WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Memorabilia through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1913-14 Southern League (Division One)
Manager : Syd King
The club was now in a better financial position and during the close season a new grandstand was built to replace the one erected in 1904. There were two new recruits, full-back Tommy Brandon and forward Alf Leafe. There was a creditable 1–1 draw at Millwall on the opening day followed by a 3–2 home defeat to Swindon Town. New boy Alf Leafe scored twice against Swindon and scored again in the next three games. In between defeats at Plymouth and Reading was a fine 5–1 home win against Southampton. A trip to Coventry City in November produced a 4–2 victory, with Leafe claiming a hat-trick. The centre-forward was on top of his form and scored in each of the victories against Gillingham, Brighton and Portsmouth. There was a poor 4–1 defeat at Swindon that saw Tom Brandon sent off.
In early January the Hammers fans were in for a treat as 14 goals were scored in successive home games. First up were Bristol Rovers who were beaten 6–1, with Syd Puddefoot scoring a hat-trick. Next was an FA Cup tie with Chesterfield of the Midland League. Fresh from his earlier hat-trick, centre-forward Puddefoot went better by scoring five in the 8–1 demolition. The second round of the FA Cup saw Crystal Palace beaten 2–0, with both goals being scored by Dan Bailey. The next round brought Liverpool to Upton Park, where the teams fought out a 1–1 draw. The Merseysiders were too strong in the replay, winning 5–1 before an attendance of 45,000.
In the league there were seven successive wins, pushing the side up to third in the table. There was a shock in April when the Hammers played at Watford. The home side, languishing near the bottom of the league, won 6–0. This was a setback and only one win was recorded in the remaining games of the season. It was a good win, however, beating old rivals Millwall 3–2 at home. The campaign ended with a 5–1 defeat at Portsmouth, which saw the side finish in sixth position.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
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MILLWALL ATHLETIC
The Den
1 - 1 (Hilsdon)
1 September 1913
Att: 12,000
Hughes
Rothwell
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Denyer A.
Hilsdon
Casey
Millwall were much the superior and deserved both the points. Voisey was the best half back on the field. For West Ham, Randall had a poor game and behind him Forster and Rothwell were below their best.
SWINDON TOWN
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Leafe 2)
6 September 1913
Att: 25,000
Hughes
Rothwell
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
RICHARD LEAFE
Hilsdon
Casey
This game developed into an aggressive contest and although Hammers had three-quarters of the play they eventually lost their heads and the match. Chance after chance went begging as the home side let the points slip. Much was expected of Boston born, Leafe who was making his debut for West Ham, but despite scoring two goals he didn't come up to expectations. Swindon lost the toss and were forced to face the wind, but still went ahead when Wheatcroft netted again after 5 minutes. His shot, from 30 yards was diverted past Hughes by a home defender.
Only once more in this half add Hughes touch the ball, such was West Ham's dominance. Leafe capitalised on a defensive error to level then a few moments later put the home side ahead when Skiller the visiting goalkeeper advanced from his posts, missed the ball and allowed the home center to walk it in. Forster the West Ham left back was terribly slow and couldn't contain Jefferson who led him a merry dance. Randall the Hammers skipper was hard pressed too especially when the second half got underway with the wind at Swindon's backs. Swindon levelled with a penalty when Randall brought down Fleming, who got the winner when he easily outwitted Forster and scored. Hammers had yet another chance to level when they were awarded a penalty by Hilsdon so sure with his shooting last term, shot wide of the post. Fleming had an opportunity to increase the Swindon lead but Hughes daringly advanced and thwarted his effort with the save of the day.
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BRISTOL ROVERS
Eastville
2 - 1 (Denyer, Leafe)
13 September 1913
Att: 10,000
Hughes
THOMAS BRANDON
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Denyer A.
Leafe
Hilsdon
Casey
Denyer replaced Bailey in the Hammers line-up, the home side were hard pressed at times but were well served by full backs Harvie and Bennett. It was an interesting game throughout, Rovers led at the break. Denyer equalised in the 56th minute and Leafe got the winner in the last minute.
MERTHYR TOWN
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Ashton, Casey, Leafe)
20 September 1913
Att: 15,000
Hughes
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Denyer A.
Leafe
Hilsdon
Casey
Merthyr had a 100% record prior to this encounter and had not conceded a goal. It was Brandon's first home game. He is a fast full-back and he created a better impression than his partner Forster. The visitors had the better of the exchanges for the opening 10 minutes and rallied a little during the last 15 but the Hammers dominated the intervening spell. After 10 minutes Ashton and Denyer worked the ball downfield. From the latters eventual cross Casey crashed in the first goal. McKie equalised 15 minutes after this but Leafe restored West am's advantage with an easy headed goal after Casey had deceived White and Craig. Ashton headed West Ham's 3rd from a Denyer centre. Leafe led his forwards better than he had done against Swindon. Ashton gave Russell a most uncomfortable afternoon and caused him to kick the ball out of the ground on several occasions.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC : London Challenge Cup (1st Rd)
Upton Park
0 - 1
22 September 1913
Att: 6,000
Hughes
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Denyer
Ashton
Leafe
Hilsdon
Godwin
Millwall qualified for the second round six minutes from time. Sullivan, who deputised for Davis at centre-forward, defeating Hughes with a delightful screw shot from a centre by Wayment. For energy, pace, scientific combination. and tackling the game would have been difficult to excel, and that over 10,000 spectators were attracted speaks for the equality and friendly rivalry of the teams. Denyer was certainly conspicuous for his centring, while Ashton had extremely hard luck with a magnificent shot which struck the upright with Orme beaten. The manner in which the ball was carried from end to end was a revelation, for no sooner had Hughes and his colleagues relieved a situation than Orme was at the other end negotiating shots from all angles. It was undoubtedly a great game fought out on typical Cup tie lines. with Ion: swinging passes, forward rushes, and shots on the run which were astounding. They were two evenly matched teams and West Ham were rather unlucky to lose. A draw would have been a fairer result.
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QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Park Royal Ground
2 - 2 (Denyer, Leafe)
27 September 1913
Att: 12,000
Hughes
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Denyer A.
Leafe
Hilsdon
Casey
Rangers were still without a win going into this match but were in the lead when Miller scored their first first home goal of the season. The West Londoners played clean forceful and clever soccer despite their lowly league placing of 3rd from bottom.
West Ham struggled to keep Rangers at bay - two or three times Hughes made last ditch saves. Leafe equalised Millers goal from a Casey corner. The home side went back in front virtually from the restart when Birch's fine header beat Hughes. Rangers still dictated play but not so as in the first half. Dnyer finally levelled again in a match that never had a dull moment.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Home Park
0 - 3
4 October 1913
Att: 10,000
Hughes
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Denyer A.
Leafe
Hilsdon
Casey
Hammers could have conceded two oor three penalties in the first half of this match. The most blatant being when Kirkpatrick's goal-bound shot was handled. West Ham played the one-back to stem the Argyle offensive and were quite successful. The nearest the visitors got to scoring was when Hilsdon hit the bar. He was the best of the forwards while Randall was the soundest 'half'.
SOUTHAMPTON
Upton Park
5 - 1 (Hilsdon 2, Ashton, Burton, Casey)
11 October 1913
Att: 6,000
Hughes
Rothwell
Forster
Whiteman
Askew
Burton
Ashton
Hilsdon
Leafe
Denyer A.
Casey
REPORT:
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READING
Elm Park
0 - 2
18 October 1913
Att: 8,000
Hughes
Rothwell
Forster
Whiteman
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Hilsdon
Leafe
Denyer A.
Casey
REPORT:
No. 173 THOMAS LONSDALE
Signs from Grimsby Town 23 October 1913
After making his way with North-Eastern amateur clubs, West Auckland and the more famous Bishop Auckland, Thomas Stewart Lonsdale entered League football with Grimsby Town in 1908.
A safe, reliable goalkeeper, and after years service with the Blundell Park club, he was injured at the beginning of the 1913-14 season and was unable to displace his replacement when he recovered, Lonsdale joined West Ham United on 23 October 1913 and took over the first team spot from Joseph Hughes.
The ‘keeper made his Southern League debut for the Irons in the 1-2 defeat against London rivals Crystal Palace at Upton Park on the 25 October 1913.
Charlie Paynter and Lonsdale taking part in a 'press session'
CRYSTAL PALACE
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Casey)
25 October 1913
Att: 13,000
THOMAS LONSDALE
Rothwell
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Hilsdon
Leafe
Denyer A.
Casey
Hammers hardly deserved to lose this match, Ashton and Casey gave the Palace defence a harrowing time and placed some splendid centres. Unfortunately both Hilsdon and Leafe were sadly out of touch. Johnson in the visitors goal didn't have one decent shot to save until well into the second half. Lonsdale did little to prove he is a better goalkeeper than Hughes. The game was started 15 minutes before the advertised time and late-comers were surprised at the news that the home side were a goal behind. Randall the home captain infringed the rules at the throw-in and from the resultant free-kick, Williams headed Crystal Palace into the lead.
*The rule has since been altered. Infringements at 'throws' are now penalised by a throw to the opposing side.
Hammers equalised in the 20th minute when the referee got in the way of a Crystal Palace clearance and the ball went to Casey who promptly levelled the scores. Five minutes later Rothwell erred in failing to shield the ball adequatly over the line for a goal-kick. He allowed Whibley a kick at the ball and as it sailed across the West Ham goal Smith scored. Ashton was again, West Ham's best forward, but ful-back Forster was far too slow to catch Bateman.
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COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road
4 - 2 (Leafe 3, Denyer)
1 November 1913
Att: 7,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Caton
Burrill
Denyer A.
Leafe
Casey
Casey and Caton were too speedy for the home backs, Lonsdale injured early was covered well by Forster. Randall's play showed his long experience. Brandon was the fastest of the full-backs. Askew had the toughest task containing Davison a lively leader.
Ashton was missing from the match. He was married on Thursday and is honeymooning at Brighton.
WATFORD
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Denyer)
8 November 1913
Att: 10,000
Hughes
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Caton
Burrill
Denyer A.
Leafe
Casey
The Hammerers were decidedly better but Watford were dangerous in breakaways. Watford's defence was under pressure for two-thirds of the game. The first 45 minutes produced some of the finest soccer seen at Upton Park this season.
It was a clean game throughout. Watford took the lead when they broke away early in the second half. Four players converged on the ball - three West Ham and one Watford. Edwards' the Watford man won it and tapped it in as the other three clashed and fell in a crumpled heap. Caton and Burrill was a clever wing but Leafe was cumbersome and Denyer too short for a centre-forward although he did grab the Hammers a point in the 1-1 draw.
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NORWICH CITY
The Nest
0 - 1
15 November 1913
Att: 7,000
Hughes
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Burrill
Hilsdon
Leafe
Casey
Norwich won with a disputed goal scored by, former Hammer, Ingham 17 minutes from the end. Potter outwitted Woodards and Brandon and Hughes who came from his goal was badly placed. Potter preferred to square the ball to Wilson who turned the ball to Wolstenholme.
The latter was challenged and back heeled the ball which glanced off Hughes to Ingham who netted. The referee at first declined to award a goal not seeing the ball touch Hughes but after consulting both linesmen altered his decision. It was Norwich's first home win following a string of drawn games with five on the trot at home.
GILLINGHAM
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Burrill, Leafe, Puddefoot)
22 November 1913
Att: 10,000
Carter
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Burrill
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
Leafe started the move that led to the first goal scored by Burrill. The similarity in colours must have confused the referee for in the second half West Ham came out in all-white. Syd Puddefoot scored Hammers second goal and Leafe made it three. Caldwell who was West Ham's left winger a couple of seasons ago, scored Gillingham's only point.
Puddefoot, in his reserve outings, has been accused of having no heart but this game he proved otherwise. Taller and heavier than Denyer and faster than Hilsdon he turned out to be the best centre-forward West Ham have fielded this season. Carter the other newcomer hadn't much to do but he showed nerve and agility.
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NORTHAMPTON TOWN
County ground
0 - 0
29 November 1913
Att: 5,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Burrill
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
Lonsdale the ex-Grimsby Town goalkeeper now playing for West Ham became the first keeper in five-weeks to stop King of Northampton Town scoring.
SOUTHEND UNITED
Upton Park
0 - 1
6 December 1913
Att: 10,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Forster
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Burrill
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
This was Southend's first-ever win over the Hammers. It was three years since the club's last met and only Randall, Ashton, Emery and Frost had taken part in that encounter. The winning gal was scored by Louch the well-known amateur international. In the Southend United XI were two former West Ham players, Frost at No.8 and Barnes at No.11.
At left half was steel the younger brother of the popular Spurs' 'half'. The two main reasons Southend won were related, Wilson the visitors wing forward was on top of his form and also Forster the West Ham full-back marking him was woefully slow.
Wilson did as he pleased and Forster often had to resort to foul tactics. There was a fair measure of Seasiders support among the attendance. Ashton was once again the best West Ham forward and Liddell Southend's centre-half kept Puddefoot well subdued.
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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
1 - 0 (Leafe)
13 December 1913
Att: 6,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Irvine
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Denyer A.
Hilsdon
Puddefoot
Leafe
Ashton
This was Brighton's first home defeat. Dodd was playing his first game for the home side following his recent transfer from Millwall. He was not responsible for Brighton's undeserved defeat, that distinction went to Lonsdale Hammers goalkeeper who's sound goalkeeping accounted for the home sides failure. Whiting gave away a corner with just two minutes to go. Leafe scored from the resultant melee in front of the Brighton posts.
PORTSMOUTH
Upton Park
3 - 2 (Denyer, Leafe [pen], Puddefoot)
20 December 1913
Att: 9,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Irvine
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Denyer A.
Hilsdon
Puddefoot
Leafe
Ashton
On the day a great fire raged in the Portsmouth Dockyard, Pompey were visitors at Upton Park.
Matthews the visitors centre-forward was injured after 25 minutes and though he played throughout the second half he could only kick the ball while standing still. It was his first Southern League match and he was attached to the Royal Marine Artillery. Portsmouth at one time held a two goal advantage and Lonsdale was at fault with both points, notched by James the Pompey inside-left. The first he made no attempt to stop and the second he badly misjudged the flight of a cross. Before half-time Puddefoot had halved the deficit. In a hectic second period West Ham won corner after corner but just could not capitalise. With 4 minutes to go Hammers were still trailing 1-2 when a penalty was awarded to them for 'hands' Leafe levelled the scores. In the dying seconds Puddefoot put Denyer through and the youngster made no mistake, then Warner missed a penalty for the Hampshire club who were beaten 3-2.
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EXETER CITY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Puddefoot)
25 December 1913
Att: 18,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Irvine
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Casey
Hammers were lucky to get a point. Hilsdon, Leafe and Denyer dropped in big forward reshuffle. Game was ragged at times, although City had far more method and combination. West Ham were weak, Casey especially. Exeter took the lead when Marshall's header beat Lonsdale. Puddefoot levelled before half-time. The West Ham goalkeeper made two grand saves, from Lovett and Holt to deny Exeter a lead. Irvine was having a difficult time at full-back and Brandon was forced to cover him. Fort who was once nearly a Hammer played a sound match at full-back for the visitors.
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EXETER CITY
St James' Park
1 - 1 (Leafe)
26 December 1913
Att: 7,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Irvine
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Leafe
Puddefoot
Hilsdon
Casey
Played at St James' Park, in dull weather, before 7,000 people, the match between Exeter City and West Ham United resulted in a draw of one goal each. The high wind completley spoiled this match. Exeter had the team out as on Christmas Day, but West Ham made two changes, Leafe and Hilsdon coming in for Bailey and Butcher. With the wind in their favour Exeter had more of the play in the first half, although never at any time did they show any decided superiority.
Ten minutes from the start Holt scored for them, and by this goal they led at the interval. West Ham improved a good deal following change of ends, when the play was evenly contested. The scores were made level by Leafe with a soft shot, but try as they would neither side could score the winning goal, Holt was unlucky not to win the points for Exeter when his shot struck the West Ham bar in the dying minutes.
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SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
1 - 4 (Puddefoot)
27 December 1913
Att: 8,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
JOHN GODDARD
Woodards
Askew
Burton
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
There was not the difference between the sides that the score suggests, it was one of the best contested games of the season. The only unsavoury incident occured near the end and resulted in Brandon and Bolland getting sent off. West Ham included Goddard at left-back recently arrived from Exeter City.
At half-time Swindon led by a single goal scored by their international inside-right Harold Flemming. Soon after the start of the second half Flemming was brought down just outside the area. Touts free kick was hit with such force that Lonsdale did a splendid job stopping it. However, he couldn't not it and Wheatcroft was on hand to net.
Pudefoot made himself an opening by beating Giles but his shot went over the bar. Ashton got clear but was fouled, from the free kick Puddefoot scored. From a corner by Bolland, Tout sent in another tremendous shot that increased Swindon's lead to 3-1. Next, Ashton was brought down by Handley inside the penalty area but Leafe's kick was well saved by Skiller. The sending-off followed this then after a marvellous run and magnificent shot Fleming brought Swindon's score to 4.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Upton Park
6 - 1 (Puddefoot 3, Bailey, Casey, Leafe)
3 January 1914
Att: 14,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Rothwell
Woodards
Askew
Burton
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
Herbert Ashton benefit: (Programme wrongly dated 8 January)
REPORT:
CHESTERFIELD : FA Cup (First Round)
Upton Park
8 - 1 (Puddefoot 5, Ashton, Bailey, Leafe)
10 January 1914
Att: 16,000
Hughes
Rothwell
Burton
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
Although 8-1 in the Hammers' favour suggests a rather one-sided affair the truth was actually somewhat different as this clip from a newspaper report suggests: "Still it was not by any means a runaway victory for West Ham, for there were periods in both halves when Chesterfield were playing the better football - but they could not do anything right in front of goal." The reporter did concede, however, that, "bluntly the visitors were not in the same class as the Southern Leaguers.
The Irons opened the scoring after six minutes, when Bailey scored from Ashton's pass adding a second seven minutes later when Syd Puddefoot netted following a rebound from a Dick Leafe shot. On the quarter-hour Puddefoot headed a third, from Ashton's corner, and then provided the opening for Leafe to add a fourth. Chesterfield then came into the game with their two wingers - Gibson and Stevens - providing excellent centres. But their colleagues either missed the ball altogether or fell down in the act of shooting!
The crowd of 15,000 (Gate receipts were £508) was appreciative of the Midlanders skill in approach to goal. But when Ashton scored to make it 5-0 before half-time the outcome was never in doubt.
History was in the making however for after 25-minutes elapsed after the break without any goals local teenager Syd Puddefoot ran riot netting three times in seven minutes! The match was a personal triumph for the 18-year-old centre-forward: a product of Park School West Ham. Syd was an all-round athlete and later played county cricket for Essex. His footwork in the Chesterfield tie was described as remarkably clever; his shooting as brilliant.
Three of Syd's five goals came from shots from the edge of the area with the ball struck so hard the goalkeeper never got near one of them. Syd's five goals remains a Hammers individual record for a player in an FA Cup tie while the 8-1 result is the highest winning margin for us in over nine decades of FA Cup competition. Gate receipts: £508
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MERTHYR TOWN
Penydarren Park
2 - 1 (Casey, Puddefoot)
17 January 1914
Att: 6,000
Hughes
Brandon
Rothwell
Woodards
Askew
Burton
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
REPORT:
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Casey 2, Bailey, Leafe)
24 January 1914
Att: 11,000
Hughes
Brandon
Rothwell
Woodards
Askew
Burton
Caton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
REPORT:
CRYSTAL PALACE : FA Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Bailey 2)
31 January 1914
Att: 18,000
Hughes
Brandon
Rothwell
Woodards
Askew
Burton
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
REPORT:
Bailey scores West Ham's first goal
Puddefoot tussles with Palace goalkeeper Joshua Johnson
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Leafe, Puddefoot)
7 February 1914
Att: 8,000
Hughes
Brandon
Rothwell
Woodards
Askew
Burton
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
REPORT:
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SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
3 - 2 (Bailey, Burton [pen], Leafe)
14 February 1914
Att: 7,000
Hughes
Brandon
Rothwell
Woodards
Askew
Burton
Ashton
Bailey
Denyer A.
Leafe
Casey
REPORT:
LIVERPOOL : FA Cup (Third Round)
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Puddefoot)
21 February 1914
Att: 16,000
Hughes
Brandon
Burton
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
REPORT:
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LIVERPOOL : FA Cup (Third Round Replay)
Anfield
1 - 5 (Puddefoot)
25 February 1914
Att: 45,000
Hughes
Brandon
Rothwell
Woodards
Askew
Burton
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Randall
REPORT:
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CRYSTAL PALACE
Crystal Palace
2 - 1 (Ashton, Bailey)
28 February 1914
Att: 12,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
ALFRED TIRRELL
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Mackesy
REPORT:
COVENTRY CITY
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Leafe)
7 March 1914
Att: 14,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Hilsdon
Puddefoot
Leafe
Mackesy
Winning goal came from Leafe following a corner by Ashton in time added on for stoppages. After a scramble in the Coventry goalmouth the ball came out to Leafe who took a pot shot. The ball sailed through a crowd of players and into the net. Hilsdon deputised for the injured Bailley. For once Brandon was the weaker of the backs he never really got to grips with Coventry's elusive winger Holmes. Randall was the backbone of the home team, Puddefoot was too closely marked to be effective.
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WATFORD
Cassio Road
1 - 0 (Leafe)
14 March 1914
Att: 3,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Mackesy
Abandoned : 38 Minutes Rain
Heavy showers before the game made the pitch sodden. Soon after the start a deluge came down, Referee Muir allowed play to continue to within 5 minutes of the break. In that time the visitors had gone ahead through Leafe who's shot was not held by Webster.
The match was abandoned with West Ham leading 1-0 after 38 minutes.
Referee Muir did not hesitate to stop play following the deluge which did not let up until 5pm. The players thought he was justified although some spectators didn't agree.
Leafe scored West Ham's goal and Puddefoot was injured and had to leave the field.
NORWICH CITY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Leafe)
21 March 1914
Att: 6,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Denyer A.
Leafe
Mackesy
This was a setback for West Ham's championship aspirations. Norwich lasted better and fought back from being behind at half-time. Albert Denyer deputising for the injured Puddefoot was a failure in the soft mud. West Ham's goal was shot by Leafe as everybody waited for the referee's whistle following a foul by Houghton. After 3 minutes of the second half Wilson beat Brandon in a run for the ball and centred from the goal-line. Wolstenholme met the cross and hammered it home. Both sides suffeed injuries and finished the match with 10 men. Leafe and Bell being the victims. There were several stoppages as players received mild concussions from heading the heavy ball.
READING
Upton Park
0 - 0
23 March 1914
Att: 5,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Butcher
Denyer A.
Bailey
WILLIAM BOURNE
A fair result on a sodden pitch, but both sides had opportunities to decide the issue. Puddefoot and Leafe were absent through injury. Denyer and Butcher deputised.
Hammers opened at a great pace and very quickly Butcher, Ashton and Bailey had shots at Crawford's goal. At the other end Morris was stopped by Burton as he began to look dangerous. Crawford's long reach denied Denyer a goal as he tipped the home sides shot around a post. Lonsdale then stopped a Bailey shot at the expense of a corner. Smith then prevented a scoring shot from Bourne entering the Reading net.
The Bourne made a glorious chance for Denyer but the youngsters shot was weak and easily saved. After the break West Ham re-started with a dash but the first shot at either goal came from Foster the visiting centre-forward.
Denyer once again mis-cued before Crawford conceded a corner to Ashton. Lonsdale made the best save of the match when he saved from Foster. Ashton caused Reading many anxious moments before the end which came with the scoreline goal-less.
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GILLINGHAM
Priestfield Stadium
1 - 3 (Randall)
28 March 1914
Att: 7,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Butcher
Bailey
Leafe
Casey
A sad performance by the Hammers. The attack was weak and the defnce left much to be desired. Caldwell returnined to the home team after many months to play against his old club. Puddefoot was still absent, injured. Bailey was off the field for the first 20 minutes of the second half but by then Gillingham were already in the driving seat. Brandon was also handicapped by injury. On top of this Randall was having an unusually tough time trying to contain Tattum and Pinkney. Ashton and Leafe were the outstanding forwards for the visitors.
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WATFORD
Cassio Road
0 - 6
1 April 1914
Att: 4,000
Lonsdale
Irvine
Burton
Woodards
Askew
JACK TRESADERN
Ashton
Butcher
Burrill
Leafe
Randall
This was the re-run of the abandoned match of 14 March in which West Ham led 1-0 at the time of stoppage.
The home side showed surprising form. Play was tame at first but then Donald neatly tricked Irvine and centred for Ashbridge to score from close in. Webster was next called upon and he cleared an awkward shot from Leafe. Donald again made a run and Ashbridge converted his centre. In the 30th minute Donald yet again got clear. This time his cross was met by McLaughlan and Hammers were 3-down against the team third from bottom of the Southern League.
Butcher had hard luck in hitting the cross-bar but a few moments later Ashbridge completed his hat-trick from a Mitchell centre. Half-Time: 0-4.
After five minutes of the secnd half Butcher was cariied off with a bad ankle injury. Within 5 minutes white got Watford's fifth goal from a corner. Watford continued to have all the play and Ashbridge scored a 6th near the end.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Leafe)
4 April 1914
Att: 10,000
Hughes
Brandon
Burton
Woodards
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Burrill
Hilsdon
Leafe
Casey
Hilsdon started well but tired badly he proved incapable as a substitute for Puddefoot. He showed several clever touhes but he had no pace. Puddefoot is being sorely missed by his colleagues. The Hammers have salvaged just 3 points from their last five games and 3 of the games have been a home.
Thorpe the Northampton goalkeeper missed this match. His first absence for 234 consecutive games. A 10-year-old decorator named Smith took his place. Hilsdon missed a penalty when his shot wide, the offence committed by Clipstone was hand ball. King also missed from the 'spot' for the away side. Burton having handled! Kings effort hit a post. The visitors held the lead for quite a time but in the final minute Leafe shot home from 20 yards to earn West Ham a point.
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CARDIFF CITY
Ninian Park
0 - 2
10 April 1914
Att: 12,000
Lonsdale
FRANK DENYER
Burton
Whiteman
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Denyer A.
Leafe
Casey
Cardiff had the best of teh first half but the Londoners defence was very sound, there was no scoring at half-time. The home side restarted the second period in aggressive mood and after 10 minutes play Devlin opened the scoring. He worked his way through the opposing defence and his low shot grazed a post before going in. Hammers tried hard for an equaliser but the home defenders stood firm. Five minutes from time Seymour broke through and from his centre Devlin scored to make sure of the points.
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SOUTHEND UNITED
Roots Hall
1 - 1 (Bailey)
11 April 1914
Att: 7,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Denyer F.
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Denyer A.
Leafe
Casey
Southend took the lead when Frost converted a penalty for an offence committed by a visiting defender on Bradshaw.
West Ham equalised when Clarke left his goal and fisted a clearance. The ball went to Bailey who shot over the keeper before he could get back to his posts. West Ham were interested in Probert the left back playing for Southend, but he proved to be an amateur with Portsmouth.
CARDIFF CITY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Leafe)
13 April 1914
Att: 15,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Whiteman
Askew
Randall
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
This was City's first ever visit to Upton Park and they made a good impression. Brittan and Doncaster had a fine match at full-back and it was probably the best defensive display seen at the Boleyn Ground this season.
Puddefoot returned to the side but he was obviously feeling his ankle. At the last moment Cardiff played Burton at inside-right and Kneeshaw in goal.
The large crowd had an early opportunity to cheer Puddefoot's return for he nearly wrecked the cross-bar with a terrific shot. Cardiff were awarded a free kick not far from the home goal and Cassidy netted. The referee ordered the kick to be retaken and this time the shot went wide. The game was very fast and end to end. Both Lonsdale and Kneeshaw were kept pretty busy. With 5 minutes to go to the break an Ashton centre was headed in by Leafe. Thus Hammers went into the dressing room a goal up.
Randall was hurt early in the second half and retired for a while. He returned but was of little use. Cardiff's equaliser came from the penalty spot. Burton handled and Doncaster converted. Play slowed considerably in the closing minutes but West Ham had one glorious chance when Leafe was just too slow getting to a Casey centre.
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MILLWALL ATHLETIC
Upton Park
3 - 2 (Hilsdon 2, Stallard)
14 April 1914
Att: 15,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Whiteman
Askew
Tresadern
Ashton
Bailey
ARTHUR STALLARD
Hilsdon
Casey
This was West Ham's fourth game in five days yet there was plenty of energy in their play in a match that provided quite an exciting finish West Ham United beat Millwall at Upton Park by 3 goals to 2.
During the first half there were several desperate melees in front of the Millwall goal but all West Ham had to show at half-time was a one goal lead. THis was notched by Hilsdon from a wonderfully placed corner kick by Ashton. Ashton had previously scored from a corner kick but the referee dissallowed it as it had gone straight in.
once the dangerous Welshman Davis got through for Millwall and although he beat Burton he was stopped by Tresadern. Unfortunatly the referee decided hehad handled the ball in doing so and awarded Milwall a penalty. Wilson stepped forward to take the kick but his shot was blocked by Losdale. The ball however went to Hall, but he only blazed it over the bar.
The visitors reshuffled their forwards for the second half and had more of the game. Lonsdale had to save from Voisey but Casey and Ashton got away Orme came out to tackle Casey and the ball went loose. Stallard got possession and scored easily.
Ten minutes later Hilsdon got a third with a cool well directed shot after a corner. In the last 10 minutes Millwall made a rare finish. First they narrowed the gap from a penalty for 'hands' against brandon, Davis scored. Then after Brandon and Davis had been in collision Williams got the ball, Davis was quickly on his feet and receiving from Williams notched Millwall's second goal. Millwall tried desperately for an equaliser but it was all in vain.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Hilsdon)
18 April 1914
Att: 10,000
Lonsdale
Brandon
Burton
Whiteman
Askew
Tresadern
Ashton
Bailey
Stallard
Hilsdon
Casey
The last home match of the season and the poorest. The wind played havoc with the ball and accidents were frequent. In one two minute spell the West Ham trainer had to assist Hilsdon off the field and attend to Bailey and Tresadern. Hilsdon was off for half an hour.
Most of the Brighton forwards were well below form and never rose above mediocrity. Hammers did try to play football but did not get the proper rewards. West Ham's goal scored by Hilsdon was fortuitous in that he was afforded two goes. His first shot was only half-hit but the bRighton full-back in attempting to clear only half-hit his kick and the ball came back to the Londoner who made no mistake the second time. In the 75th minute Webb equalised the scores and this must have caused Lonsdale some embarrasment as it was Brighton's only shot at the home goal in the latter half.
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PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
1 - 5 (Bailey)
25 April 1914
Att: 8,000
ROBERT BEALE
Brandon
Burton
Whiteman
Askew
Tresadern
Ashton
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Casey
Portsmouth fully merited their decisive victory. They were by far the superior side in all departments and played delightful as well as thrustful football. Beale kept goal remarkably well despite conceding five goals. The backs were exceedingly weak and the halves except Tresadern were poor. The forwards lacked finish. Pompey scored twice without reply in the first half, the opening goal coming from Stringfellow 15 minutes after the start. Beal left his line in an attempt to stop the second but James managed to slot it passed him. Early in the second period James added to the home score. In a rare excursion into the home half Hammers won a corner, from Casey's kick Bailey scrambled the ball in. Stringfellow and Buddery added further goals for Portsmouth.
