Hufton

Hodgson

Earl

Collins

MATTHEW SMAILES

Cadwell

Yews

Earle

Watson

Gibbins

Ruffell

The game against Leeds was noteworthy for a number of reasons not least of which being the fact that, although the final scoreline gave the impression that the visitors had been overwhelmed, the truth was that they had been on level terms after an hour's play and were looking the more likely victors.
A crowd of 18,055 saw the Hammers start the game with a rush using the speed of their wingers and a direct approach towards goal.  Jimmy Collins collected the ball in midfield and made the first goal for Vic Watson.  Several times the wing-half feinted to pass out to the wing whilst progressing forward.  He then dribbled towards the centre of the field and released a pass to Watson, who ran clear of the opposing defenders, and fired home.
It was obvious to all present that West Ham's well controlled, skilful and progressive direct football was bound to lead to further goals.  Left winger Jimmy Ruffell sent over a sharp centre which Watson gathered and controlling the ball very well beat 'keeper Wilson for a second time.
Although the visitors found themselves in arrears they, nevertheless, endeavoured to play their part in an entertaining match. Their outside-right Turnbull was instrumental in reducing the deficit when, following a fine run, he centred perfectly for England international Russell Wainscoat to have the simplest of headers. Scotsman Tom Jennings then equalised when Hammers' 'keeper Hufton hesitated, having hurt his wrist in a previous scrimmage which restricted his movements.
Having got themselves back into the game, the Northerners began the second half so well that they appeared to many present almost certain to win. Ernie Hart their centre half; and prospective England international: had done such a wonderful amount of work, either side of the interval, that he seemed to be holding back the whole of the West Ham side, commanding the Leeds' defence with a rock-like presence.
With nearly an hour played, the complexion of the game changed dramatically when Stan Earle sent through a superb pass to his fellow inside forward Vivian Gibbins and the amateur England international had the simple task of putting the Hammers back in front.

Vic Watson then completed his hat-trick when he completely deceived Wilson, the Hammers' centre-forward feinted to shoot with his left foot, then cracked the ball home with his right. The conditions underfoot - it had been raining for most of the match - and the pace of the exchanges then began to take their toll on the visitors who tired and the floodgates were opened.
Although Wilson made a fine diving save from Watson, he was not able to clear the ball and the No. 9 pounced on the loose ball to make it 5-2. All the credit for the sixth goal was due to Tommy Yews, who with a daring dribble eluded Roberts, Reed and Hart before shooting into the net.
Leeds often looked like they were going to reduce their arrears but they found Ted Hufton in fine form making several excellent stops and he was ably assisted by his full backs and deputy centre-half Smailes.  Credit had to be given to the Leeds players who right until the final whistle kept on trying but, of all the players on the field, it was only Vic Watson who made light of the conditions and remained surefooted.
West Ham's seventh and eighth goals were also scored by Watson who had been capped some six years previously by England but had remained in the international wilderness ever since.  It would be another twelve months before his prolific goalscoring talents were, once again, to see him wear an international jersey.  For his marker Ernie Hart an international debut was to prove to be a sooner occasion as he gained the first of eight caps later that year against Wales.
Vic Watson's six goals in the 8-2 scoreline set a new Hammers' individual scoring record which stood alone until 39 years later when Geoff Hurst equaled the feat.
As for the visitors, it was their heaviest defeat in a League game and was only superseded some five years later when Stoke City inflicted a 1-8 reverse upon them. One newspaper report, however, did comment upon the Hammers' victory with the following observation:  "no one could help feeling sorry for the fact that the margin of goals should be so great. Leeds were far better than that."  It was small comfort for the Northerners on their long journey back to Yorkshire!