WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Memorabilia through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1919-20 Football League (Second Division)
Manager : Syd King
The club’s application to join the Football League was successful and the Hammers started the season in Division Two, where they played host to Lincoln City. There were 20,000 inside the ground to see Jimmy Moyes score West Ham’s first ever league goal in the 1–1 draw. Making his debut was goalkeeper Ted Hufton, who went on to play 402 games for the club. There was a shock in the next fixture at Barnsley as the Hammers were beaten 7–0. Centre-forward Syd Puddefoot was the man in form as he scored twice in the 4–1 victory in the return game with Lincoln City. He then scored a goal in four successive matches. One feature of this season was that in the majority of cases clubs played each other at home and away on successive Saturdays. After the debacle at Barnsley the defence improved and there were many low-scoring games. At home Grimsby and Leicester were beaten 1–0, followed by 2–0 victories against Coventry and Bristol City.
In the FA Cup, after a 0–0 draw at Southampton the Saints were beaten 3–1 in the replay. The next round brought Bury to the Boleyn and with Syd Puddefoot scoring a hat-trick the Lancashire club were beaten 6–0. Puddefoot followed this up a week later with another hat-trick in the 3–1 home win over Port Vale. The goals then dried up as none were scored in the next four league games leading up to the FA Cup tie at Tottenham. Spurs were unbeaten at home and the Hammers unsurprisingly bowed out of the cup, losing 3–0 before a crowd of 47,646. There was some revenge a week later in the league game at the Boleyn. This occasion saw West Ham beat Tottenham 2–1, with Puddefoot scoring both goals. Dan Bailey contributed to the goal tally as he scored in six out of the next seven games, and leading scorer Puddefoot grabbed four more in the 5–1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Being the club’s first season in the league, it was an excellent effort to finish seventh.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
LINCOLN CITY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Moyes)
30 August 1919
Att: 20,000
EDWARD HUFTON
Cope
ALF LEE
HARRY LANE
Fenwick
JAMES McCRAE
DAVID SMITH
JAMES MOYES
Puddefoot
ROBERT MORRIS
HARRY BRADSHAW
West Ham's display against Lincoln City at Upton Park made it plain that considerable improvement must quickly take place if the team is to hold its own in the new venture. Lincoln was only a moderate side, yet for a long time they were superior in combination and tactics.
The play up to the interval was extremely colourless, neither side threatening danger, the ball for the most part being kept in midfield. The mediocrity of the forward play may be gauged by the fact that at the end of 40 minutes neither goalkeeper had had a shot to save. Puddefoot tried hard to improve matters, but his efforts were nullified by the weakness and hesitation of the other forwards. By contrast, Lincoln's weak spot was Puddefoot’s vis-à-vis, Egerton, who’s slow and lumbering movements neutralised much of the good work put in by Chesser and McCulloch.
The visitors scored the first goal 5 minutes from the interval,Chesser converting a penalty given against Cope, who played an otherwise good game, for fouling the weighty Egerton. Immediately afterwards Blakey at the other end was called upon to make his first save from a hard drive by Moyes.
West Ham played much better football after the interval and made several promising raids on Blakey’s charge. From one of these Bradshaw put across a good centre which Moyes headed into the net after 19 minutes play. In the later stages both goalkeepers were kept busy but neither was again defeated. Indeed, the defence on both sides remained sound throughout and proved the redeeming feature of an otherwise poor game.
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BARNSLEY
Oakwell
0 - 7
1 September 1919
Att: 6,000
Hufton
Cope
Tirrell
Lane
Fenwick
McCrae
Leafe
HORACE BIGGIN
Puddefoot
Morris
TOMMY GREEN
After Saturday’s moderate display, West Ham made several changes in the team to meet Barnsley on Monday, but disaster overtook the club and they were soundly beaten by seven goals to nil. Tirrell took Lee's place at back and Leafe, Biggin and Green appeared in place of Smith (D.), More and Bradshaw.
For the first half hour of the game, Barnsley, although playing with the wind in their favour, could make no impression upon West Ham, and were often hard put to prevent the downfall of their own goal, but after Halliwell had given them the lead, the game went all in their favour.
Soon after the interval Duncan and Tufnell added further points, and thence onwards West Ham went all to pieces. The Barnsley team simply swamped the West Ham defence, which towards the end collapsed so badly that Barnsley scored four more goals through Halliwell (twice), Fletcher and Newton.
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LINCOLN CITY
Sincil Bank
4 - 1 (Puddefoot 2, Burton [pen], Butcher)
6 September 1919
Att: 6,000
Hufton
Cope
McCrae
WILLIAM JOHNSTON
Burton
Tresadern
Leafe
Butcher
Puddefoot
FRANK MURRAY
JAMES PALMER
REPORT:
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BARNSLEY
Upton Park
0 - 2
8 September 1919
Att: 14,000
Hufton
Cope
McCrae
Johnston
GEORGE KAY
Tresadern
Leafe
Butcher
Puddefoot
Murray
Palmer
REPORT:
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ROTHERHAM COUNTY
Millmoor
1 - 0 (Puddefoot)
13 September 1919
Att: 6,000
Hufton
Cope
Lee
Burton
Kay
Tresadern
Leafe
Butcher
Puddefoot
Green
McCrae
REPORT:
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ROTHERHAM COUNTY
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Butcher, Puddefoot)
20 September 1919
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Cope
McCrae
Burton
Kay
Tresadern
Leafe
Moyes
Puddefoot
Butcher
Bradshaw
REPORT:
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TUFNELL PARK : London Challenge Cup (First Round)
Campdale Road
2 - 0 (Butcher, Puddefoot [pen])
22 September 1919
Att: 800
Hufton
Turner
McCrae
Burton
Kay
Tresadern
Smith
Green
Puddefoot
Butcher
Bradshaw
Tufnell Park made their first appearance in the London Challenge Cup when they met West Ham at home last evening before 800 spectators. Tufnell Park were seriously handicapped by the absence of Thornby and Reid, but; although up against a strong professional side, they gave a very good account of themselves.
The game proved full of incident and in the first 10 minutes Swayne the home left half headed on top of the net. The “Tuffs” defence had a considerable amount of work, and generally it was well done. One of the home players was unlucky enough to handle the ball in the penalty area and Puddefoot, taking the kick, gave Leese no chance. West Ham's second goal was due to the home men not playing to the whistle. Several of them slackened and appealed for offside, and Bradshaw went forward to pass neatly to Butcher who headed through.
The home half-backs, especially Swayne, worked untiring, and Puddefoot was well watched. An injury to Hawkins, outside left, who had to leave the field with a twisted knee before the interval, and to Hannaford, inside right, midway through the second-half, disorganised the Tufnell Parkside but they played in a most plucky manner, Leese making several fine saves.
West Ham were the cleverer forward, and their experience began to tell towards the finish, but they did not shine in front of goal. A minute from time Puddefoot had a glorious chance but Leese saved brilliantly.
Every credit must be given to the amateur side for their great fight against misfortune, and also to their sportsmanship in not taking advantage of the one-back game which in the circumstances would have been excusable.
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STOKE CITY
Victoria Ground
1 - 2 (Puddefoot)
27 September 1919
Att: 12,000
Hufton
CYRIL TURNER
Cope
Lane
Kay
Tresadern
Leafe
CECIL PHIPPS
Puddefoot
Butcher
Bradshaw
REPORT:
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STOKE CITY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Puddefoot)
4 October 1919
Att: 23,000
Hufton
Turner
Cope
Burton
Kay
McCrae
Biggin
Butcher
Puddefoot
Green
Bradshaw
Syd Puddefoot opened the scoring after nine minutes with a spectacular drive that flashed into the net before the Stoke 'keeper Kay even moved. During the first-half, Puddefoot further tested the visiting 'keeper, but could not add to his tally. His fellow forwards - Horace Biggin with George Butcher on his right and Thomas Green with Harry Bradshaw on his left-flank were also in bright mood, but then faded into effortless football as they made the mistake of anticipating an easy victory.
But after the interval, the Potters began to play the best football of the match, finally gaining their reward when Philips, their inside-right, was presented with a clear opening and had no difficulty equalising. With West Ham's forwards now a disjointed quintet the defence came under increasing pressure. Fortunately centre-half George Kay was in top form and ensured the Stoke forwards were denied further opportunities.
Late in the game. Stoke were awarded a penalty when left-half James McCrae punched out a free-kick. Fortunately, Stoke City's Stirling shot straight at Hammers' 'keeper Ted Hufton. Although not a great game there were enough incidents to keep the crowd happy and a draw was a fair result.
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QUEENS PARK RANGERS : London Challenge Cup (2nd Rd)
Loftus Road
1 - 2 (Bradshaw)
6 October 1919
Att: ?
Hufton
Turner
Cope
Fenwick
Kay
McCrae
Palmer
Biggin
Puddefoot
Butcher
Bradshaw
REPORT:
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GRIMSBY TOWN
Blundell Park
1 - 0 (Turner)
11 October 1919
Att: 6,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Lane
Kay
Tresadern
Palmer
Butcher
Turner
Leafe
Bradshaw
West Ham travelled to Grimsby Town. An injury to Puddefoot forced the Irons to play full-back Cyril Turner at centre-forward. A vigorous and thrustful player, Turner never lost a chance to have a shot at goal, but unfortunately he lacked the skill to play a constructive role.
The game was not notable for the quality of soccer from either side, but once again there were enough incidents to thrill the crowd of 6,000.
Again, George Kay gave a magnificent performance in the middle of West Ham's defence and Ted Hufton made a string of fine saves. During one fierce attack he saved four shots in what appeared as many seconds, finally finishing on his knees to frustrate the rampant Grimsby forwards.
The game was finally won by one superb individual effort which proved enough for the Hammers to take the points. Dick Leafe, who with George Butcher, had been a hard-working inside-forward all afternoon, made the opening for Turner, West Ham's stop-gap centre-forward to score the only goal in his short first team career at Upton Park.
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GRIMSBY TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Palmer)
18 October 1919
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Lane
Kay
McCrae
Bradshaw
Butcher
Puddefoot
Leafe
Palmer
Grimsby Town made the return journey to Upton Park. Another crowd of 20,000 turned up and witnessed a solid Grimsby defence frustrate the home side to such an extent that the Hammers inside-forwards had never looked so ineffective.
The Mariners started the afternoon with Whitechurch, their left-half, being badly injured after only a few minutes. He spent the rest of the match as a virtual passenger on the left-wing.
Syd Puddefoot, returning to the side after his one match absence, received few passes worthy of the name. His one rare opportunity saw an excellent shot hit a post with the Grimsby 'keeper well beaten. With most of the Hammers team having an "off day" it was George Kay who once again stood out as the "man of the match" with his thoughtful and accurate passes.
As in the previous match, the result depended on a single goal. Hammers' left-winger James Palmer, like his teammates, seemed to be suffering from a general depression and lack of enthusiasm.
Ten minutes after half-time, his willing, but clumsy efforts were finally rewarded when he cleverly tricked the Grimsby full-back for once and drove the ball into the top corner of the net. The visitors might have felt they were cruelly rewarded for their efforts, but such was their fortune that season that the defeat - Hammers' second "double" in only ten matches played - was one of many they were to suffer that campaign which was to lead to their ultimate relegation.
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BIRMINGHAM
St Andrews
1 - 0 (Kay)
25 October 1919
Att: 25,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
JOHN WOODBURN
Kay
McCrae
Bradshaw
Butcher
Puddefoot
Leafe
Palmer
West Ham finished the month on a high note when they travelled to St. Andrew's and pinched the points from Birmingham City with another one goal victory. The home side created many more chances than the Hammers, but failed to finish off those opportunities. The Londoner's defence, although constantly bombarded, proved impenetrable with Ted Hufton keeping goal magnificently, while Billy Cope and Frank Burton were in top form at full-back. George Kay marshalled his half-backs and although West Ham conceded two penalties in the first-half, both were saved by Hufton.
Within a minute of the final whistle, West Ham won a corner. From the cross Kay scored the match-winner, crowning an eventful month for himself and West Ham United.
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BIRMINGHAM
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Allen R.)
1 November 1919
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Lane
Kay
McCrae
PERCY ALLEN
ROBERT ALLEN
Puddefoot
Leafe
Bradshaw
A mysterious figure from Hammers' first League season
On the morning of the first Saturday in November 1919, West Ham United were ninth in the Second Division, having won six, drawn two and lost three of the 11 matches played. Visitors to Upton Park that day were Birmingham City who were two places above West Ham in the table. Although we had beaten the Blues at St. Andrews the previous week, the return proved to be one in which they were to gain revenge. The West Ham side included two amateurs, local-born Lieutenant Percy Allen in the number 7 shirt and Major Robert Allen from the Corinthians at inside-right. Although it was his first appearance in senior football, Percy Allen did well enough - as one newspaper reported - "to warrant further trial". In fact, over the next four years, Percy played 80 League matches for the Hammers; mainly as a wing-half; and was ever-present in 1921-22. His namesake's career, however, was not as prolific. Despite scoring a dream debut goal after just ten minutes "the pace of the play was much too fast for him. Major Allen was not given time to do the things that occasional clever touches suggested he was capable of" was the same reporter's conclusion. The game proved to be his sole appearance for the Hammers. The Birmingham forwards dictated the pace of the game and treated the 20,000 crowd to a fine display of fast and skilful football. Hammers fullbacks Cope and Burton were given a torrid time and only goalkeeper Ted Hufton earned any credit during the afternoon.
Although City only scored twice -during a particularly fine 15 minute spell in the first-half - they were much the better team all-round and deserved their victory.
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LEICESTER CITY
Filbert Street
0 - 0
8 November 1919
Att: 14,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Lane
Kay
McCrae
Bailey
Butcher
Puddefoot
Leafe
Bradshaw
Seven days later, a trip to Leicester City saw a complete transformation as the Hammers' defence earned all the praise - as well as a point - with a sterling performance.
The match failed to produce a single goal, but there were spells of some excellent entertainment for the
14,000 crowd, the biggest at Filbert Street that season. Apart from one or two fine solo efforts by Syd Puddefoot, the West Ham forwards were disappointing and failed to seriously trouble the Leicester defence.
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LEICESTER CITY
Upton park
1 - 0 (Burton [pen]
15 November 1919
Att: 23,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Allen P.
Butcher
Puddefoot
Leafe
Palmer
A week later, the two teams returned to Upton Park and West Ham won 1-0. Although the Hammers were worthy of their win, Leicester were unlucky in the manner in which they conceded the goal. In early exchanges West Ham were easily the better side and should have snapped at least one or two of the many chances they created. However, the Hammers' goal was the result of a senseless hand-ball by the Leicester left-back. Percy Allen's feeble cross did not suggest any danger until the defender made his unfortunate error of judgment.
Frank Burton converted the spot-kick to the cheers of the 23,000 crowd.
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FULHAM
Craven Cottage
2 - 1 (Puddefoot 2)
22 November 1919
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
GEORGE CARTER
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Palmer
On Saturday 22nd November 1919, West Ham United travelled across London to Craven Cottage for a first League meeting with Fulham, who had been elected to the Second Division in 1907.
In an ill-tempered match, moments of real football were few... the man rather than the ball often being the main objective. A newspaper report accused the Hammers of being the chief offenders. After 30 minutes a centre from winger James Palmer was parried by the Fulham keeper, but as Syd Puddefoot was shouldered away the ball rebounded off him into the net to put the Hammers ahead. Fulham equalised on the hour when a centre was driven into the roof of the net by White, their inside-right. Within a couple of minutes, however, the Hammers were back infront when another centre from George Carter; making his debut on the right-wing; was converted once again by Puddefoot. The control of West Ham's two wingers Carter and Palmer was the most satisfying feature of a performance that deserved victory.
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FULHAM
Upton Park
0 - 1
29 November 1919
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Palmer
West Ham had started the month with a home defeat...and ended it with another set-back at Upton Park when Fulham gained revenge with a single goal win. The result did no justice to the Hammers who had outplayed Fulham for the whole 90 minutes. Fulham's goal six minutes before the interval was the result of their one good shot of the afternoon. Syd Puddefoot's luck summed up West Ham's afternoon. His heroic efforts to find a way through were thwarted one way or another. One powerful shot was fisted away 40 yards upfield by the Fulham 'keeper, while a second crashed against the crossbar. A third attempt - the best shot of all - was put over the bar with a tremendous save. Fulham defenders held out by kicking the ball anywhere, even out of the ground, to preserve their narrow lead.
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COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road
0 - 0
6 December 1919
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Cope
Lee
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
STEPHEN SMITH
By the time West Ham travelled to Highfield Road on Saturday 6th December 1919, the Midlanders were rooted to the foot of the table with just three points gained from 16 games. They had failed to win a single match having been defeated 13 times, scoring just four goals and conceding 37.
An injury to left-back Frank 'Bronco' Burton meant a recall for Alf Lee for only his third outing of the season.
With goals a premium for both sides it was not surprising the match ended in a goalless draw.
The Hammers' biggest stroke of luck was when Coventry's centre-forward was brought down just a yard outside the penalty-area. From the resultant free-kick, Coventry saw their effort just clear the crossbar by inches. At the other end the home 'keeper was not greatly troubled, so a share of the points was a fair reflection of the game in general.
COVENTRY CITY
Upton park
2 - 0 Bailey, Butcher)
13 December 1919
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Cope
Lee
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
A week later at Upton Park, Coventry's problems increased when the Hammers won 2-0. As in the previous encounter, Hammers' right-winger George Carter was the outstanding forward, closely followed by his left-wing partner Syd Smith. Both wingers were well served by their inside-forwards Dan Bailey and George Butcher.
It was Bailey who scored West Ham's first goal following a corner in the 30th minute. Our second came midway through the second-half when a long punt upfield by full-back Billy Cope was collected by centre-forward Syd Puddefoot.
The big international drove a hard shot against the crossbar and George Butcher was on hand to score from the rebound.
Although they continued to press forward West Ham were unable to add to their tally due mainly to the efforts of Coventry 'keeper Lindon. But the victory kept them in eighth place in the table.
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HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
Leeds United
0 - 2
20 December 1919
Att; 6,000
Webster
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
Seven days later, the Saturday before Christmas, the Hammers travelled to Leeds Road for their match against Huddersfield Town. The Yorkshire club, although in a commendable fifth place, were experiencing financial difficulties and faced the threat of liquidation.
The club's troubles had sparked off a great deal of local interest and a crowd of almost 8,000 turned up - one of the largest of the season - surcharged with excitement which was a striking contrast to the apathy of previous weeks. After 15 minutes Huddersfield took the lead when a free-kick was headed home. West Ham came more into the game and twice George Butcher tested the Terriers goalkeeper with fierce shots.
Early in the second-half, the Hammers were awarded a penalty, but Frank Burton put his spot-kick wide. With just 15 minutes remaining Huddersfield scored their second following a corner. Once again the Hammers' forwards were tightly marked, but also had difficulty adjusting to the heavy pitch. And once again West Ham 'keeper Ted Hufton was our man-of-the-match.
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BRISTOL CITY
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Bailey, Butcher)
25 December 1919
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Bradshaw
The Hammers welcomed Bristol City to Upton Park on Christmas Day 1919. A 20,000 crowd turned out in dull weather to watch a game that contained very few thrills and little good football.
At least West Ham's 2-0 victory brightened up the afternoon for the festive fans. George Butcher scored our first goal in the 11th minute and Dan Bailey added the second four minutes later.
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BRISTOL CITY
Ashton Gate
0 - 0
26 December 1919
Att: 12,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Bradshaw
The two clubs met again 24 hours later at Ashton Gate, watched in the pouring rain by a crowd of 10,000. In deplorable conditions West Ham had the best of the opening exchanges, but City came more into the game and for the last 20 minutes of the first-half completed dominated. The fact there was no score by the interval was due to the brilliance of the Hammers' 'keeper Ted Hufton.
The Hammers improved in the second-half and came close to scoring on several occasions. Then in the last minute City broke away and were denied a dramatic victory by another fine save by Ted Hufton.
Those watching agreed that on reflection a draw was a fair result.
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HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
Upton park
1 - 1 (Butcher)
27 December 1919
Att: 25,000
Webster
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
West Ham's third game in as many days was against Huddersfield Town before a 25,000 gate, the biggest so far that season at Upton Park. Ted Hufton missed his first game of the season, so Joe Webster made his debut against the team who would eventually end the season as runners-up to Second Division Champions Tottenham.
A goal from George Butcher, his third in five matches, was enough to ensure the points were shared. Although the West Ham forwards were finding it difficult to score goals, the consistency of the defence was proving to be the backbone on which the Hammers continued to build their reputation having completed their first half season following their election to the Second Division.
Apart from their one setback in the second game of the season when they were beaten 7-0 at Barnsley, the Hammers' defence had never conceded more than two goals in a match. In fact, in 22 games they had prevented the opposition from scoring on no less than ten occasions.
It had been a very successful start to the Hammers League career of which Manager Syd King and Trainer Charlie Paynter could be proud.
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BLACKPOOL
Bloomfield Road
0 - 0
3 January 1920
Att: 7,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Allen P.
Puddefoot
Smith
Bradshaw
The Hammers travelled to Blackpool for a League match. A crowd of close on 7,000 turned up for the 2.30pm kick-off. From the start the Seasiders put the Hammers under pressure with a series of swift attacks, especially down the right wing. Although the Hammers' defence were given a lively time, Ted Hufton in goal, although often tested, handled everything the home forwards threw at him.
During this period, West Ham's sole chance came from a long dropping centre from George Carter, but as the half progressed it was the left-wing pairing of Syd Smith and Harry Bradshaw that caused the main problem to the Blackpool rear-guard. Unfortunately, the Hammers' finishing was just as poor as their hosts.
Blackpool with the advantage of a good strong breeze at their backs continued to press, but their marksmanship was way off target. This was amply illustrated when they were awarded a penalty just before the interval. Their centre-forward, who had been fouled, decided to take the spot-kick himself which was knocked away by Ted Hufton.
The second-half saw West Ham come more into the game as the wind grew stronger creating problems for the Blackpool defence. However, with the Hammers' also unable to test Mingay in the home goal and Syd Puddefoot being closely marked, the match ended with the two teams sharing the points.
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SOUTHAMPTON : FA Cup (First Round)
The Dell
0 - 0
10 January 1920
Att: 12,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Allen P.
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
Two weeks later, the teams met again this time before 26,000 at Upton Park. A goal from Dan Bailey, his third of the season, was enough to secure the points and extend West Ham's unbeaten run to seven games.
Of those seven undefeated matches, two had been in the FA Cup which had started the previous Saturday with a visit to Southampton. A crowd of 12,000 watched a goalless draw, although West Ham had been the better side in a game badly affected by the weather. The Hammers' share of the gate money was £500!
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SOUTHAMPTON : FA Cup (First Round Replay)
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Puddefoot 2, Butcher)
15 January 1920
Att: 25,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
The replay took place five days later on Thursday 15th January 1920 when 25,000 fans turned up for the 2.15pm kick-off. Two goals from Syd Puddefoot - his first in 11 games - and a George Butcher effort enabled the Hammers to move into the next round, although the Saints did score once in a match that was marred by their right-half suffering a broken leg following a fair tackle.
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BLACKPOOL
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Bailey)
17 January 1920
Att: 26,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
REPORT:
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BURY
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Kay)
24 January 1920
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
The visit of Bury to the Boleyn Ground on the fourth Saturday of January was significant in that it was the first meeting between the two clubs and was a prelude to their Cup clash the following weekend.
Although Bury decided to rest several of their "regulars" and were in a mid-table position, they nevertheless proved tough opposition. It was only a George Kay header from a well-placed corner-kick after 35 minutes that secured the points for the Hammers to push them up into fifth place in the League table.
One of the contributing factors to the victory was also the form of Jack Tresadern who played one of his best games of the season. The wing-half's tackling and distribution was so effective that not only did he assist in breaking up Bury's attacks, but he was instrumental in enabling his own forwards to put pressure on their defence.
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BURY : FA Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
6 - 0 (Puddefoot 3 [2 pens], Bailey, Butcher, Smith)
31 January 1920
Att: 27,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
The largest crowd of the season, 27,000, returned seven days later for the FA Cup-tie. Bury fielded a much stronger team than the previous week, but although the scores were level at the interval, they had no answer to the magnificent soccer West Ham played in the second-half. Totally outclassed Bury were hammered 6-0, with Syd Puddefoot scoring a hat-trick.
For West Ham it had been a brilliant start to the New Year as they had been undefeated in their six matches and had only conceded one goal whilst scoring 11.
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PORT VALE
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Puddefoot 3)
7 February 1920
Att: 23,000
Webster
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Butcher
Bailey
Smith
Bradshaw
Injuries to Hammers' captain, full back Billy Cope and goalkeeper Ted Hufton meant a change in the line-up to that which had crushed Bury 6-0 in the Cup seven days earlier. With Joe Webster deputizing in goal, and Alf Lee coming in at right-back, West Ham nevertheless proved to be too strong for the visitors.
A crowd of 23,000 turned up on a fine, sunny afternoon and although the pitch was bare of grass in places it was in good condition. West Ham started the game as though they were continuing from where they had left off the previous week, forcing an early corner from which Dan Bailey just shot wide. With seven minutes gone, a right-wing attack by George Carter ended with him crossing the ball. His centre was received by Syd Puddefoot who had his back to goal, but turned and with great precision planted the ball just inside the left-hand post. Both sides continued to play attacking soccer in the period leading up to half-time and several near misses were the result at either end.
The second-half continued in much the same fashion with both team's forwards applying pressure on the opposing defences. Port Vale finally forced an equaliser after 66 minutes when their centre-forward shot home from an acute angle. With six minutes remaining, West Ham won a free-kick which George Kay took and although his cross should have been cleared, Syd Puddefoot fastened on to the loose ball and scored with a close-range shot.
The Hammers finally sealed the result when Puddefoot completed his hat-trick with another brilliant finish.
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BURY
Gigg Lane
0 - 1
11 February 1920
Att: 5,000
Hufton
Lane
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Allen P.
Bailey
Puddefoot
Morris
Smith
At Bury the Northerners gained revenge for their Cup defeat with a 1-0 win. The match was marred by the sending-off of George Kay, West Ham's centre-half, together with an opponent for kicking.
We suffered more ill-luck when Syd Puddefoot ruptured thigh muscles and had to go off. Injuries to Frank Burton and Robert Morris also restricted the Hammers as they fought to get back into the game after Bury had taken the lead after half-an-hour following a corner.
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PORT VALE
Recreation Ground
0 - 1
14 February 1920
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Carter
Butcher
Bailey
Smith
Bradshaw
Three days later, a 15,000 crowd saw Port Vale also gain a 1-0 success. Puddefoot's absence meant a rearranged forward-line, but Cope returned at full-back to strengthen the defence.
The Hammers conceded a goal after 19 minutes and try as they might were unable to equalise. With 26 minutes of the second-half gone, West Ham were once again reduced to ten men for a second match when George Carter had to retire to the dressing room. In the end, Port Vale just about deserved their victory on the day.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : FA Cup (Third Round)
White Hart Lane
0 - 3
21 Febraury 1920
Att: 47,646
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Bailey
Butcher
Puddefoot
Smith
Bradshaw
REPORT:
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CLAPTON ORIENT
Millfields Road
0 - 1
28 February 1920
Att: 25,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Leafe
Bailey
Lane
Butcher
Smith
Once again West Ham were handicapped by the absence of Puddefoot and a crowd of 25,000 saw the home side do most of the attacking in "a fast, fairly clean but not too scientific a game" - as one reporter described it.
Although coming close to scoring on a number of occasions, the Orient were thwarted by the efforts of Ted Hufton in goal and George Kay at centre-half. Their best shot on target, however, struck one of the posts whilst the others were well saved. A draw, therefore, looked the probable result, but with a few minutes to go Billy Cope only partially cleared the ball to the Clapton left-winger who scored.
For the third successive League match, the Hammers had lost by a single goal. This coupled with their FA Cup exit meant that the jubilation of January became the frustration of February for the Hammers management team of Syd King and Charlie Paynter, proving once again that a lack of goals tilts the fine balance between success and failure so easily in the wrong direction.
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CLAPTON ORIENT
Upton Park
0 - 1
4 March 1920
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Cope
Burton
Tresadern
Woodburn
McCrae
JAMES CUMMING
Butcher
Puddefoot
Palmer
Smith
REPORT:
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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Puddefoot 2)
13 March 1920
Att: 30,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodburn
Mackesy
EDGAR SMITHURST
Bailey
Puddefoot
Palmer
Smith
REPORT:
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SOUTH SHIELDS
Horsley Hill Road
0 - 3
20 March 1920
Att: 18,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodburn
Mackesy
Smithurst
Bailey
Puddefoot
Palmer
Smith
REPORT:
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
0 - 2
22 March 1920
Att: 25,000
Hufton
Cope
Lee
Tresadern
Woodburn
Mackesy
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Palmer
Smith
REPORT:
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SOUTH SHIELDS
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Bailey)
27 March 1920
Att: 18,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodards
Mackesy
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
REPORT:
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NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Upton Park
5 - 1 (Puddefoot 4 [1 pen], Bailey)
2 April 1920
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodards
Mackesy
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
The visit of Nottingham Forest to Upton Park on Good Friday produced another gate of 20,000, and the enthusiastic home fans were rewarded with a fine display of soccer which resulted in the Hammers' biggest win of season when they romped home 5-1.
The chief architects of the victory were Syd Puddefoot who scored four goals and Dan Bailey who got the fifth.
The first-half was full of exciting incidents and five goals were scored. Puddefoot got the first from the penalty-spot after a foul on George Butcher and added a second after a flowing movement. Forest reduced the lead were they were awarded a penalty for hands by centre-half Woodards.
The revival was short-lived as Puddefoot completed his hat-trick with another fine goal, while Bailey added a fourth before the interval.
Following the break, Forest began to exert more pressure and went close with a superb shot. But, 26 minutes into the half, Puddefoot was again on target with a clever shot.
After this Forest became further disorganised, but held out to the final whistle without conceding another goal.
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WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Molineux
1 - 1 (Bailey)
3 April 1920
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodards
McCrae
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
A visit to Molineux the next day saw Wolverhampton Wanderers take an early lead through a headed goal before a crowd of 15,000. The second-half kicked-off with the Hammers playing more resolute soccer and the game turned in their favour. It was only the sterling work of the Wolves goalkeeper that prevented us scoring on several occasions.
A mix-up in the Wolves' defence finally allowed the Hammers to draw level when in the 65th minute a sprint down the wing by James Gumming ended with his centre finding Bailey who shot home in-off a defender as the Wolves 'keeper failed to gather the ball.
On the general run of play West Ham should have won comfortably instead of sharing the points. Once again poor finishing was proving to be our downfall and preventing us from improving our League position.
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NOTTINGHAM FOREST
City Ground
1 - 2 (Bailey)
5 April 1920
Att: 10,000
FRANK BIRCHENOUGH
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodards
McCrae
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Leafe
Smith
On Easter Monday, the Hammers travelled further into the Midlands to the City Ground, Nottingham for the second away fixture of the holiday period. After their heavy defeat at Upton Park on Good Friday, Forest had beaten Coventry City the next day and so a crowd of 10,000 turned up to see what was expected to be an interesting encounter. West Ham were without Hufton in goal, for only the second time that season, Frank Birchenough deputizing whilst Alt Leafe came in for George Butcher.
The Hammers got off to a dream start when they took the lead after 30 seconds! Sydney Smith, their left-winger slipped down the line and placed his centre neatly between two defenders to the unmarked Dan Bailey who steadied himself before shooting home.
Pressing hard to increase their advantage, the Hammers were thwarted by a Forest defence that held firm and gradually succeeded in slowing down the visitor's forwards. Forest drew level in the 64th minute when a long shot struck the West Ham crossbar. The rebound fell into a crowd of players and the Forest inside-right Spaven was first to the ball to touch it home as the West Ham defenders tried to close him down. From this point Forest took control, but it was only a penalty five minutes from time that finally secured them the points.
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WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Upton park
4 - 0 (Butcher 2, Puddefoot 2)
10 April 1920
Att: 16,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodards
McCrae
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
REPORT:
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HULL CITY
Anlaby Road
1 - 1 (Bailey)
17 April 1920
Att: 8,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodards
McCrae
Leafe
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
REPORT:
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HULL CITY
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Bailey, Puddefoot [pen])
24 April 1920
Att: 18,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Woodards
McCrae
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
REPORT:
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STOCKPORT COUNTY
Edgeley Park
0 - 1
26 April 1920
Att: 5,000
VIVIAN ROBERTS
Lee
THOMAS STANLEY
Tresadern
Woodards
McCrae
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
Smith
REPORT:
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STOCKPORT COUNTY
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Butcher, Kay, Puddefoot)
1 May 1920
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Lee
Burton
Tresadern
Kay
McCrae
Cumming
Bailey
Puddefoot
Butcher
JACK YOUNG
REPORT:
