The Hammers were not the favourites of fortune in their match with Sheffield Wednesday, but quite the reverse. They were distinctly unlucky to be beaten by the only goal scored in lucky fashion, after they had played far better football than the home side and had had three-parts of the game. When Wednesday secured the goal midway through the second half, it was against the run of play, and came in quite unexpected fashion from a swift dash by Rimmer. His shot was safely covered by Weare, the West Ham goalkeeper but the ball struck Bicknell, the Hammers captain, and was deflected into the net past the goalkeeper.

If West Ham had taken their chances they would have had the issue settled by half time. Their attacks had been methodically made and were persistent in character, but there were times when their finishing was indifferent and on other occasions when they were, Goodfellow, the Wednesday keeper, saved a number of shots which tested him well. The Hammers were clearly superior in attack, but Wednesdays’ defence was strong, and Nibloe and Millership were outstanding players in it. Goulden although closely watched, did fine work in the West Ham attack, and the smooth working of the whole forward line, with Foxall and Morton excellent wingers, caused the home defence plenty of anxiety, but the forwards were unable to force the ball home. The Wednesday showed their best form after the interval, when the Hammers somewhat lost the grip on the game.