West Ham's many supporters in the 22,779 crowd at Leicester were justified in believing that their side were somewhat unlucky in not gaining a point, if only for their closing rally. The only goal was scored by Hines, the City centre-forward, after three minutes. West Ham were without Gregory in goal, but Taylor, who deputised, put up a good performance, and could not be blamed for the effort that beat him. Rowley, the City inside-left, had sent the ball up the middle, and Dick Walker, was caught in two minds. He tried to put the ball back to the 'keeper when he could not get it away, but it stuck in the mud some way from its intended destination, and Hines, running in, fired a shot that hit the inside of the post and went into the net.
Hammers nearly got the equaliser almost immediately, Gazzard sending the ball just the wrong side of the post from eight yards.
There was more excitement at the West Ham end when Kinsell, standing on the line, headed out a lob from Adam. The ball hit the underside of the bar and, luckily for the visitors, came into play. Then the City inside left hit the post from close quarters.
Rowley, who shares with Robinson the distinction of being the second highest scorer in Division II —22 goals each — tried desperately hard, but he found Walker a rare handful.
The home side should have been more than one up at the half-way stage, but just before the interval Hammers nearly got on terms. Woodgate, fleet of foot despite the mud, sent forward a long pass, and Robinson got the ball in the net, but the whistle had gone for offside by McGowan.
Another attack by West Ham saw Woodgate send across a shot that the City goalkeeper could push out only a few yards. Southren rushed in, but with a terrific bang was well off the target. There was no stopping Woodgate hereabouts, and he gave a splendid chance to Robinson, but the centre-forward finished tamely.
After the interval Taylor saved brilliantly when Rowley sent in a hard drive, but West Ham's hopes ran high when they were awarded a free kick Just outside the penalty area, but Parker's direct shot which was a smasher, was saved at full length by Anderson,
The second half had only been in progress a few minutes when Walker, following a slightly pulled muscle changed places with Robinson, it was. however. McGowan in who nearly did the trick; his shot from the edge of the penalty area looked a winner, but the ball struck Lever's head and was deflected for a corner, Lever was stunned and had to be revived.
In the final few minutes West Ham tried heroically to save the game. First Walker sent in a hot one, which Anderson dealt with confidently, and then the home goal keeper was repeatedly cheered as West Ham crowded round him and fired in shot after shot. The last few moments were really critical for the home defenders.