WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Memorabilia through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1910-11 Southern League (Division One)
Manager : Syd King
After finishing ninth in the previous campaign there were only a couple of new signings. Centre-forward William Kennedy was purchased together with full-back James Rothwell. On the opening day at the Boleyn against Southend United, West Ham raced into a three-goal lead after 12 minutes and a big win looked likely, but the team became too casual and the game ended as a 3–3 draw. Following 2–0 wins over Queens Park Rangers and Gillingham there was a trip to old rivals Millwall. This resulted in another 2–0 victory and it was the first time that West Ham had won at Millwall in the Southern League. As in previous seasons the trend of winning at home then losing away continued, but in December there was an improvement. Two goals from Herbert Ashton came in a 3–0 home win over Leyton and this was followed by a 4–0 victory at the Boleyn against Plymouth Argyle. Danny Shea hit form by scoring twice at Watford in a 3–1 triumph and followed this up by scoring four at Southend as the Hammers romped to a 6–0 victory.
The FA Cup began with a home tie against First Division Nottingham Forest. Despite playing in the fog the Hammers won 2–1, with both goals from Shea. The next round brought another home tie with Preston North End, another top-flight side. The Hammers turned in an excellent performance in winning 3–0. Star of the show was centre-forward George Webb, who scored a hat-trick. Now in fine form, there were home wins over Norwich City and Luton Town. There was huge excitement as the draw for the third round of the FA Cup saw West Ham paired with Manchester United at home. The game attracted a record crowd of 27,000 and turned out to be a classic. The Hammers took the lead though Shea but United equalised soon after. Just three minutes from the end Thomas Caldwell was on hand to score the winning goal. The Hammers were through to the quarter-finals.
Good fortune played a part as West Ham were again drawn at home in the FA Cup, this time to Preston North End. Despite a gallant fight and two goals from George Butcher, the Hammers were beaten 3–2. The FA Cup run against four First Division opponents had brought acclaim and admiration from the footballing public. There were honours for three players as George Webb was chosen to represent England against Wales and Scotland, and Danny Shea and George Kitchen played for the Southern League side.
The Easter period saw West Ham beating Southampton both home and away but true to form this was followed by 3–0 defeats at Leyton and Brighton. It had been a good campaign as the team finished fifth in the league and reached the last eight of the FA Cup.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
SOUTHEND UNITED
Upton Park
3 - 3 (Ashton, Blackburn, Webb)
3 September 1910
At: 15,000
Kitchen
Shreeve
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Blackburn
Caldwell
The 14,000 spectators who turned up at the Boleyn Ground on the opening day of a new season witnessed a remarkable match.
After only 12 minutes West Ham were 3-0 up and set for an emphatic victory. However, Southend had other ideas. The visitors pulled back a goal just before the interval and added two more during the second half to force a draw.
Southend full-back, Tommy Murray, had a nightmare start to the game and was in part responsible for all three West Ham goals. After only two minutes he completely missed his kick to let in George Webb—Hammers' amateur centre-forward who was to be capped twice for the full England side later in the season, and shortly afterwards slipped as he shaped to tackle little winger Bert Ashton, who ran on to blast the ball past Southend goalkeeper David Clark, a former West Ham player. The visitors' Scottish full-back was again at fault as he allowed Webb to gain possession ; Hammers' burly leader passed to Fred Blackburn, who touched the ball past the advancing Clark.
Southend who had themselves gone close to scoring during this period when Alec "Nutty" King shot against the West Ham crossbar, appeared dead and buried.
Then, five minutes before the interval, they got a break when Hammers' right - back Shreeve handled a cross from Southend left winger Dunn. Referee Tom Robertson awarded a spot-kick, which Murray, atoning for earlier errors, calmly converted, while goalkeeper George Kitchen jumped up and down on his line. (The rule requiring 'keepers to stand still until a penalty taker had touched the ball, was still a long way off from being introduced).
Southend dominated the second half, and it was no surprise when they netted a second goal after 65 minutes. "Ginger" Frost robbed Danny Shea before sending away centre-forward King, who beat Kitchen with a ferocious shot.
Eight minutes later Southend's comeback was complete when they hit their third. Once again the marksman was King, playing against one of his former clubs. The lanky Massey attempted to pass back to his 'keeper, but the centre-forward nipped in, steered the ball round Kitchen, who got a hand to it, but could not prevent it entering the net.
Sorry No Image
COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road
0 - 3
10 September 1910
Att: 6,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Park Royal Ground
2 - 0 (Shea 2)
12 September 1910
Att: 7,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Curtis
Blackburn
Caldwell
The visitors went ahead through Shea from a Cadwell pass. Just previous to this Steer the Rangers centre-forward was injured. A mix-up between McDonald and Wake allowed Shea to capitalise. Barnes gave a splendid display against his old club. Rangers were generally in command and Hammer who spent three-quarters of the game defending scored again through Shea and were lucky to win.
NEW BROMPTON
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Shea, Webb)
17 September 1910
Att: 12,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Blackburn
Caldwell
Disturbance in the crowd when a section of the supporters took exception to the treatment Higgins the Brompton full-back was giving.
Herbert Ashton the Hammers right-winger, after one particular heavy tackle a stone was thrownfrom the terrace, at Higgins.
The referee appealed to the home officials to address the specatators. Kitchen the West Ham captain and goalkeeper ran from his posts the whole lenght of the field and had a few words to the people behind the Brompton goal. After another minor incident a few minutes later a policeman was posted at the spot.
Sorry No Image
LEYTON : London Challenge Cup (First Round)
Leyton
3 - 2 (Caldwell, Curtis [og])
19 September 1910
Att: 4,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Woodards
Randall
Miellear
Shea
Curtis
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
The Den
2 - 0 (Blackburn, Shea)
24 September 1910
Att: 10,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Bourne
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Blackburn
Caldwell
Hammers were hoping to be the first Southern League visitors to Millwall's new ground at New Cross. The ground however was not ready and the opening had to be put back.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Curtis 2, Shea)
1 October 1910
Att: 20,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Curtis
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
NORWICH CITY
The Nest
0 - 2
8 October 1910
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Curtis
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
BROMLEY : London Challenge Cup (Second Round)
Hayes Lane
5 - 0 (Shea 3, Blackburn, Kennedy)
10 October 1910
Att: 3,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Woodards
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Kennedy
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
LUTON TOWN
Kenilworth Road
1 - 1 (Shea)
15 October 1910
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Woodards
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
PORTSMOUTH
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Ashton, Kitchen [pen], Shea)
22 October 1910
Att: 10,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Woodards
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
County Ground
0 - 2
29 October 1910
Att: 6,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Woodards
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Kennedy, Kitchen [pen], Shea)
5 November 1910
Att: 14,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
WILLIAM KENNEDY
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
FULHAM : London Challenge Cup (Semi-Final)
Stamford Bridge
0 - 1
7 November 1910
Att: 5,307
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Curtis
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
EXETER CITY
St James' Park
0 - 0
12 November 1910
Att: 6,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Kennedy
Blackburn
Caldwell
Whatever cause Exeter City had for deciding to change their colours it cannot be said that their display against West Ham United at St James's Park anyway warranted the absurd suggestion of the players being superstitious. The weakness of the City team was, unfortunately for their supporters, too well exemplified, for anyone who watched the game could not honestly say that it was bad luck which robbed them of two points. The game throughout was a good one, but one in which goals should certainly have been scored. The opening stages favoured Exeter City, who did by far the bulk of the attacking in this period. Watson sent narrowly wide, Parnell also shot outside, then West Ham transferred play to the other end and Evans several times came to the rescue bu holding up Caldwell and Blackburn, a dangerous left wing pair when given the ball. Just on the interval Kitchen distinguished himself with a good save from a header by Hughes. After the change over Kitchen was soon in action again, dealing with shots from Hughes, James and Prideaux and on one occasion the goalkeeper rushed out to dispossess James in the act of shooting. James later shot over an open goal and Whittaker saved well from Kennedy.
SWINDON TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Shea)
19 November 1920
Att: 12,000
Geggus
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Kennedy
Blackburn
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
BRISTOL ROVERS
Eastville
1 - 1 (Shea)
26 November 1920
Att: 6,000
Geggus
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Kennedy
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
CRYSTAL PALACE
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Shea)
3 December 1910
Att: 10,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
BRENTFORD
Griffin Park
0 - 3
10 December 1910
Att: 5,000
Geggus
JAMES ROTHWELL
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
LEYTON
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Ashton 2, Shea)
17 December 1910
Att: 7,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
Shea appearance in this match was in doubt, he has been in the hands of the dentist leading up to the match having several teeth extracted.
Sorry No Image
WATFORD
Cassio Road
3 - 1 (Shea 2, Piercy [pen])
24 December 1910
Att: 2,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Webb 2, Rothwell [pen], Shea)
26 December 1910
Att: 14,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Massey
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
Argyl were without Horne and played with only 10 men throughout the first half. Loveless who was telegraphed for, did not arrive.
Haines the Plymouth trainer played on the right wing in the second period and the visitors play visibly improved.
Webb headed West Ham into the lead, but his drop-shot that increased the lead shortly after should have been saved.
McCormick saved a certain goal but West Ham's clever forwards sent many shots wide.
Kitchen touched the ball only twice in the opening 30 minutes. Shea made it 3-0 with a simple shot. Piercy retired towards the end - injured. Near the finish Caldwell was fouled in the 'area' and from the penalty Rothwell scored.
Sorry No Image
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Home Park
0 - 1
27 December 1910
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Massey
Whiteman
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
Shea got right through the Plymouth defence in the opening seconds but Sutcliffe stopped his ground shot. After 10 minutes Burch received from Wilcox and scored the only goal of the game.
Later, both Burch and Dixon missed by inches with Kitchen beaten each time. Argyle usually held the upper hand but bad shooting kept their score at one.
Sorry No Image
SOUTHEND UNITED
Roots Hall
6 - 0 (Shea 4, Caldwell, Kennedy)
31 December 1910
Att: 3,000
Kitchen
Lavery
Shreeve
Whiteman
Woodards
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Kennedy
Butcher
Caldwell
A sensational game, with West Ham, generally outplayed for the first hour, hitting six goals between the 60th and 80th minutes for an away win at fog-bound Roots Hall. The match was a personal triumph for Danny Shea, or " The Wapping Pet " as the press called him ; he netted four times to enhance his reputation as one of the deadliest marksmen in English football.
Southend, who had trounced Millwall 7-0 in their previous home match, were well on top for the first hour, but unable to score. Then, immediately after Southend had seen a shot cleared off the West Ham line, Hammers took the lead 15 minutes into the second half. The scorer was Shea, who found the net with a clever hook shot after goalkeeper Clark had beaten out his first effort.
As one contemporary newspaper account put it: "After this it was simply a procession of goals." Clark presented Hammers with their second, dropping a soft shot at the feet of Bill Kennedy (once an amateur on Southend's books) who shot into an empty net. Kennedy, a schoolmaster from Grays, was to tragically lose his life in the First World War. The third goal came from Shea, after he waltzed round Southend skipper George Molyneux (the former England full-back), who, in his mid-thirties, was having his last season in first-class football.
Shea, soon to play for England, netted the fourth and fifth, and Tom Caldwell—a winger who had joined Hammers from Southend— completed the scoring by converting a centre from Ashton. The fog, so thick at half-time there were fears the game would have to be abandoned, which had kept the attendance down to just over 3,000.
Southend United:
Clark, Thomson, Molyneux, Emery, Harwood, Chalkley, Evans, Sutherland, King, Curtis, Dunn.
Sorry No Image
COVENTRY CITY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Webb)
7 January 1911
Att: 11,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
Joint benefit for George Kitchen and Fred Blackburn.
There was a curious incident on Saturday in the West Ham and Coventry City match. Like Coventry, West Ham's jerseys have light blue sleeves." West Ham donned green jerseys instead. This move was more particularly favoured because West Ham's jersey resembles Nottingham Forest's red, that green will have to be worn against the Midlanders in next Saturday's Cup-tie. It was thought the players should get accustomed to green. However, in the dull light of Saturday green alongside the dark blue bodies of the Coventry men were very confusing. At half time the home team changed into their native costume of claret bodies and light blue sleeves.
Both Kitchen and Blackburn each collected approx £170 from the gate, a local concert was held which helped boost the figure some more.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST : FA Cup (First Round)
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Shea 2)
14 January 1911
Att: 12,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
West Ham beat Nottingham Forest by two goals to one in fog at Upton Park. The conditions were so bad that there were doubt whether the game would be started at all on account of a thick fog that blotted out the field and the players.
Click the picture link to read the story:
Sorry No Image
NEW BROMPTON
Priestfield Stadium
1 -1 (Ashton)
21 January 1911
Att: 5,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
MILLWALL ATHLETIC
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Randall, Webb)
28 January 1911
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
PRESTON NORTH END : FA Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Webb 3)
4 February 1911
Att: 12,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
NORWICH CITY
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Rothwell [pen], Webb)
11 February 1911
Att: 12,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Massey
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
Some of the West Ham men did not seem to take their game with Norwich any too seriously, but thanks to a penalty which Rothwell converted the second half the Hammers garnered in the points. The Norwich custodian, Beale, was off the field for some time, but Hampson poved a capable deputy.
Sorry No Image
LUTON TOWN
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Kennedy, Piercy)
18 February 1911
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
ALF FROST
Kennedy
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
MANCHESTER UNITED : FA Cup (Third Round)
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Caldwell, Shea)
25 February 1911
Att: 27,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
In the West Ham goal, George Kitchen was having an outstanding game. It was he who started to change the fortunes of the east Londoners. Making yet another wonderful save, at the expense of a corner-kick, the ball then was cleared to George Webb. The Hammers No.9 drew centre-half Charles Roberts before giving an ideal pass through to Danny Shea.
The little inside-forward drove in a very hard shot which curled away from visiting goalkeeper Edmonds and into the net. One report said it was "one of the best goals Shea - a wonderful marksman - ever scored." The lead was short-lived as yet another corner was forced and Manchester United outside-right Billy Meredith that Sandy Turnbull diverted into the goal with his elbow. No infringement was given so it was now anybody's match.
Undaunted, the Hammers carried on and Webb was unlucky as he hit the post before Shea clattered the crossbar. Despite playing into the wind, the Hammers played their best football in the second half. Time was drawing to a close and the visiting defence seemingly content with a draw and a replay at Old Trafford cleared their lines somewhat aimlessly.
This was to prove their undoing as, with three minutes left, outside-left Herbert Ashton took a quick throw-in to left-half Bob Whiteman, who sent a long pass across field to Tommy Caldwell, who dashed up met it first time and hit the ball past Edmonds into the net. West Ham were through to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and once again found themselves drawn at home to Division One opponents in Blackburn Rovers, who prove too strong, winning 3-2
MANCHESTER UNITED:
Edmonds, Donnelly, Stacey, Duckworth, Roberts, Bell, Meredith, Halse, West, Turnbull, Wall
Sorry No Image
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Butcher)
4 March 1911
Att: 10,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Woodards
Massey
JOE MEILLEAR
Frost
Kennedy
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
BLACKBURN ROVERS : FA Cup (Fourth Round)
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Butcher 2)
11 March 1911
Att: 20,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
EXETER CITY
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Webb 3, Shea)
18 March 1911
Att: 8,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
The pitch at West Ham suited George Webb, the international centre-forward; his speed was an asset on the heavy ground, and apart from scoring a hat-trick he opened up the game with a varity of well judged passes to his wingers and inside men. Although appearing a trifle awkward in style he played the right game in the existing conditions. Webb's first goal, six minutes after the start, was the result of following up his own shot, which he did. Whittaker stopped his first shot, which was a hard straight drive from 25 yards, but the City goalkeeper could only push the ball out and Webb came rushing through to regain the ball and walk it in. Half-time: 1-0.
Three more goals were scored by West Ham after the cahnge of ends, Webb claiming two and Shea one. Bell scored a consolation goal for Exeter City three minutes from the end. Exeter, although badly beaten, were a better side tan the result indicated, but Webb was in a class of his own and on today's form no defence in the Southern league could have stopped him.
Sorry No Image
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
1 - 4 (Kennedy)
25 March 1911
Att: 6,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Shreeve
FRANK REDWARD
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Kennedy
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
0 - 0
29 March 1911
Att: 2,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Shreeve
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Kennedy
Butcher
Caldwell
Portsmouth sitting third off the bottom of the Southern League had high hopes of gaining maximum points from this fixture.
Kennedy led the visiting forwards splendidly, Kirby the home No.9 received a bad kick on the leg and was absent most of the time but the nearest they came to scoring was when Kirby was floored just outside the penalty area.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Caldwell, Shea)
1 April 1911
Att: 5,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Shreeve
Whiteman
Piercy
Blackburn
Ashton
Shea
Kennedy
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
CRYSTAL PALACE
Crystal Palace
1 - 4 (Shea)
8 April 1911
Att: 10,00
Geggus
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Webb
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
SOUTHAMPTON
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Ashton, Caldwell, Harrison, Shea)
14 April 1911
Att; 12,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Blackburn
Ashton
Shea
FRED HARRISON
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
BRENTFORD
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Butcher, Shea)
15 April 1911
Att: 8,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Harrison
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
1 - 0 (Harrison)
17 April 1911
Att: 8,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Harrison
Butcher
Caldwell
REPORT:
Sorry No Image
LEYTON
Hare & Hounds
0 - 3
22 April 1911
Att: 10,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Shea
Harrison
Butcher
Caldwell
Leyton were superior in all departments. They were always masters of a fast ball on a hard and tricky surface. Even against a strong wind, in the first half, they made Geggus appear very uncomfortable and after 10 minutes they were in the lead when Gray scored.
At the back centre-half Bell was a rock and only Ashton displayed anything like his normal form. Ryder had a goal disallowed but was just about to put that right when he was brought down by Rothwell. The penalty five minutes before half-time was scored by Shanks. Three minutes after the break Coxon made it 3-0 to Leyton.
Sorry No Image
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
0 - 3
26 April 1911
Att: 4,000
Geggus
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Blackburn
Harrison
Butcher
Caldwell
This match was twice previously postponed, once because of a cup-tie and another due to ground conditions. Albion fielded several reserves including T. Stott the Middlesborough amateur. West Ham were without Shea - injured ankle.
In the opening minutes Piercy headed away a dangerous cross. Harrison and Caldwell made spirited attacks and two corners were cleared by Crinson. At the other end Geggus pushed a Hastings shot around a post. In the 35th minute Geggus failed to hold a spinning ball and Hastings scored. Geggus then saved a good header from Webb and Butcher grazed the bar at the other end.
Half-time: 1-0.
Hammers rallied a bit at the start of the second half and pressed the home goal forcing Crinson into some activity. Geggus again had trouble with a twisting ball from Hastings but this time although he got it down, Webb was on hand to knock it in for Brighton.
The home side was very confident now and gave the Hammers defence a harrasing time. Fifteen minutes from the end Stott took a splended pass from Webb and got the 3rd. The Londoners rallied strongly but could not get within shooting range until Butcher hit the bar in the last minute.
WATFORD
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Shea)
29 April 1911
Att: 5,000
Kitchen
Rothwell
Fairman
Whiteman
Piercy
Randall
Ashton
Blackburn
Shea
Butcher
Caldwell
This was an end of season affair, with nothing at stake for either side, it never came to life until about the last 20 minutes.
The experiments in the West Ham side were not a success. Shea proved that he is not a centre-forward, but in this he was greatly helped by Watford's new 18-year-old centre-half Grimsdell.
Grimsdell is a smart youth and a former schoolboy international and member of the St Albans team. It is his 2nd appearance in the Watford side.
The visitors goal resulted from a miskick by Whiteman and H. Smith rushed in to head home.
At half-time Watford led by this goal.
Five-minutes after the break Shea equalised but the score should not have been allowed for he clearly handled the ball as his first shot came back off a post.