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WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1924-25 Friendlies
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FIRST PRACTICE MATCH
BLUES v. REDS
Upton Park
4 - 0
21 August 1924
BLUES (Jennings 2, Watson 2)
Hampson
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Cadwell
Edwards
Jennings
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REDS
Kaine
Hodgson
Horler
Carter
Eastman
Tresadern
Cowper
Robinson
Campbell
Williams
Richards
REPORT:
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SECOND PRACTICE MATCH
BLUES v. REDS
Upton Park
3 - 0
23 August 1924
BLUES (Earle 2, Gibbins)
Hampson
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Cadwel
lEdwards
Earle
Watson
Gibbins
Ruffell
REDS
Kaine
Hebden
Horler
Carter
EastmanT
resadern
Yews
Fletcher
Campbell
Williams
Richards
West Ham made several alterations in the teams for their second practice match, the most important being the introduction of the two Clapton amateurs, Stanley Earle and Vivian Gibbins, in the first team forward line.
Earle played at inside right and claimed two goals, and Gibbins who played at inside left, obtained the other of the three goals by which the first team won the match, the Reserves making no response in goal scoring.
On the Reserves side Hebden was at back instead of Hodgson, and Yews and Fletcher formed the right wing instead of Cowper and Robinson. For the first half hour the Reserves showed better combination forward, but failed to take several good chances, and then, within five minutes of the interval, Earle headed a fine goal from a centre by Ruffell, and a couple of minutes later Gibbins dvored a second point for the seniors with a long shot.
Earles scored the remaining goal in the second half from close in, after the Reserves had made a series of splendid but unavailing attacks upon the other goal. As a matter of fact, Hampson was kept rather more busy than Kaine in the other goal, and several of his clearances were from point blank range. Campbell at centre forward and Williams at inside left, were the chief sources of danger, but Fletcher missed a couple of very simple chances. The senior team finished better, and Earle made a particularly good impression. is work with Edwards, the outside right, was clever. Bishop and Cadwell allowed the Reserves' wingers little scope; and the best of the half backs on the Reserves' side was Tresadern, who played as if quite fit again, and nearly approaching his old form. The game was quite a good one from the point of view of the spectators, who numbered about 12,000.
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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION : Reserves
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Jennings)
30 August 1924
Hampson
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Cadwell
Edwards
Earle
Watson
Jennings
Ruffell
REPORT:
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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
1 - 1 (Carter)
30 August 1924
Luke
Hodgson
Hebden
Carter
Eastman
Mackesy
Yews
Robinson
Barrett
Williams
Richards
REPORT:
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SWINDON TOWN : Bert Denyer Benefit
County Ground
3 - 0 (Campbell, Fletcher, Hawkins)
15 September 1924
Kaine
Hodgson
Horler
Collins
Barrett
Wilkins
Yews
Fletcher
Campbell
Hawkins
Williams
REPORT:
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MIDDLESEX WANDERERS : Reserves
Upton Park
4 - 3 (Cowper 3, Hawkins)
18 September 1924
Baillie
Kay
Hodgson
Carter
Barrett
Wilkins
Collins E.
Fletcher
Cowper
Hawkins
Ruffell
REPORT:
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CUSTOM HOUSE : Reserves
Away
2 - 0 (Cowper 2)
25 September 1924
Baillie
Keay B.
Hebden
Collins J.
Wilkins
Wheeler
Collins E.
Fletcher
Cowper
Hawkins
Ruffell W.
REPORT:
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MILLWALL : London Professional Charity Cup
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Watson 2, Moore)
13 October 1924
Hampson
Henderson
Young
Carter
Kay
Cadwell
Cowper
Jennings
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
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EASTERN LOMBARDIANS : Reserves
Away
2 - 2 (Hawkins)
16 October 1924
Baillie
Kay
Hebden
Bonwick
Barrett
Wilkins
Yews
Smith
Stingle
Hawkins
Ruffell W.
REPORT:
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UNITED SERVICES : Reserves
Chatham
3 - 2 (Robinson 2, Hawkins)
22 October 1924
Baillie
Hodgson
Hebden
Collins
Eastman
Barrett
Yews
Robinson
Hawkins
Williams
Thompson
REPORT:
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CORINTHIAN : Mansfield House University Fund
Upton Park
4 - 2 (Jennings 2, Lewis, Yews)
27 November 1924
Hampson
Hebden
Horler
Bishop
Eastman
Cadwell
Yews
Lewis TH. (Ilford)
Jennings
Williams
Ruffell
Played in a gale on a very muddy Boleyn Ground pitch, the match was in aid of the Fairbairn House and Mansfield House Settlements.
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BOSCOMBE : Reserves
Away
1 - 2 (Wilkins)
3 January 1925
Kaine
Cowper
Gill
Clark
Barrett
Wilkins
Ruffell
Smith
Young
Puddefoot
Edwards
REPORT:
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KETTERING TOWN : Reserves
Away
1 - 1 (Fletcher)
10 January 1925
Kaine
Hodgson
Cowper
Collins
Barrett
Wilkins
Edwards
Robinson
Campbell
Fletcher
Thompson
REPORT:
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CHELMSFORD : Opening of New Ground
New Writtle Street
2 - 1 (Barrett 2)
7 February 1925
Baillie
Cowper
Gill
Barrett
Barrett J.
Taylor
Ruffell
Fletcher
Smith
Hawkins
Thompson
REPORT:
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WOOLWICH GARRISON : Reserves
Garrison Ground
6 - 0 (Campbell 2, McNaughton 2, Fletcher, Thompson)
18 February 1925
Baillie
Horler
Earl A.J.
Collins
Earle
Barrett
Cowper
McNaughton
Campbell
Fletcher
Thompson
REPORT:
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LONDON UNIVERSITY : Reserves
Upton Park
10 - 1 (Campbell 3, Barrett 2, Holmes 2, McNaughton 2, Thompson)
26 February 1925
Hufton
Horler
Earl A.J.
Earle
Eastman
Barrett
Ruffell W.
McNaughton
Campbell
Holmes
Thompson
REPORT:
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SOUTHEND UNITED : Essex County Cricket Fund
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Robinson, Ruffell)
20 April 1925
Kaine
Hodgson
Earl A.J.
Bishop
Barrett
Cadwell
Yews
Robinson
Cowper
Watson
Ruffell
The two professional clubs of Essex played a match at Upton Park for the benefit of the County Cricket Club, West Ham United beating Southend United by two clear goals.
West Ham had enough scoring opportunities to have brought about a much more pronounced victory, but the forwards generally failed when they got near goal. Jimmy Ruffell missed a penalty.
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BARKING TOWN
Vicarage Road
3 - 2 (Campbell, Fletcher, Shoesmith [og])
23 April 1925
Porter
Hodgson
Young
Barrett
Eastman
Wilkins
Weale
Robinson
Campbell
Fletcher
Thompson
REPORT:
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BRISTOL : Docklands Settlement
Away
? - ?
27 April 1925
Line-up Unknown
REPORT:
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NORWICH CITY : Norfolk & Norwich Hospital Cup
The Nest
1 - 6 (Earle)
30 April 1925
Hufton
Henderson
Horler
Bishop
Eastman
Cadwell
Yews
Earle
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
West Ham were heavily defeated by 6-1 for the Norwich Hospital Cup, of which the London team were the holders. This is the first time in the history of this event that it has been won by the Norwich side. The home forwards gave a magnificent display and they gained much confidence after Williamson saved a penalty kick, taken by Ruffell, in splendid fashion.
Just before the interval McCudden headed the ball past Hutton to open the scoring. Norwich played brilliantly in the second half. Jackson added to the lead, and before the close Jackson obtained two goals (one from a penalty) while McCudden brought his total to three goals. Earle reduced the lead with a capital shot. The West Ham defence was undoubtedly weak and slow.
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End of season tour to Holland (May 1925)
Recorded by Mr. FRANK R. PRATT, Director
It was a merry party that left Victoria on May 13th by the 9.15 a.m. train for Amsterdam via Folkestone and Flushing, consisting of Messrs. W. J. Cearns, G. F. Davis, E. S. King, Frank Pratt, E. Hufton, W. Henderson, T. Hodgson, J. Collins, G. Kay, G. Eastman, J. Barrett, T. Yews, W. Edwards, V. Watson, W. Moore, J. Ruffell, A. Fletcher, J. Campbell and Frank Piercy. Messrs. A. Searles and T. Williamson also did the journey but stayed one night only. Charlie Paynter, together with Dick Leafe, came to see his boys safely away and to give them a final word of advice. The steamer left Folkestone in due course and after a splendid sea passage arrived at Flushing soon after 5 p.m., where we proceeded to alter our watches to the Dutch time by putting them back 40 minutes. We boarded the train for the four-hour run to Amsterdam. Passing through the country I noticed, as last year, that some of the cows still wore overcoats, and although not absolutely certain, believe I saw one wearing a pair of Oxford trousers. Mind you, I would not swear to it, but from a distance it looked very much like it. We arrived at Amsterdam at 10 p.m. and were met by Mr. and Mrs, Oudheusden and Mr, Reynolds (of whom I shall speak, later). On the way to our hotel we noticed flags were flying in all directions, and at first thought it was in honour of our visit, but were told that Queen Wilhelmina had arrived the day before to take up residence at the Royal Palace for one week, which I understand is compulsory under the Constitution of the State. We eventually reached the Hotel "Suisse" which was to be the headquarters during our stay.
THURSDAY 14 MAY
After a welcome night's rest, although somewhat disturbed by the chimes of the public clocks, which, at the hour, play a complete tune in harmony lasting about one and a-half minutes, and pro rata for each quarter, we sat down at 9 a.m. to an English breakfast, which is always a stipulation on these Continental tours. The rest of the day was spent in taking our bearings and at 5.30 we left the hotel in a char-a-banc for the Ajax F.C. ground to play our first match which resulted in a win for us by 2-0, both goals being scored by V. Watson. Before the game we were introduced to Mr. A. Koolhass, Assistant Secretary, and Mr. T. Schrievaart, President of the Ajax Club. There were 10,000 people present who were highly delighted with the match, and the officials and players congratulated our boys on their very fine and clean exhibition of football. The Ajax Club played very good football and were for three consecutive years champions of the Netherlands.
For the past ten years their trainer has been Jack Reynolds, one of the best of fellows, who last played for Gillingham, and who met our boys in opposition in the Southern League days.
Dr. Michele from Italy, who witnessed this game, was so pleased with the exhibition, that he commenced negotiations for a tour in that country next season, saying that our style of good clean football would please his people.
AJAX AMSTERDAM (Netherlands)
Het Houen Stadion
2 - 0 (Watson 2)
14 May 1925
Hufton, Hodgson, Henderson, Collins, Kay, Barrett, Yews, Moore, Watson, Fletcher, Ruffell
FRIDAY 15 MAY
Glorious weather prevailed and after breakfast we hoarded a steam launch for a round trip through the canals which proved most interesting. We came out into the river Y and went all round the docks. Some idea of the growth of the port can be gauged from the fact that in 1877 the number of vessels dealt with was 1533 with a tonnage of 850,000 and in 1923 the figures were 3,041 vessels with a tonnage of 6,000,000.
The afternoon was spent in a trip on the river Anistel to a place called Kalfje. After refreshing ourselves, we adjourned to the grounds of the Cafe where there was a giant-stride, swings, see-saw, etc. Other visitors who were also there on pleasure bent, joined in the fun with our boys, and the stunts on the sec-saw especially were very interesting. In fact, to a great many of us who were lucky enough to look on, it was very-very-er-interesting. It was on this very spot that one of our boys was christened "Knight of the Garter."
SATURDAY 16 MAY
The Derby County team was due to arrive at 9 a.m., having crossed to the Hook by the night boat. Mr. Sid. King went to meet them at the station, but was informed that owing to a dense fog at Harwich, the boat was four hours late in sailing. However, they arrived in time for lunch, both teams with the officials dining together, the total number of the party now being forty.
After lunch we were taken on a boat trip to Zaandam, where we visited the house of Czar Peter of Russia, who, in order to study the customs stayed in other countries and worked among their people as an ordinary journeyman. The house, which was built in 1632 was given over in 1818 by King William of the Netherlands and is now completely enclosed by an outer building which was presented by Czar Alexander III of Russia in 1896. The return journey was made without mishap by the "Forty Thieves," and after dinner, the evening was spent in trying to find the Cafe that sold the best coffee.
SUNDAY 17 MAY
Up with the lark (of course it is not the same one that we get here) for a 7.30 breakfast in order to catch the 8.30 train for Arnhem, the venue of our second match versus Vitesse F.C. We arrived after a two hours' run, passing through Erle, the Salisbury Plain of Holland, and were met at the station by the officials of the club, amongst whom were Mr. Holtus, Chairman; Mr. Keppel-Hesslink, Secretary; and Baron Van Pallandt, all most charming people who had laid themselves out to give us a hearty welcome, this being the first visit of a Professional Club. And I must say right here that they accomplished what they set out to do. The trainer here proved to be our old friend, Jefferson, who with Harold Fleming played many a brilliant game for Swindon against us in the Southern League days. Needless to say the pleasure of meeting again was mutual. On arrival, we were escorted to what we might call a Publicity Office and entertained to refreshments. Lined up outside were 14 motor cars bedecked with flags waiting to take us a 40 mile drive through the prettiest part of Holland. On leaving the building, the Bioscope man was very busy taking pictures, and we eventually started on our drive which proved delightful. We lunched at a place called Velp, where a good sized crowd had congregated to watch the fun and after more photographs had been taken, we set out for the ground which was situated in a very pretty spot.
VITESSE (Netherlands)
Monnikenhuixe
2 - 3 (Campbell 2)
17 May 1925
Hufton, Hodgson, Eastman, Collins, Kay, Barrett, Edwards, Moore, Campbell, Fletcher, Ruffell
The heat was tremendous. Our boys were the first to take the field and immediately the band struck up God Save The King, whilst the Dutch National Anthem was played when Vitesse turned out. The game was played in a fine sporting spirit, and although we lost 3-2, Campbell scoring both goals, we really should have won by a big margin. One special thing worthy of mention was a great shot by Barrett, which hit a clock in the centre of an advertisement board behind the goal, with disastrous results to the said clock.
There was also one thing that tickled me. During the match I happened to be sitting next to a rather high personage, who was explaining to me that he passed us during our drive in the morning. I said, "Oh yes! You saw us in the Forest." He replied, "Ja, Ja, I saw you to-morrow." Both Clubs afterwards dined together at the Hotel Royal and in this case the orchestra played the National Anthem of both countries, all of us joining in, and we la-la'd the words we didn't know.
Speeches were made and complimentary things were said about West Ham, and Mr. George Davis made a very fine speech in response. We arrived back at our hotel about 1 a.m. feeling satisfied that we had again created a good impression on the new friends we had made.
MONDAY 18 MAY
We were still having splendid weather and after breakfast both teams were taken a day trip, the first place being the Island of Marken. This place is typically Dutch and the dress of the women folk very picturesque. It boasts one policeman, who by the way happened to know London rather well. A good deal of fun was created at the only "Stores" which was a wooden hut, where souvenirs could be obtained. I would like to mention here that the girls up to 16 years of age, wear their hair long with a cork-screw curl either side of the face. It is then cut short with the exception of the two curls, which they carry through life. (Although not certain I believe the reason for this is to enable the husband to hang on to something when the wife becomes too contrary). Coming back to the main-land, we next visited Volendam, another very quaint place where all the females have their hair bobbed. One thing that struck me as being comical (I don't mean the tomato that Henderson threw), in some cases was the cut of the men's trousers. You know what the Oxford bags are like! Well, they were like that only more so, in fact they were really divided skirts. Very handy for hiding their young in time of danger.
After lunch, we set out for Edam, noted for cheese making. (You will notice a lot of dams in the story, but please excuse them). The journey was made by canal, in a kind of small barge, the motive power being a ''young" fellow of 70 years of age, who, with a tow rope round his shoulders plodded the two mile journey in great style, being encouraged by remarks from his human freight. At the end of the journey a silver collection was made in order to "oil the works." On the way we passed many duck farms and there seemed to be thousands of ducks. (I didn't count them, but I particularly noticed one young one walking along the tow path). After a splendid day's outing, we arrived back at the hotel for dinner.
TUESDAY 19 MAY
The morning was spent in visiting the Asscher Diamond Factory, which proved very interesting. The officials were very courteous and showed us round in small parties explaining the different processes of cutting and polishing. After lunch many of us went to the Stadium and indulged in cricket practice, in view of the forthcoming test match, England versus Holland. The evening was spent at the Krasnapolsky Dance Hall, all the boys having a real good time.
WEDNESDAY 20 MAY
We paid a visit to the Ryks Museum, a splendid building of its kind erected in 1847, containing a very fine collection of Rembrandt pictures.
In the afternoon, we were taken to the International Flower Show at Heemstede, stopping at Haarlem, one of the oldest towns of the Netherlands, and is well known from the 80 years' war. In 1572-1573, it was besieged by the Spaniards, but after a seven months siege it had to yield. When the Spaniards had been driven out again there came a period of unknown prosperity. Early spring finds the extensive bulb fields covered with hyacinths, tulips and daffodils making a wonderful impression in the profusion and variety of their colours. Small wonder then that thousands, amongst whom are many foreigners, go to see them. The season was too far advanced to enable us to see the full beauty, only here and there being patches of gorgeous colour.
THURSDAY 21 MAY
Breakfast at 8.30, then off to Rotterdam for the third match versus The Swallows, We were met on arrival by Mr. H. Welling, Treasurer of the Swallows, and Mr. J. M. Weber, Chairman of the Feyenoord Club, upon whose ground the match was being played. A tug had been engaged for a trip round the docks, which are very extensive, covering an area of 534 acres and having a quay frontage of over 10 miles. There was a fleet of 10 cars to take us after lunch to the "scene of action" where we arrived about 2 p.m. to find a huge crowd waiting. The Swallows players are drawn from others clubs, and in this match seven Dutch Internationals turned out.
SWALLOWS ROTTERDAM (Netherlands)
Away
1 - 1 (Watson)
21 May 1925
Hufton, Hodgson, Henderson, Collins, Eastman, Barrett, Edwards, Watson, Campbell, Fletcher, Yews
The match, which was attended by the Burgomaster of Rotterdam, was played in a line spirit by both teams, and some really good football was seen. The result was a draw one all, Watson scoring; while the Swallows' goal was obtained from a penalty given against Barrett for a "splendid catch" on the goal line. As in the case of the match at Arnhem, the National Anthems of both countries was played by the band, as each team took the field.
Dinner was taken at the Pschor Hotel to which was attached a splendid dance hall where the rest of the evening was spent, leaving very late, but very happy.
FRIDAY 22 MAY
A visit to the Royal Palace had been arranged for the morning, but for some reason it did not mature, we therefore whiled away the lime in our own sweet way.
In the afternoon, we should have gone to Zandvoort-on-Sea, but missed the train by a minute. Here we had another example of putting the cart before the horse, the ticket collector informing Albert Fletcher that "You vos vim minute too quick too late."
The evening was spent at the Tuschinsky Theatre, varieties and pictures. Of course we had not thoroughly mastered the language in so short a time to know exactly what the comedian was singing or talking about. However we joined in the laughter when we thought the right moment, but unfortunately some of the party did so when they should have been serious. Also, in one scene of a picture, depicting the husband pacing the corridor of an hotel, and the wife, unknown to him in a room with her lover. Just as the husband gets outside of the door and the wife is about to leave the room, one of the party screamed out "Go back, go back," which caused some merriment. Altogether it was a most enjoyable evening.
SATURDAY 23 MAY
Again we had the morning to ourselves, and after lunch, set out for the cricket ground for the England v. Holland match. Our team was the following- F. R. Pratt (Director), G. Eastman, J. Barrett, W. Edwards, T, Yews, J. Campbell, representing West Ham, and J. W. Gilbert (Director), C. Potter (Manager), S. Murphy, H. Toms, E. Bromwich, and B. Underwood, representing Derby County.
England batted first scoring 145, Edwards, 42; Barrett, 22; Murphy, 17; were top scorers.
Mr. Oudheusden bowled finely capturing 8 wickets. Two of the Dutch wickets were down for 10, both falling to S. Murphy, when a storm broke over the ground and spoiled what would probably have been an interesting match. We were invited in the evening to the Annual Soiree of the "Incasso-Bank," and after a very fine musical programme, dancing was indulged in until the early hours.
SUNDAY 24 MAY
An early lunch and then both Derby County and our boys set out in char-a-bancs for the Ajax ground to play an exhibition match, this of course being the first time the clubs had met since meeting in the semi-final of the Cup in 1923, in a game which we won 5-2, and will live long in the memory of those who were fortunate enough to see it. The winning club in the match under notice was to receive a Silver Windmill and the players smaller ones. The losing club, which unfortunately proved to be our boys, also received a similar trophy.
DERBY COUNTY (Exhibition Match)
Het Houten Stadion
2 - 3 (Watson, Ruffell [pen])
24 May 1925
Hufton, Henderson, Young, Collins, Kay, Barrett, Yews, Moore, Watson, Fletche, rRuffell
Quite a big crowd was present when the teams took the field both getting a good reception. It was a splendid game to watch, and some sparkling football was seen, but I say without hesitation that West Ham was decidedly unlucky to lose by 3-2, Watson and Ruffell (penalty) scoring. The game was fought in a fine spirit by both sides, which highly pleased the spectators.
It was a merry party that dined together in the evening, when Mr. J. Oudheusden made a nice speech, complimenting both teams on the way they had "played the game." Mr. George Davis for West Ham, and Mr. J. W. Gilbert for Derby, suitably replied, and souvenirs were presented by both clubs to Mr. and Mrs. Oudheusden as a small mark of appreciation of their efforts in giving us a right royal time.
MONDAY 25 MAY
The morning of departure. Quite a number of friends came to see us off by the 9 a.m. train from Amsterdam. On the same platform was a courting couple whose antics greatly amused our boys who sang little ditties suitable for the occasion. We stopped at Rosendaal Station where a rush was made for refreshments and then hitched on to a train that had just come in from Germany, and completed our trip to Flushing. After another fine sea passage we arrived at Folkstone, then entrained for dear old London Town, reaching there at 9.30 p.m.
It was agreed by everybody that this had been the finest tour the club had done. The Dutch people were most hospitable and we carried back with us very happy recollections of our first visit to Holland.
Our special thanks arc due to Mr. and Mrs. Jan Oudheusden. The former (whose special weakness is for cheese and pancakes) devotes a great deal of time to sport in general, but football in particular as is well known throughout Holland. Mrs. Oudheusden is also a very keen sportswoman and in the absence of her husband acts as the Fairy Godmother to the visitors. We were also greatly indebted to Mr. Jack Reynolds who was with us practically the whole time, acting as interpreter and generally making things easy for us.
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OTHER MATCHES at UPTON PARK
WEST HAM BOYS v. EAST HAM BOYS
Corinthian Shield (Third Round)
3 - 2
17 January 1925
WEST HAM BOYS (Inns 2, Pickless)
Unknown Line-up
EAST HAM BOYS (Chapman 2)
Unknown Line-up
REPORT:
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LONDON COMBINATION v. LONDON LEAGUE
Inter League Match
4 - 1
16 March 1925
LONDON COMBINATION (Handlay 4)
McKenns (Chelsea)
Hebden (West Ham)
Aimer (Fulham)
Collins (West Ham)
Lowe (Fulham)
Voysey (Arsenal)
Rutherford (Arsenal)
Johnson (Crystal Palace)
Lindsay (Tottenham Hotspur)
Neil (Arsenal
Handlay (Tottenham Hotspur)
LONDON LEAGUE (Hebden [og] 2)
Unknown Line-up
REPORT:
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WEST HAM BOYS v. WILLESDEN BOYS
Corinthian Shield (Final)
1 - 2
11 April 1925
Att: 20,000
WEST HAM BOYS
Line-up Unknown
WILLESDEN BOYS
Line-up Unknown
20,000 people gathered at Upton Park last Saturday morning to see London's biggest match of the season. Three charabanc-loads of Willesden folk, and several hundred who had gone by train or bus, were there to cheer the local team. The game was a magnificent one, full of sensations, and fought with grim determination from start to finish.
West Ham won the toss and led off well, but the game soon became even, and for some time the close passing of Willesden was more successful than the big kicking of the opposing side. Ellis set a wonderful example, working hard and distributing cleverly. There was a corner to West Ham, but Sutton relieved, whilst Chapple, a little later, brought off two very fine saves with the utmost coolness.
Following a good run by Smith at the other end, the Willesden goal was again in danger and Chapple kicked away in the nick of time. Then came the tit-bit of the match. Fletcher received well inside his own half, and pushed the ball ahead to Blackstock. The centre forward gave Acqueroff, who passed on to Smith. The Latter put across a perfect centre which found Ellis nicely placed, and the goalkeeper powerless to save his shot. The whole movement had only taken a few seconds. West Ham made great efforts to equalise, but Chapple was equal to every emergency. Fletcher received a nasty kick And was carried off, but he was back before half-time, which found Willesden with a well-earned lead.
From the kick-off after the interval it was evident that the home team were going to spoil the close-passing game at all rests. Backs and half-backs kicked hard and high, and a very speedy set of forwards followed the ball every time. After an uneasy five minutes round the Willesden goal, which Chapple was defending like a hero. Homans initiated a combined movement which found Blackstock well placed, but was spoilt by palpable "hands" on the part of a defender. Cooper took the resulting penalty and made no mistake with a lightning drive. From this point sensation followed sensation. West Ham pressed in the most determined fashion. A penalty for a doubtful charge by Fletcher was awarded, and the crowd seemed pleased when the kick was muffed. Three corners to the home team followed in succession. From each Chapple brought off smart saves. Then another penalty was awarded for a charge that certainly did not warrant it, and Chapple saved in wonderful fashion.
A minute later Fletcher cleared from the goal-line, and after an attack at the other end, which was spoilt by offside, Neale managed to get a twisting hall past the Willesden goalie. Gallant efforts were made by the West Ham boys to equalise, hut although they pinned their opponents in their own half, their shooting was poor. Blackstock came within an ace of scoring at the end of a fine run, and the climax came a few minutes from time. when the referee saw fit to award a free kick four yards from the Willesden goal, and allowed it to be taken twice. On each occasion, however, it was cleared and our boys held their lead to the welcome end. At a reception to both teams. Alderman Davies, chairman of the West Ham Education Committee, offered a warm welcome to the visitors, on whose behalf Councillor H. C. Blaxland, J.P., chairman of the Willesden District Council, returned thanks to "our friendly rivals," whom we seemed destined to meet each year for the same purpose.
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ENGLAND BOYS v. WALES BOYS
International
3 - 1
16 April
Att: 11,000
ENGLAND BOYS (Miller, Sladdon, Watson)
Hayward (Brighton)
Moss (Altrincham)
Charlton (Crook Town)
Robson (Sunderland)
Gooney (Sheffield)
Garnett (West Ham)
Luckett (Reading)
Watson (Newcastle)
Staddon (Bournemouth)
Cochrane (Greenwich)
Miller (Barking)
WALES BOYS (Glover)
Victor
Williams
Richards
Nicholas
Baker
Lewis
Wallace
Viney
Jones
Glover
Millar
England It is frequently declared that ball control is a lost art in English Soccer. There is a certain amount of truth In the contention so far as the modern professionals are concerned, but the 12,000 school teachers in England who are developing the talent of their pupils on the Soccer field are doing noble work in coaching the boys in the true art of the game, and the team the E.S.F.A. selectors fielded at West Ham against Wales did their judgment credit Eleven boys who had not played together before put up an exhibition of team work which was remarkably good and very pleasing to watch.
The Welsh boys played well, but they had not the game knowledge of positional play, and were beaten by three goals to one in a game which kept 11,000 people on the ground until the final whistle went. Judging from the enthusiasm displayed they thoroughly enjoyed the contest. Mr. A. A. Jackson, of Glasgow, who has controlled many internationals, had charge of the game, and he had little occasion for whistle blowing, for the boys' knowledge of the rules was beyond reproach — and they knew how to keep onside. The manner in which the wingers kept behind the ball did them credit, and on both sides the main idea throughout was to keep the ball on the ground, and generally the boys succeeded remarkably well.
By so doing they surmounted the handicap of a very strong wind, and I was surprised at the power they got behind their kicks and the accuracy of the distribution of passes. Gooney, a Sheffield boy, who captained England, played perfect football centre half, and was a captain in as well as in name. He got the ball down to his feet from all angles, dribbled and side-stepped cleverly, and varied the long passes to the wings by pushing the ball along the middle of the field. A tall boy, be should make a big name in the game with normal development, for he can also shoot powerfully, and once hit the crossbar, Robson, of Sunderland, on his right, was also a very clever little right half who positioned - himself with sound judgment and never had any difficulty in getting the ball under control. These two gave their forwards great support, and the attackers responded by playing well together. Watson, the smallest boy of all, who was at inside right stood out prominently for his neat dribbling and perfect passing when on the run, and be headed England’s first goal, for which he got a deserved cheer.