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WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Memorabilia through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1953-54 Barking and District League (Colts)
Trainer: Bill Robinson / Stan Wilcoxson
Our Barking and District League side are known as West Ham United Colts, and they are also entered for the South Eastern Counties Cup, in which compete the junior sides of eight southern professional clubs — Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leyton Orient, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. The initial stages are played on the league principle, each team meeting the others once; the top four teams then play off in straight semi-finals and final. This method will provide the youngsters with a series of matches against teams of similar standard, and will help to groom future stars.
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CRYSTAL PALACE : South Eastern Counties Cup
Selhurst Park
0 - 1
29 August 1953
Line-up Unknown
Our Colts" side had their first fixture in the South Eastern Counties Cup tournament on August 29th at Selhurst Park. This followed a Football Combination Cup match played there during the afternoon, and there was a good attendance to see these youngsters of under 18 years show their paces,
The Crystal Palace side contained three professionals, but our XI was all-amateur. This was the Hammers' first match together as a team, and it naturally took them some time to settle down. However, Bill Robinson was very pleased with their performance, and although they lost by the only goal on this occasion they are likely to have the scores more in their favour as the season progresses.
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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : FA Youth Cup (First Round)
Spotted Dog Ground
1 - 0 (Blackburn)
5 October 1953
Rhodes B.
Ling J.
Pilgrim N.
Lill M.
Swan R.
Taylor J.
Kelsey W.
Francis J.
Blackburn
Matthews
Foreman S.
Our Colts" side scored a very good win in the First Round of the F.A. Youth Cup against the Spurs. Five of the side were newcomers to us this season, and they found themselves opposed to a team which all had Metropolitan League or "A" Team experience with the Liiywhites. Although they took a little time to settle down, the Hammers steadily gained the upper hand. Blackburn hit the woodwork two or three times, but at the end of 90 minutes there was no score. It seemed likely that greater experience would carry our opponents through during the extra half-hour, but when Blackburn scored within a few minutes of the restart we kept on top and were good winners.
We now meet Briggs Sports Minors in the Second Round; this should be a " home " game for us, but we have to fix a venue and at the moment there has been nothing settled.
The success against the Spurs is an early tribute to the co-success of Bill Robinson and Wally St. Pier, who are responsible for the administration and scouting of junior talent, and they are naturally hoping to make a great deal more progress in the competition.
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LEYTON ORIENT : South Eastern Counties Cup
Glebe Road, Dagenham
1 - 3 (Unknown)
17 October 1953
Line-up Unknown
The O's showed their greater experience by gaining a deserved victory of 3-1, but our youngsters continue to show improvement of form.
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BRIGGS SPORTS MINORS : FA Youth Cup (Second Round)
Victoria Road, Dagenham
6 - 1 (Blackburn 5, Lill)
24 October 1953
Rhodes B.
Ling J.
Pilgrim N.
Vichion A.
Swan R.
Taylor J.
Lill M.
Matthews
Blackburn
Newman C.
Foreman S.
Our Colts' team had a Second Round match in the FA Youth Cup last against Briggs Sports Minors at the Victoria Road Ground, Dagenham.
Although Briggs were without two of their regular side (both playing for Essex during the afternoon) it was apparent from the start that we were to be the better side, and a 3-0 superiority was established at the interval despite some line efforts in the works team. The second-half brought much the same result and we succeeded by a 6-1 score. Alan Blackburn had a "field day." netting five times, Mickey Lill being our other scorer.
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BRENTFORD
Griffin Park
2 - 2 (Unknown)
14 November 1953
Line-up Unknown
The constantly-improving form of our Colts' side was amply shown by their 2—2 draw against Brentford Juniors in the South Eastern Counties Cup league tournament. The Bees' youngsters have gained a big reputation and their performances last season took them into the closing rounds of the F.A. Youth Cup, so we can take heart from this latest performance of our youngsters.
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FULHAM : FA Youth Cup (Third Round)
Upton Park
7 - 2 (Blackburn 3, Francis 2, Foreman, Lill)
28 November 1953
Rhodes B.
Ling J.
Pilgrim N.
Vichion A.
Swan R.
Taylor J.
Lill M.
Matthews
Blackburn
Francis J.
Foreman S.
Although there was a disappointingly small attendance here for our Colts' match against Fulham Juniors in the F.A. Youth Cup they were well-rewarded with seeing nine goals. As seven of these were netted by the Hammers we had good cause for jubilation at the continued success of our under-18 youngsters who were only playing together for the fifth time as a complete team.
Making the most of their first-half chances the Hammers were 4—0 up at the interval and they remained on top for the greater part of the second-half despite an injury to Swan, who finally ended up on the wing for the last quarter-of-an-hour. Blackburn (3). Francis (2), Foreman and Lill were our scorers.
We are now in the Fourth Round—the last 16 of the national competition. At the moment we do not know our opponents in the next stage, but among other southern clubs still left in are Portsmouth, Leyton Orient, Bexleyheath & Welling and Chelsea.
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CHELSEA
Stamford Bridge
1 - 1 (Unknown)
12 December 1953
Line-up Unknown
Our Colts' team played Chelsea Juniors in the league tournament of the South Eastern Counties Cup, a Chelsea goal in the closing seconds bringing a 1-1 draw. This partial success against the strong home side presages well for our youngsters, for they succeeded in sharing the honours with a side that has considerable experience and a big reputation in youth soccer.
Like ourselves, Chelsea are in the last 16 of the F.A. Youth Cup Competition, but we have succeeded in steering clear of each other in the Fourth Round draw. The Hammers will now meet Pinehurst Youth Club (from Swindon) for the right to enter the last eight of the competition: Pinehurst have so far beaten Barnstaple and Gloucester, whilst we have accounted for Tottenham Hotspur, Briggs Sports and Fulham.
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PINEHURST YOUTH CENTRE
FA Youth Cup (Fourth Round)
Upton Park
7 - 0 (Lill 3, Blackburn 2, Foreman, Matthews)
28 December 1953
Rhodes B.
Ling J.
Pilgrim N.
Taylor J.
Swan R.
Vichion A.
Foreman S.
Matthews
Blackburn
Newman S.
Lill M.
Our opponents were Pinehurst Youth Centre (Swindon), a club which had dismissed Barnstaple and Gloucester City from the earlier rounds of this national tournament.
It was the greater experience of our side that decided the issue, for although Pinehurst gave a very gallant display they were unable to match the greater thrust of our entire team. Far too often their centre-forward found himself opposed by several defenders through his fellow-attackers failing to keep up with the plays and after gaining a 3-0 interval lead the Hammers coasted to a victory by seven clear goals.
Three of these were scored by till; after Blackburn had headed home in the opening minutes our left-winger's shot from the touchline went into the far corner of the net at the end of half-an-hour's play, whilst he added two more in the last three minutes with drives from about 12 yards, after moving into the inside-right position through an injury to Matthews. Matthews had intercepted a back-pass to the opposing goalkeeper to score our third goal just before half-time and Blackburn again headed in for our fourth tally soon after the interval. The other goal was credited to Foreman, whose long shot along the ground went just inside the post as the goalkeeper dived for it.
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PORTSMOUTH : South Eastern Counties Cup
Green Silley Weir
? - ?
13 February 1954
Line-up Unknown
Our Colts accomplished a very fine performance by defeating Portsmouth Juniors in the league tournament of the South Eastern Counties Cup at Wanstead. This was Pompey's first defeat of the season as they have also progressed to the last eight of the Youth Cup. Although our opponents were without two of their " regulars " we had only half-a-dozen of our normal XI. so we could claim that our youngsters deservedly gained the honours of the day.
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LEYTON ORIENT : FA Youth Cup (Fifth Round)
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Blackburn, Francis, Taylor)
1 March 1954
Rhodes B.
Ling J.
Wickers R.
Taylor J.
Swan R.
Vichion A.
Lill M.
Matthews
Blackburn
Francis J.
Foreman S.
The deplorable weather kept down the attendance at our Youth Cup match to 3,500, and it is likely that given better conditions this "gate" might easily have been doubled. Those who did brave the elements were duly rewarded with a very fine game, and although our Colts finally beat Leyton Orient Juniors by three clear goals the issue was in doubt until well into the second half.
Snow fell soon after the kick-off but it came on even more heavily after the interval. We had more chances than the O's but they held us scoreless until nearly an hour had passed. Then a speculative shot by right-half Taylor from long-range was misjudged by the goalkeeper to put us one up after which Francis turned home a cross pass from Foreman with his head to make it 2-0. By this time our youngsters were well on top and Blackburn ploughed his way through the middle to put the issue beyond doubt.
The result appeared to somewhat surprise our opponents, for they are leaders of the South Eastern Counties Cup competition and expected to progress much further in the Youth Cup. Consequently our youngsters can well claim to be the best of the Southern sides, having, in addition. defeated Portsmouth Juniors who are also in the last eight.
Our Colts are now in the Semi-Final of the competition. and we are awaiting the draw with great interest, as there is a distinct possibility of meeting one of the northern or midland clubs.
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WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
FA Youth Cup (Semi-Final 1st leg)
Molineux
1 - 6 (Matthews)
31 March 1954
Rhodes B.
Ling J.
Wickers R.
Taylor J.
Swan R.
Vichion A.
Lill M.
Matthews
Blackburn
Francis J.
Foreman S.
West Ham's superior forward play in the opening quarter-of-an-hour gave the better of the exchanges, and swift raids in which their wingers were prominent were a constant threat to the home sides goal: they were unfortunate when a good header hit the bar. and had they scored m these early stages the result might well have been different. However, almost immediate!) after this escape the Wolves secured a commanding lead, two goals from Cooper and another by Mason putting them three up in as many minutes. Ten minutes later the visitors schemed a beautiful goal to which Matthews put the finishing touch, but there was no further score before the interval with a 3-1 margin in favour of the Wolves.
After the resumption the home side continued their pressure on the Hammers' defence and Mason added his second goal: Matthews had fallen back to assist his defence, but could only help the ball into the net in attempting a desperate clearance. However, it appeared likely that the visiting rear guard would hold out for the remaining time, but the persistent Bonson was rewarded for his efforts by scoring twice in as many minutes shortly before the end to make the final score Wolverhampton Wanderers 6, West Ham United 1.
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WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
FA Youth Cup (Semi-Final 2nd leg)
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Blackburn)
8 April 1954
Rhodes B.
Ling J.
Wickers R.
Taylor J.
Swan R.
Vichion A.
Lill M.
Matthews
Blackburn
Francis J.
Foreman S.
There was rather a disappointing attendance for the floodlight match between our Colts and Wolverhampton Wanderers Juniors in the second leg of the F.A. Youth Cup Semi-Final. Undoubtedly the 6-1 margin against us in the first leg accounted largely for this, but even so we anticipated more to see our own youngsters who have done so well and last season's finalists in what promised to be an interesting fixture.
Nevertheless the 4,000 odd present were not disappointed with the evening's entertainment, despite the obvious fact that greater experience on the part of the visitors would probably prove to again be the decisive factor. The Hammers were always making a fight of it. and particular praise is due to the defence for a stalwart rearguard action against a very clever side.
The all-round overall weight was also in the Wolves' favour, and although they rarely used this to unfair advantage it greatly benefitted them when it came to close-in play, and the tactical experience gained in stiff competition in the Central and Birmingham Leagues often found our youngsters at a disadvantage. This experience-factor was especially noticeable in the case of the Wolves' inside-right Mason. who was always giving ample proof of why he has earned a place in the club's First Division line-up on more than one occasion this season.
Despite this difference between the sides there was no score at half-time, and we could fairly claim that our XI had nearly as much of the play as their opponents. Although it was apparent that they could not wipe out the five-goal deficit which faced them after the first meeting, it became a point of honour for our side to make every endeavour to at least win the second leg. This might easily have come about but for a couple of goals in the space of six minutes after the interval.
The first (in the 58th minute) followed a short cross-pass from the left-wing; Round got his head to this and with Rhodes completely unsighted the ball trickled just inside the post. The second goal was a much better attempt, although a defensive tangle was largely responsible; it was. however, a tribute to the skill of outside-left Cooper that his shot found its way into the net just inside the far post from an acute angle. But the best goal of the match was undoubtedly Blackburn's five minutes from time; he let a long pass from Lill (on the left-wing) run on past the centre-half to just the right spot before hitting it with his left-foot low into the far corner, and it was a tribute to our centre-forward for his earnest endeavours throughout a game in which he far too often had to play a lone hand against a competent defence.
Actually the Hammers showed up far better in the last 20 minutes or so, and were in many ways unfortunate not to force a draw.
Although defeated in this attempt to reach the Final of the trophy this season our Colts have learned many valuable lessons in their passage through the earlier rounds and with these in mind we are positive that they will again make their presence felt in 1954-55. In their turn our managing-staff of the junior sides have likewise appreciated the future position and will plan according!). Yes, we have no cause for despondency!
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PARK RANGERS : Barking League Supporters' Cup
Barking FC
4 - 1 (Crockett 2, MacDonald, Radmill)
27 April 1954
Rhodes B.
Meredith T.
King L.
Taylor J.
Swan R.
Vichion A.
Kelsey W.
MacDonald A.
Radmill T.
Crockett D.
Wilson P.
REPORT:
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PORTSMOUTH : South Eastern Counties Cup (Semi-Final)
Fratton Park
? - ?
30 April 1954
Line-up Unknown
REPORT:
OUTSTANDING FIXTURES:
Due to lack of coverage the remaining fixtures and results are unfortunately unknown.
Any help in this respect welcome.
Brentford
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (H)
Chelsea
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (H)
Crystal Palace
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (H)
Fulham
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (A)
Fulham
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (H)
Leyton Orient
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (A)
Portsmouth
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (A)
Tottenham Hotspur
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (A)
Tottenham Hotspur
South Eastern Counties Cup Tournament (H)