top of page

1928-29 Friendlies

FIRST PRACTICE MATCH
REDS v. BLUES

Upton Park
6 - 3
11 August 1928

REDS (Watson 3, Shone 2, Ruffell)

Hufton

Smith W.

Norrington

Collins

Barrett

Cadwell

Yews

Watson

Ruffell

Earle

Shone

BLUES (Norris 3)

Tate

Hodgson

Coshall

Cox J.

Cox W.

White

Rutherford

Norris

Campbell

Smith A.

Bowden

REPORT:

SECOND PRACTICE MATCH
REDS v. BLUES

Upton Park
7 - 4
18 August 1928

REDS

(Ruffell 3, Gibbins 2, Shone, Yews)

Hufton

Smith G.

Norrington

Collins

Barrett

Cadwell

Yews

Earle

Shone

Gibbins

Ruffell

BLUES

(Loughlin 2, Robson 2)

Baillie

Earl

Coshall

Smailes

Hull

Wilkins

Rutherford

Loughlin

Payne

Norris

Robson

The second practice match at Upton Park revealed that West Ham will have a very good side for the coming campaign. The Probables, composed of practically all tried players, beat the Passibles by 7-4, after being led 2-4 at half time. Only four new players were on view. G. Smith Notts County). Shone (Liverpool), in the Probabies' side, and Norris (Aston Villa), and Coshall (Erith), in the Reserves. The Possibles showed up well in the early stages, but after half time the Probables got together and outplayed their opponents. experience telling heavily in the latter stages. Ruffell the flying international left winger, scored three goals. 

As a result of their public trials the Hammers were able to donate £382 to local charities.

Sorry No Image

ALDERSHOT
Recreation Ground
3 - 0 (Cawcutt, Norris, Smith)
19 September 1928

Baillie

Earl

Coshall

Wilkins

Hull

White

Campbell

Norris

Cawcutt

Smith A.

Bowden

REPORT:

Sorry No Image

MILLWALL : London Professional Charity Fund
Upton Park
5 - 1 (Payne 2, Barrett, Loughlin, Shone)
8 October 1928

Baillie

Earl

Cox C.

Collins

Barrett

Cadwell

Yews

Earle

Loughlin

Shone

Payne

REPORT:

CUSTOM HOUSE
Upton Park
2 - 0 (McKay, Smith)
13 October 1928

Rawlings

Wilkins

White

Norris

Sullivan

Rourke

James

McKay

Smith A.

Ball

Bowden

REPORT:

Sorry No Image

THAMES ASSOCIATION
West Ham Stadium
2 - 3 (Campbell, Rutherford)
22 October 1928

Tate

Smith G.

Coshall

White

Cox T.

Wilkins

Rutherford

Robson

Campbell

Moore

Bowden

REPORT:

Sorry No Image

CHELMSFORD CITY
New Writtle Street
3 - 4 (Campbell 2, Bowden)
25 December 1928

Baillie

Smith G.

Coshall

White

Cox T.

Norrington

Rutherford

Smith A.

Campbell

Shone

Bowden

REPORT:

BOURNEMOUTH & BOSCOMBE ATHLETIC Reserves
Upton Park
5 - 2 (Hull 2, Smith 2, Campbell)
16 February 1929

Tate

Smith G.

Coshall

Norris

Cox T.

White

Campbell

Robson

Smith A.

Hull

Bowden

REPORT:

Sorry No Image

BOURNEMOUTH & BOSCOMBE ATHLETIC Reserves
Dean Court
3 - 2 (Robson, Smith, Williams)
23 February 1929

Tate

Coshall

Norrington

Norris

Cox T.

White

Rutherford

Robson

Smith A.

Williams

Bowden

REPORT:

THAMES ASSOCIATION
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Moore 2, Robson, 1 unknown)
18 May 1929

Tate

Cox T.

Coshall

Norris

Barrett

Smith A.

Sharp

Robson

Smith J.

Moore

Bowden

REPORT:

Sorry No Image

POOLE
Poole
3 -1 (Bowden, Rutherford, Smith)
20 April 1929

Tate

Coshall

Murray

Wilkins

Cox T.

White

Rutherford

Smith A.

Bowden

Johnson

Hague

REPORT:

Sorry No Image

METROPOLITAN MID-WEEK LEAGUE
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Campbell 3, Lister)
29 April 1929

Hooper

Coshall

Murray

Cox T.

St Pier

White

Payne

Robson

Campbell

Sharp A.

Lister

REPORT:

West Ham United Club Tour Holland 1929

Recorded by Recorded by Mr A.C. DAVIS (Director)

Several foreign invitations were again received by West Ham United, and it will, no doubt, interest our football friends to know that we had as early as September last the first offer of the South American Tour, which was eventually fixed up by Chelsea.

Other requests for matches were received from Switzer­land, Germany, Spain and Italy, and we accepted the offer of the Italian Football Association to play in Naples, Rome, Bologna, Milan and Turin, but during the last week in April it was intimated that difficulties had arisen and the arrangements were cancelled.

Just at this time our friends in Amsterdam enquired if we could go to Holland for a few days, and we readily agreed to pay them another visit.

Our party, which included R, Dixon, A. Earl, C. Norrington, F. Norris, J. Barrett, A. Cadwell, W. St. Pier, A. Hull, T. Yews, G. Robson, V. Watson, V. Gibbins, J. Ruffell, F. Piercy, F. R. Pratt, G. F. Davis, A. C. Davis, W. J. C earns and E. S. King, left Liverpool Street Station on Friday, May 17th, by the 10 a.m. Continental Boat Train.

We had a very fine trip across, and landed at Flushing at 5.30 p.m. The usual Customs formalities having been concluded, the train left at 6.40 p.m. for Amsterdam, where we arrived at 11 p.m. and received a very hearty welcome from the members of the Ajax F.C., who were waiting on the platform for our arrival. After greetings had been exchanged, we crossed over to the Hotel Suisse, and rooms being allocated it was not long before we were all in bed.

SATURDAY 18 MAY

Rather dull morning. Breakfast over, a walk through the centre of the city was enjoyed, until lunch time. Amsterdam offers an epitome of Holland's past and present, from the Jewish quarter where Rembrandt's house is nearly the same as when the great painter died, along the quiet "grachten'' with their fine eighteenth century dwelling houses, and the crowded Kalverstraat with its modern shops, each having its special feature in its distinctive charm.

The afternoon was spent quietly, and at 6 p.m. we left for the Ajax ground where the first game was taking place. The kick-off was arranged for 7.15.

The Ajax team put up a valiant fight but were beaten 6-0, our goals being scored by Robson (3), Gibbins (2), and Yews. The spectators were very pleased with the display of football given by the "Hammers."

AJAX AMSTERDAM (Holland)
Watergraafsmeer
6
 - 0 (Robson 3, Gibbins 2, Yews)
18 May 1929

Dixon, Earl, Norrington, Norris, Barrett, Hull, Yews, Robson, Watson, Gibbins, Ruffell

Translation from Dutch Source:

Ajax -West Ham

Was played at Watergraafsmeer ground also know as the Het Houten Stadion “Wooden stadium”. Tonight the match Ajax - West Ham United will be played on the well-known field in the Watergraafsmeer. In general, such matches are not of great value, but the matches that West Ham come to play here make an exception to that rule. Because this English club has come over with a strong team and we can therefore expect to see very good matches. 

Touring party in Amsterdam

SUNDAY 19 MAY

The morning was dull and a walk was taken through the centre of the city. A visit was paid to the English Church to pay our respects to the Rev. W. W. Lucas, the British Chaplain, who was at the match on Saturday.

After lunch all our party visited the Stadium to witness the motor and cycle races, and when we informed the Dutch people that we had similar racing in London 28 years ago they could hardly believe us.

The motor-paced events recalled the fine displays on the Memorial Grounds by Tommy Hall, Emile Bouars, A. A. Chase and  G. Barnes, and the  motor races  brought to mind the names of Harry Martin, J.  Crundell, T. Tessier and J. Van Hoden, who were the pioneers of this sport. During the evening visits were made to some of the Cabarets.

WHIT MONDAY 20 MAY

All were about early this morning as we were booked to play at Enschede, and our train left Amsterdam at 9.40a.m. An interesting run of over three hours through pretty country brought us to the Manchester of Holland, a town of 55,000 inhabitants, who played a prominent part after the conclusion of peace in handling over 80,000 prisoners of war sent out of Germany. A memorial erected in the town establishes the fact that Enschede gave food and clothing to the men as they arrived from Germany, and out of the total number over 26,000 were British.

We were met by the officials of the local club upon arrival, and after a light lunch we drove to the football ground which is in the centre of the park and shut off from the public with canvas sheets.

There was a crowd of 8,000 people present, the weather was very hot and did not seem to effect the Dutch team, who played a very fast and stubborn game which ended in a draw 3-3, our goals being scored by Robson and Barrett (2).

After a very nice dinner, the menu of which was big and the service slow, we had to leave the last course to get the train to Amsterdam, where we arrived at 11.45 p.m. all ready for bed.

SPORTCLUB ENSCHEDE (Holland)
Gerrit Jan van Heekpark
3 - 3 (Barrett 2, Robson)
20 May 1929

Dixon, Goodacre, Norrington, Norris, St Pier, Cadwell, Yews, Robson, Barrett, Gibbins, Ruffell

TUESDAY 21 MAY

Another fine day, and a tour of the city was made by some of the party. Amsterdam, the Venice of the north, is a city  of  740,000 inhabitants. The centre of the town is old, and as you pass some of buildings one imagines the possibility of seeing them flat on the ground at any moment.

The principal places of interest are the garden of the Convent of Begiuns, off Kalverstraat; The Exchange, National Gallery, celebrated for its collection of Rembrandt pictures, including the "Night Watch;'' Zoological Gardens and Aquarium.

The charm of Amsterdam is undoubtedly the numerous canals and waterways, and the view on the opposite page gives an  idea  of what is seen every few hundred yards. The spell that haunts the Dutch waterways seizes the visitor, as not only in Amsterdam but throughout the whole country run these waterways, linking the provinces in a network of shimmering strands. The  scenery may be different, but the lure of the canal remains the same, whether the water reflects the quaint pavilions and trees of the Utrecht country, or mirror the old houses half hidden by the branches of the trees standing along the quay of some busy town.

After lunch the whole party left for a tour of what is known as the Dead Cities of the Zyder Zee. Leaving the central pier the boat carries you across the basin to the steam trams, and the journey through the country, which is all below sea level, is an interesting experience.

The first stop is at Brock in Waterland, a village situated on a creek called Havenrak. Passing on, we arrived at Brockerhuis, and then on to Volendam, a fishing village situated on the Zyder Zee, which has a small harbour. Very picturesque costumes are seen here, and several of our party were photographed in native dress.

Mrs. Kaine and Vic Watson

Syd King West Ham United manager

Stanley Earl & Fred Norris

After about an hour spent in the village, the boat arrived to take the visitors across to the Isle of Markem, a distance of about four miles, and we were informed that during the severe winter just passed, the Zyder Zee was frozen over, and on one day over two hundred motor cars crossed over to Markem on the ice.

The Isle of Markem is flat and is only 3 feet above sea level, being protected by dykes. It is exclusively in­habited by fishermen and their families, whose multi­coloured costumes are the show of the trip.

During the return journey a visit was paid to a cheese farm, where we were shewn the process of making the celebrated Dutch cheese, and quite a large order was given for cheese to be sent to England.

We arrived back in Amsterdam, after a very delightful trip, about 5 p.m.

During the evening a visit was paid to the Super Picture House where the talking  film, "The  Broadway Melody", was drawing crowds, the film talk was in English with Dutch sub-titles inserted as in a silent picture.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY

Delightful weather continued, and at 10.30 a.m. we left the hotel for a tour of the bulb fields which, owing to the late spring, are now in full bloom.

Leaving Amsterdam the road is perfectly straight, and a combination of traffic ways that cannot be found in any other country is seen, electric railway, canal, electric tram­way, motor road, cycle road and footpath all running parallel from Amsterdam to Harlem.

Passing over the bridge at Harlem the road runs through the park, and a few minutes later pretty country scenes  are before us. The drive continued on to Zandvoort, a seaside resort where we were fortunate to witness the  arrival of three seaplanes who after a few air stunts taxied down on the water and came right in shore.

Lunch was taken at the Groot-Badhuis Hotel, and at 2 p.m. we left on the return journey. The bulb fields passed enroute were pictures of wonderful colours at every turn.

Arriving back at 3.30, and tea having been served, we were soon again enroute for the Stadium for the match versus The Swallows, who are the Corinthians of Holland. The kick-off was fixed for 7.30 p.m.

There was fully 15,000 spectators present, and an evenly contested game resulted in a win for "The Hammers" by 3 to 2, our goals being scored by Yews 2, and Gibbins.

DE ZWALUWEN [SWALLOWS ROTTERDAM] (Holland)
The Stadium
3 - 2 (Yews 2, Gibbins)
22 May 1929

Dixon, Earl, Norrington, Norris, St Pier, Hull, Yews, Robson, Barrett, Gibbins, Cadwell

After the match we were the guests of the Ajax and Swallows Clubs at the Pavilion in Vondel Park. An ex­cellent dinner was served, and a fine musical programme rendered by the orchestra. Archie Hull was the star turn, with three fine numbers.

During the evening, Mr. Jan Oudheusden presented a bronze statue of Ajax to the West Ham Club, and in welcoming the players and officials of the English team, he mentioned that the Dutch people could not understand a man being paid for sport, and that the public looked upon the professional as an outsider.

Mr. G. F. Davis, replying for West Ham United, said that the average professional in football was just as good a gentleman, and, in fact, better than some of the players taking part in the game as amateurs.

A very pleasant gathering terminated at 1 a.m., when we were escorted to our hotel by a number of the Dutch players, with musical numbers en route.

THURSDAY 23 MAY

A trip was made in glorious weather by cars to see the cherry orchards in bloom. The round trip of about one hundred miles was by way of  Harlem and Arnem, where we crossed the Rhine on a ferry by the swing of the boat which is moored in the centre of this fast running river with quite fifty yards of mooring line. Continuing on through picturesque country we arrived at Tiel, where lunch was taken.

After a stay of an hour we proceeded on via Apeldoorn to Doorn and made a few minutes' stop outside the resi­dence of the ex-Kaiser William, but no one came out, so we continued on by way of Hilversham to Amsterdam, where we arrived about 6 p.m.

FRIDAY 24 MAY

After a busy shopping hour we left Amsterdam for the Hague at 11 a.m., to play our last game of the tour against the local club.

A run of 60 minutes, with miles of bulb fields on both sides of the railway, a wonderful picture of constantly changing colour, we alighted at what is known to the Dutch people as Gravenhage, the seat of the court and government.

The Hague is a city of spacious streets, adorned with fine buildings, trees and gardens. After lunch we motored to the Peace Palace. The Peace Palace, conceived and established by the generous gift of Andrew Carnegie, who placed at the dis­posal of the Dutch government the sum of 750,000 guilders to build a palace to house the permanent Court of Arbitration. What has contributed in a great measure to the wonder­ful finish and furnishing, was an arrangement that each of the States should contribute material, furniture, etc.

Bird's eye view of Peace Palace, The Hague

Groenburgwal, Amsterdam

Thus Italy presented the marble columns and pilasters in the vestibule; France, a painting for the wall of the Great Hall of Justice; England, the stained glass windows; Ger­many, the front gates; Belgium, the bronze doors; Sweden, the granite for the base and columns of the gallery; Norway, granite for the approaches; Denmark, the splendid foun­tain in the courtyard; Japan, the silk tapestries for the walls; Austria, the crystal candelabra; U.S.A., group of statuary; Turkey and Rumania, carpets; China, vases; San Salvador and Brazil, timber; Argentine, statuary; Russia, a large vase; Hungary, vases; Holland, wall decora­tions; whilst the City of the Hague presented the grand staircase.

Thus has the Palace become an historical monument of the desire for Universal Peace.

Leaving the home of the League of Nations we pro­ceeded to Scheveningen (the Brighton of Holland), which is a favourite seaside resort, with firm, broad sands and splendid promenade.

A stop was made here, and a walk on the beach disclosed some sidelights of continental character with respect to sea­side bathing, and some wonderful costumes being seen. Tea was taken at 5 p.m., after which we drove direct to-the football ground at the Hague. Owing to minor injuries. Gibbins, Barrett and Norrington were unable to play. 

Our players evidently were feeling the effects of a strenuous holiday, and the heat. A very moderate display was given and the Hague team working  very hard were rewarded by winning 2-1, the second goal being scored in the last minute.

ALLES DOOR OEFENING (Holland)
Gravenhage
1 - 2 (Watson)
24 May 1929

Dixon, Earl, Goodacre, Norris, St Pier, Hull, Yews, Robson, Watson, Cadwell, Ruffell

A.D.O. - WEST HAM UNITED 2-1. In the last game, the English served against A.D.O. in The Hague last night. played, they had to lower the flag with 2-1. Of course it would be folly. are, too. claim that A.D.O. was stronger and therefore deserved the victory. In positioning, in heading, in short in every part of the game, the English were by far superior. Only A.D.O. to have more enthusiasm and that was the deciding factor here. Several good attacks by the residents of The Hague were brilliantly interrupted in the first half and, had Quax not defended his goal eminently, the first half would have ended in favour of the guests. Now a point came on the other side just before the break, where after good play between Tap and Van Os, the first passed from close to untenable Dixson. In the second half De Groot fell out, Breitner played in his place while Van Soldt Sr. took the place of the latter. After eight minutes Watson, after a corner shot, headed the equalizer unstoppably into the net. The Englishmen continued to demonstrate football, which was nice to watch, but did not get them very far. It looked like the game would end in a draw. But four minutes before the end, Van Os made the winning point after beautiful teamwork, after which the end came.

Dinner was served at the Terminus Hotel, and at 10 p.m. we left for the Hook of Holland and home.

After a very fine sea trip we arrived at Harwich, and left for London where we arrived at 8.40 a.m., breakfast being served on the train.

We tender our thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Jan Oudheusden, for the way in which they worked to make our stay in Holland a happy holiday, to Mr. J. Koolhass of Ajax F.C., and to Mr. and Mrs. W. Kaine, our old goal-keeper, who is now coaching in Holland.

OTHER MATCHES at UPTON PARK

ILFORD v. BARKING
Ilford Hospital Shield Final
5 - 1 
20 September 1928
Att: ?

ILFORD (Dellow 2, Drane 2, Jarvis) 

Norman, Banks, Wade, Griffiths, St Pier, Barrett, Gilderson, Drane, Dellow, Jarvis, Dunlop

BARKING (Keeble)

Hine, Miller, Gibbs, Kemp, Vango, Smith G., Evans, Fox, Keeble, Williams, Lucas

REPORT:

WEST HAM BOYS v. EAST HAM BOYS
Sun Shield (First Round)
3 - 1 
28 September 1928
Att: ?

WEST HAM BOYS (Fenton, Hooper, Pearce) 

Unknown Line-up

EAST HAM BOYS (Yallop)

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

WEST HAM BOYS v. ILFORD BOYS
Sun Shield (Second Round)
6 - 1 
24 November 1928
Att: ?

WEST HAM BOYS (Unknown) 

Unknown Line-up

ILFORD BOYS (Unknown) 

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v. CHARLTON ATHLETIC
London Challenge Cup (Semi-Final)

5 - 3
26 November 1928
Att:

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

(Armstrong 2, Crompton, Hartley, O'Callaghan)

Spiers

Forster

Reddish

Lowdell

Helliwell

Skitt

Crompton

O'Callaghan

Armstrong

Hartley

Dimmock

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

(Whitlow 2, Astley)

Liddon

Smith

Langford

Hird

Wolfe

Pugsley

Wyper

Astley

Whittlow

Rankin

Horton

An exciting match at Upton park resulted in a victory for Tottenham over Charlton Athletic in the semi-final of the London Challenge Cup by five goals to three. When Tottenham led at half-time by four clear goals it seemed that they would with with ease, but they had to fight hard to retain their advantage.
O'Callaghan, taking a forward pass, put Tottenham ahead in the second minute. Hartley, Crompton and Armstrong scored in turn afterwards. Offside spoiled many Charlton movements, but afterwards the Third League eleven generally had the best of the play. Whitlow reduced the arrears, and following a corner kick by Wyper, scored a second goal. Astley shot through a third after Spiers punched out from Horton. In the closing moments Armstrong scored again for the Spurs.

LONDON BOYS v. BIRMINGHAM BOYS
Inter-City Match
2 - 2 
27 December 1928
Att: ?

LONDON BOYS (Hellard, Stocking [pen]) 

Springthorpe (Southend)

Godwin (West Ham)

Abear (West London)

Edwards (Ilford)

Stocking (Acton)

Vanner (Hackney)

Hellard (East Ham)

King (East London)

Hall (Willesden)

Asker (Ilford)

Hooper (West Ham)

BIRMINGHAM BOYS (Simonds 2) 

Heath (Worcester)

Lathom (North Birmingham)

Dowen (Walsall)

Burton (King's Norton)

Loveridge (Nuneaton)

Jevons (Tipton)

Bedwartd (Nuneaton)

Roberts (Walsall)

Simmonds (Birmingham)

Fowler (Handsworth)

Arlington (Birmingham)

The 12th meeting between teams representing london and Birmingham Schools F.A.s resulted in a division of four goals, all being scored in the second half.
Simmonds scored the two goals for Birmingham, who were a trifle superior on general form. Hellard reduced the London deficit when he cut in to beat Heath from close range, and, when a Birmingham defender handled in the area, Stocking, who captained the London team and played at centre-half, moved over to the left half made no mistake with the spot kick.
the vagaries of a greasy ball on heavy ground was a decided handicap to both teams, and long passes frequently failed to reach their destination. Birmingham's strength lay at half-back, where Loveridge was outstanding, and both Lathom and Heath gave creditable displays.

EAST HAM BOYS v. ILFORD BOYS
ESFA Trophy (Final Qualifying Round)
2 - 2 
19 January 1929
Att: ?

EAST HAM BOYS (Harris [pen], Small) 

Unknown Line-up

ILFORD BOYS (Asker, Dunlop) 

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

WEST HAM J.O.C. v. BIRMINGHAM J.O.C.
Inter-City Match
6 - 3 
30 March 1929
Att: 5,000

WEST HAM J.O.C. (Wood 3, Goulden 2, Colvert) 

Unknown Line-up

BIRMINGHAM J.O.C. (Jones 2, Capewell)

Unknown Line-up

The annual match between the Birmingham and west Ham J.O.C. teams took place on easter Saturday morning before 5,000 spectators. The Birmingham team during the early stages were the more dangerous, particularly on the right. The home side, however, set up steady pressure and Colvert scored after seven minutes. After the home goalkeeper had saved from Jones. West Ham again attacked in a determined mammer, and Wood (2) and Goulden added goals. Just before the interval Capewell scored for Birmingham following a free kick against the home goalkeeper for carrying the ball.
despite the heavy reverse, Birmingham resumed with vigour, but Wood again scored for West Ham. Shortly after this, McKay, the home side's outside-left, had to leave the field through injury and it subsequently transpired that he had fractured his leg. Jones reduced the lead with two fine goals, but Goulden again found the net. Wilkinson missed with a penalty kick.

Sorry No Image

ESSEX BOYS v. LONDON BOYS
Representative Match

1 - 1
6 May 1929
Att: 

ESSEX BOYS (Unknown)

May (East Ham)

Pitt (Leyton)

Barclay (West Ham)

Edwards (Ilford)

Harris (East Ham)

Clayton (West Ham)

Hellard (East Ham)

Holden (West Ham)

Fenton E. (West Ham)

Asker (Ilford)

Hooper (West Ham)

LONDON BOYS (Unknown)

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

LONDON CALIES v. ILFORD
London Senior Cup Final

1 - 4
11 May 1929
Att: 12,000

LONDON CALIES (Sloan)

Macintosh

Gates B.

Gates E.

Wootton

Barrett

Munroe

Burns

Noble

Sloan

Conridge

Hamilton

ILFORD (Drane 2, Dellow, Walsh)

Norman

Banks

Wade

Gilderson

Craymer

Barrett

Welsh

Drane

Potter

Dellow

Peploe

A record-breaking season ended fittingly for Ilford on West Ham's ground with a sparkling win which brought them the London Senior Cup. Ilford wound up their campaign with a most brilliant football they have played and eclipsed all amateur football records by winning their third big trophy of the season, the other two being the Amateur Cup and the Essex Senior Cup.
The first half was a marvel of skill and speed, when Ilford did nothing wrong and they proved themselves to be easily the best amateur side in the country. London Caledonians were beaten to the wide, and there was no doubt at all that Ilford deserved to be the holders of the cup.

bottom of page