minutes Stapley scored from a well placed Blackburn corner. In the 13th minute Bridgeman made it 2-0 after a shot had rebounded off Durber. Springthorpe retrieved a goal for the visitors, when Gooing provided the opportunity.
At half-time it was 2-1. In the second half Stapley and Bridgeman brought the home sides score to four. Watson also netted but his goal was given offside.
FULHAM
Upton Park
0 - 0
31 March 1906
Att: 12,000
Cotton
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Bridgeman
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
It was a most disappointingly game for the lovers of football. If Fulham win the championship they will owe it to their defence. At no time did the Fulham forwards threaten the home goal in a manner that might be expected of potential champions. Except for the opening 20 minutes when they hovered around Cotton's goal.
The most significant happening was at the other end when a timely interception by Ross prevented Watson scoring. Collins had a near miss when his shot grazed the West Ham cross bar with Cotton on the wrong side of it. The home forwards certainly made a better effect than did the Fulham line but the character of their attack my be gauged from the fact that only two shots found the way to Fryer and these could have been saved by anybody with a pair of arms. Edgley left Fulham's most dangerous move of the match unfinished by refusing to accept the gift of an open goal.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Royal Agricultural Society Showgrounds
1 - 0 (Stapley)
7 April 1906
Att: 10,000
Kitchen
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Bridgeman
Grassam
Stapley
Watson
Blackburn
West Ham lucky to win at Queens Park Rangers. Although Kitchen in the Hammers' goal was unbeatable. Stapley twice got clear in the closing minutes, the first time he shot feebly but with the second he made no mistake and that goal decided the issue before a 10,000 attendance. Bevan twice shot over and Kitchen was called upon to save a terrific shot from Ryder. Fletcher an ex-Hammer was in fine form for Rangers. Jackson and Kitchen excelled in the visitors defence.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Blackburn, Hilsdon)
14 April 1906
Att: 9,000
Cotton
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Featherstone
Bridgeman
Hilsdon
Blackburn
Winterhalder A.
The football was too one-sided, Hammers attack against Rovers defence was at its best. Cartlidge was sound in goal and the full-backs were energetic. Hammers were without Kitchen, Watson, Stapley and Grassam but aided by a wind they dominated the first half.
Hammers gained six corners in the first 20 minutes but didn't profit from any. After a prolonged attack a Jarvis header found Blackburn who scored. Featherstone left the field injured but even then the four forwards wanted a lot of stopping. Five minutes before the change of ends the home side got a second goal. It was the outcome of a brilliant run from midfield by William Bridgeman who having weaved his way passed three or four defenders laid on a pass to Hilsdon who made no mistake. Hammers led 20 at half-time and Cotton in the West Ham goal had hardly been called upon.
NEW BROMPTON
Priestfield Stadium
0 - 0
21 April 1906
Att: 3,000
Cotton
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Bridgeman
Grassam
Winterhalder A.
Watson
Blackburn
Played in good weather, the defences were always superior to the attacks. The home side were badly in need of the points being next to the bottom of the table. The balance of play was held by the home side throughout, Beadswortth and Campbell both misses excellent chances whilst Cotton was extremely luck to divert a Travers header wide of a post. West Ham were seldom dangerous and Metherwell had only to save one shot prior to half-time.
BRENTFORD
Griffin Park
1 - 3 (Grassam)
23 April 1906
Att: 2,000
Cotton
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Ford
Grassam
Bridgeman
Blackburn
Winterhalder A.
A ragged a scrappy game, West Ham had already taken four Western League points and two Southern League points of Brentford this season but they never looked like getting these. Hobson's nippy acceptance of chances offered was the only notable feature of the game.
In the opening half West Ham had the advantage of the breeze and their left wing pair Winterhalder and Blackburn were often prominent. Only one goal in the first half and that arrived in the last minute. Shanks got it with a shot that deflected off Jackson. The second half brightened a bit with Cross and Shanks being prominent with there dashes down the right wing. From one such move Jay put over the final centre and Hobson put the Bee's two-up ten minutes into the second half. A little later a fine combination move on the Brentford right ended with the ball being put neatly across goal where Hobson was in a fine position to head in number three.
Bridgeman got through twice for West Ham but was unsuccessful then a third time got him passed the backs yet again. He passed out to Winterhalder who dropped the ball in front of the Brentford goal and Grassam came up and put it into the net.
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
0 - 1
28 April 1906
Att: 5,000
Cotton
Jackson
Gardner
Allison
Piercy
Jarvis
Bridgeman
Grassam
Winterhalder A.
Watson
Blackburn
Glorious waether and a hard ground, Pompey played with the sun and breeze in the opening half. Hunter opened and closed the scoring in the first minute when he converted a fine centre from Steve Smith. Portsmouth attacked more often but hasty shooting prevented an increase in their lead. Cotton saved magnificently from Lee just before the interval. Then Portsmouth gained four consecutive corners. The second half through goalless was a busy period for both goalkeepers.
