West Ham’s second string began their campaign on the Swindon ground before a crowd of 1,500, but it was the home side who seized the early initiative. Wheatcroft was first to threaten, turning Sanderson’s centre straight into Cotton’s hands, and although Franks briefly tested Dyson at the other end, most of the constructive play came from Swindon. Cotton was soon forced to concede a corner under pressure from Sanderson, and the home forwards eventually combined neatly for Wheatcroft to open the scoring.
Up to the interval the match was defined by Swindon’s relentless front line and West Ham’s stubborn defending, Cotton producing several smart clearances to deny Wheatcroft, Sanderson, Archer, and Pugh. The hosts deservedly held a 1–0 lead at half-time.
Swindon resumed with the same authority. Cotton again had to deal with Wheatcroft, and Fair intervened decisively when Down looked certain to break through. After Dixon had stopped a long-range effort from Brunton, J. Poppitt burst clear to score Swindon’s second. Within a minute, Wheatcroft delivered a fine centre for Brown to head past Cotton, stretching the lead further.
West Ham rallied bravely. Allen’s strong run nearly produced a reply, only for S. Smith to be ruled offside, and Archer had to hack clear from A. Smith as the visitors pressed. Their persistence was rewarded when Franks swung over a cross that Mercer finished cleverly.
Any hope of a comeback was short-lived. J. Poppitt drew Cotton out and squared for Wheatcroft to tap into an empty net, restoring Swindon’s cushion. The home side were even awarded a penalty late on, but J. Poppitt missed the chance to add a fifth.

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Swindon Town:

Dixon, Beales, Archer, Oakden, Jones, Pugh, Sanderson, Poppitt J., Wheatcroft, Brown, Poppitt D.

Goals: Wheatcroft 2, Brown, Poppitt J.