There was something like 8,000 spectators at the public practice match, and with the new extensions and increased accommodation they found ample room to watch in comfort the new players at work. To get a crowd like that turning out for a practice match showed, at any rate, something of what may be expected when football starts in earnest, and it is evident that higher prices are not going to deter the public from following their favourite game.

There is then a bright prospect before West ham in their first season in Second League football, and, though it was hardly fair to criticise seriously, or rely to any large extent on the form displayed in a trial game of this character, on the form shown West Ham are going to have a team which ought to do well when they get together in full League trim.

It was a match between the “Reds” and “Blues”, with Puddefoot leading the “Reds” in front and Hufton in goal; and Harris the pivot of the forward line for the “Blues”, with Bates, the Sheffield amateur in goal,

The Blues were the first to score, Biggin about a quarter of an hour from the start getting his foot to the ball in some close play in front of goal, and easily putting it past Hufton. Ten minutes later Moyes, from a neat pass by Pufddefoot, equalised, and at half-time the score stood at a goal each. What proved to be the winning goal came from Puddefoot ten minutes after the restart, Syd took up a pass from Bradshaw, who was doing extremely well on the left wing, and taking the ball up to within a yard or two of goal, Puddefoot placed it in the corner of the net well out of Bates’ way.

The Reds were the more forceful side, Lee dos well with Cope at the back, and generally the defence was sound, but we shall look for something better from the forward line when they are put to it. On the other side Bates shaped well in goal, and though he is on the small side, should develop into a capable custodian. Turner, from Glasgow, who partnered Tirrell played a strong game. Mackesy was a busy as ever in the half line, and Butcher wasa great worker in front. Both Biggin, insde-right and Harris, Centre made a favourable impression, and Morris on the left wing was fast and clever.