WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Memorabilia through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1950-51 Eastern Counties League
GORLESTON
Recreation Ground
0 - 1
26 August 1950
Peters
Watts R.
Bond
Malcolm
Bradly
Knight M.
Gatward G.
Turner L.
Nelson W.
Petchey
Tucker
This young side did very well in our first Eastern Counties League match this season, and it was not until late in the second half that a penalty goal decided the issue in favour of the homesters. The penalty was the outcome of a loose ball being kicked on to Maurice Knight's hand by one of the opposing forwards, and it was unfortunate that the referee was not in a better position to see the actual incident, for which he had to take the linesman's decision. Our defence played well in this test. The two backs came through with flying colours, particularly the 16-year-old Watts, an amateur from Dagenham.
ARSENAL 'A'
Claremont Road, Hendon FC
0 - 0
7 September 1950
Chiswick
Cooper F.
Bond
Terrell N.
Nelson W.
Jackman
Seaborne K.
Agg H.
Birleson R.
Petchey
Burks K.
Our side which contained seven amateurs, made a very good showing against the Gunners who fielded ten professionals in their team, and deservedly shared the spoils in a goalles draw. The soccer was well up to Combination standard and we were very pleased with our youngsters, especially Fred Cooper, the 15-year-old England Schoolboy International, who had his first game in our colours.
GILLINGHAM Reserves
Priestfield Stadium
1 - 6 (Birleson)
9 September 1950
Chiswick
Cooper F.
Terrell N.
Noakes
Nelson W.
O'Farrell
Seaborne K.
Bryden D.
Birleson R.
Petchey
Burks K.
Against a very strong Gillingham Reserve side our young 'A' Team had to admit defeat at the Priestfield Stadium by six goals to one.
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NEWMARKET TOWN
Cricket Field Road
5 - 2 (Petchey 2, Birleson, Howe, Noakes)
16 September 1950
Chiswick
Watts R.
Nelson W.
Noakes
Bradly
O'Farrell
Seaborne K.
Birleson R.
Howe
Petchey
Burks K.
Altough behind by 1-0 and 2-1 early in the game, the Hammers made a fine recovery to win by 5-2. A pleasing feature was the showing of Bill Nelson at full-back who recently completed his National Service, has graduated to our 'B' Team, and on this firm will be going even further, although formerly a centre-half he has shown even greater promise in his new position.
CHELMSFORD CITY Reserves
New Writtle Street
0 - 4
20 September 1950
Chiswick
Watts R.
Nelson W.
Corbett
Bradly
Noakes
Seaborne K.
McGowan
Howe
Petchey
Burks K.
Against Chelmsford City Reserves the result was not so good, for the hone side gained a win by four clear goals in a "chapter of accidents" from our viewpoint. An injury to George Petchey did not help us, but City were good winners.
KING'S LYNN
The Walks
2 - 5 (Howe, McGowan)
23 September 1950
Chiswick
Watts R.
Nelson W.
Jackman
Bradly
Noakes
Chapman
McGowan
Howe
Petchey
Betts
Eric Betts was having a try-out following a recent ankle knock and Eddie Chapman appeared for the first time this season. The game did not go too well for us, as we were 2-1 in arrears at the interval and the Linnets made it 5-2 before the finish, our goalscorers being McGowan and Howe.
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BURY TOWN : ECL Cup (Second Round)
Kings Road Ground
2 - 1 (Noakes, Tucker)
30 September 1950
Chiswick
Yeomanson
Nelson W.
Corbett
Bradly
McGowan
Jackman
Petchey
Howe
Noakes
Tucker
Our "A" Team notched a 2-1 success against Bury Town in the Eastern Counties League Cup competition. Though we were one down early on we never looked like losing and, following Alf Noakes' equaliser, Ken Tucker got the winner eight minutes from the end, though a shoulder injury to Dennis Howe after 10 minutes' play was a handicap. Following a knee injury, Jack Yeomanson came through this test very well, though not extended a great deal.
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LOWESTOFT TOWN
Crown Meadow
1 - 1 (Chapman)
7 October 1950
Chiswick
Nelson A.
Cooper F.
Corbett
Bradly
Jackman
Chapman
Agg H.
Seaborne K.
Petchey
Noakes
Five minutes after the start Norman Corbett fell after a tackle, dislocated his shoulder and was taken to hospital. The homesters took advantage of the time taken by our lads to settle down and went ahead, but it spoke well for the "ten men" that they scored through Eddie Chapman and returned home with a deserved point.
HARWICK & PARKESTON
Royal Oak Ground
0 - 2
14 October 1950
Chiswick
Watts R.
Nelson A.
Jackman
Bradly
Noakes
Seaborne K.
Birleson R.
Howe
Agg H.
Burks K.
The "A" Tem succumed bt two clear goals at the Roayl Oak Ground against Harwich & Parkston. Although our defence showed up well under pressure, the forward line was not strong enough against the homesters' rearguard, and with an early goal being scored against us we were always at a disadvantage.
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WISBECH TOWN
Fenland Park
4 - 1 (Barrett, Jackman, Seaborne, Tucker)
21 October 1950
Peters
Watts R.
Armstrong
Malcolm
Bradly
Noakes
Seaborne K.
Barrett
Howe
Jackman
Tucker
REPORT:
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GORLESTON
Recreation Ground
0 - 2
28 October 1950
Chiswick
Bond
Armstrong
Jackman
Nelson A.
Noakes
Gatward G.
Malcolm
Howe
Petchey
Betts
Against a good Gorleston side, ably led by "Sailor" Brown (formerly of Charlton Athletic), our XI put up a good show, but finally succumed by 2-0.
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KING'S LYNN
The Walks
1 - 4 (Petchey)
4 November 1950
Chiswick
Bond
Cooper F.
Malcolm
Nelson A.
Noakes
Gatward G.
Jackman
Howe
McGowan
Petchey
This Eastern Counties fixture brough much stiffer opposition, for the Kings Lynn side which they met at The Walks contained very experienced players. Our young side made a good effort to stem the tide, but the Linnets ended up in front by a 4-1 score, George Petchey being our scorer.
CLACTON TOWN
Old Road Ground
1 - 3 (Nelson)
11 November 1950
Chiswick
Bond
Armstrong
Corbett
Bradly
Noakes
Gatward G.
Howe
Nelson A.
Cater
Petchey
At Clacton our "A" Team came up against a good side,, and as a result of their 3-1 win the homesters went into the runners-up position in the Eastern Counties League. We took the opportunity to try some "experiments" and it seemed that our prospects were bright when Bill Nelson put us ahead. However, the advent of two penalty kicks against us was not ebcouraging, for we felt that these were somewhat harsh decisions, and we should have drawn.
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COLCHESTER UNITED Reserves
Layer Road
2 - 2 (Tucker 2)
25 November 1950
Chiswick
Bond
Armstrong
Corbett
Bradly
Noakes
Hooper
Jackman
Nelson A.
Wade
Tucker
It was Don Wades first game for several weeks, as he has been out of action following a kick received on the knee; we were glad to se he passed the test in satisfactory manner. Our goals were both scored by Ken Tucker, but the homesters equalised through a penalty abd an own goal, both of which were conceded by John Bond.
IPSWICH TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Chapman)
4 December 1950
Taylor
Bond
Kearns
Corbett
Nelson A.
Noakes
Hooper
Johns
Chapman
Foan
Tucker
Abandoned : Snow 80 minutes
REPORT:
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BURY TOWN
Kings Road Ground
0 - 1
9 December 1950
Chiswick
Nelson A.
Armstrong
Corbett
Bradly
Noakes
Malcolm
Turner L.
Jackman
Petchey
Wade
REPORT:
CHELSEA 'A'
Upton Park
0 - 3
14 ecember 1950
Peters
Bond
Armstrong
Cockerton W.
Brahan L.
Saunders D.
Hooper
Johns
Brock D.
Petchey
Burks K.
REPORT:
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HARWICH & PARKESTON
Royal Oak Ground
1 - 2 (Howe)
23 December 1950
Peters
Bond
Armstrong
Jackman
Bradly
Wade
Cockerton W.
Johns
Howe
McGowan
Tucker
REPORT:
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BURY TOWN
Kings Road Ground
2 - 5 (Bing, Jackman)
30 December 1950
Chiswick
Watts R.
Bond
Malcolm
Nelson A.
Noakes
Bing
Cockerton W.
Jackman
Wade
Tucker
We were leading by 2-1 in the first half, Bing and Jackman being the goalscorers, but the homesters levelled it-up before the interval. By adapting themselves to the conditions in a better manner than our lads the Suffolk side went ahead and deservedly won by 5-2.
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GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN
Wellesley Recreation Ground
3 - 1 (Jackman 2, McGowan)
5 January 1951
Peters
Armstong
Nelson A.
Cobb R.
Niblett
Noakes
Bing
Jamieson
Jackman
McGowan
Tucker
Our defence gave a sound display in a deserved win, and the score might easily have been larger than 3-1 in our favour had we accepted more chances than were offered. However, the goals by Derek Jackman (2) and Danny McGowan were reward for the efforts of our side in gaining this welcome victory.
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NEWMARKET TOWN
Cricket Field Road
5 - 3 (Jackman 2, Wade 2, Malcolm)
13 January 1951
Peters
Armstong
Nelson A.
Malcolm
Howe
Noakes
Gatward G.
Johns
Jackman
Wade
Tucker
At Newmarket, after gaining a 2-0 lead the Hammers fell into arrears when the home side scored three goals, but our lads came back with a similar rally and ended as winners by 5-3, the scorers being Jackman 2, Wade 2 and Malcolm. This win gives us a lift in the table.
CLACTON TOWN
Old Road Ground
3 - 2 (Jackman 2, Wade)
20 January 1951
Peters
Watts R.
Bond
Malcolm
Bradly
Noakes
Bing
Johns
Jackman
Wade
Tucker
In avenging the 3-1 defeat earlier in the season our side showed up well, and the experience of Keith Bradly helped our young wing-halves to form a half-back line that kept us in superiority throughout. Also, it is pleasing to see that 16-year-old Ray Watts had recognition of his stirling form with us by being selected to play for the England Youth Trial XI v. Aston Villa Juniors at Villa Park.
CHELMSFORD CITY Reserves : ECL Cup (Third Round)
New Writtle Street
1 - 3 (Bing)
27 January 1951
Chiswick
Bond
Cooper F.
Malcolm
Howe
Noakes
Bing
Johns
Jackman
Wade
Tucker
With such a spate of matches for our 'A' Team in the Mid-Week League and the Eastern Counties competition, it was somewhat inevitable that the pace should finally tell on the younger members, and although we were leading Chelmsford City Reserves by the only goal at half-time the greater stamina of the stronger home side brought three goals without replay in the second half for them to win by 3-1.
IPSWICH TOWN 'A'
Portman Road
1 - 5 (Chapman)
3 February 1951
Chiswick
Wright
Armstrong
Malcolm
Bradly
Noakes
Gatward G.
Chapman
Bond
Wade
Tucker
Ipswich Town were without a Football Combination match, and the Suffolk club therefore took the opportunity of playing two Eastern Counties League matches on the same day - the team which appeared against us was up to Combination standard and ended as winners by 5-1. Eddie Chapman levelled the score after Ipswich had led by 1-0. However, the Blues gained another before the interval and maintained the pressure to good advantage till the closing whistle.
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LOWESTOFT TOWN
Crown Meadow
2 - 1 (Kearns, Tucker)
10 February 1951
Peters
Bond
Nelson A.
Corbett
Bradly
Noakes
Bing
Petchey
Kearns
Wade
Tucker
The Eastern Counties League match at Lowestoft brought a welcome win by the odd goal in three. The Hammers went ahead in the first half through goals by Fred Kearns and Ken Tucker, and were always appearing to be comfortable winners, and although the home side reduced the arrears after the interval there was little doubt that the points would return to Upton Park.
GILLINGHAM Reserves
Priestfield Stadium
0 - 2
17 February 1951
Peters
Wright
Nelson A.
Corbett
Bradly
Noakes
Bing
Johns
Chapman
Wade
Tucker
The match against Gillingham brought honours to our defence although we sustained a 2-0 defeat. Chief applause went to 17-year-old Alf Noakes whose play at left-half earned him the home supporters approbation, but it was a generally good show by our third string that helped to maintain the interest. Had our forwards shown a little more thrust we might have repeated the recent win over the leading club (when we won at Clacton), and thus have brought an upset in this league where the competition is most keen.
COLCHESTER UNITED Reserves
Layer Road
4 - 0 (Chapman 2, Bing, Wright)
24 February 1951
Peters
Wright
Nelson A.
Malcolm
Bradly
Wade
Bing
Howe
Chapman
Tucker
Foan
Our "A" Team has continued to surprise the better-placed clubs in the Eastern Counties League, and their latest success in this competition was a 4-0 victory over Colchester United Reserves at the Layer Road ground. The victory was somewhat of a shock to the home side, for they held the runners-up position in the table before the match with a goal-average of 77 - 38, and they must have wondered whether their former manager - Ted Fenton - "had it in for them" when the final whistle had blown. It was one of the finest displays seen on their ground this season. The experiment of pairing Ken Tucker and Albert Foan in opposite-to-normal positions on the left-wing proved a "winner" and it was pleasing to see that George Wright has settled down at full-back since joining us in late January. George netted his first goal with a long shot that- fooled the goalkeeper, and Eddie Chapman (2) and Doug Bing made it a foursome.
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GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN
Wellesley Recreation Ground
1 - 1 ([og])
8 March 1951
Chiswick
Nelson A.
Bond
Cater
Armstrong
Noakes
Bing
Howe
Jackman
Tucker
Foan
A very high wind and terrible surface prevented really good soccer, but the two teams made a good effort despite these heavy conditions, and justice was done, by the sharing of points through one goal each. Actually both goals were scored by home players, for our tally came when a cross by Doug Bing was headed into his own goal by a Seasiders' defender.
WISBECH TOWN
Fenland Park
1 - 3 (Betts)
26 March 1951
Chiswick
Devlin
Armstrong
Corbett
Bradly
Noakes
Bing
Howe
Johns
Wade
Betts
Our 'A' Team had only one fixture during the Easter holidays, unfortunately they failed to rise to the occasion, and were beaten 3-1, Eric Betts being our scorer. They were however, handicapped by an injury to Doug Bing ten minutes after the interval, a badly cut eye necessitating the insertion of three stitches.
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NORWICH CITY 'A'
Carrow Road
1 - 2 (Foan)
7 April 1951
Chiswick
Corbett
Yeomanson
Jackman
Bradly
Noakes
Bing
Howe
Johns
McGowan
Foan
Rain fell throughout the game spoilt the football, but we took the lead after 20 minutes when Albert Foan netted against his former club. We thus crossed over with a 1-0 lead, but had to face the wind and rain in the second half. Despite this disadvantage we continued to have our share of the play, but with ten minutes to go an intended cross-pass by the home outside-right found its way into the top corner of our net. Practically straight from the kick-off we went down to the Norwich goal and Albert Foan slipped the ball past the 'keeper - only to see it stick on the goal-line. The Canaries evidently took heart from this, and they managed to score the decider three minutes from time when an inside-forward shot through a crowd of players with Peter Chiswick unsighted.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 'A'
White Hart Lane
0 - 3
21 April 1951
Chiswick
Nelson A.
Cooper F.
Noakes
Bradly
Wade
Bing
Howe
Johns
Petchey
Tucker
A couple of defensive errors and a penalty-kick resulted in the three goals scored by the Spurs, but we were unfortunate not to be able to reply, as 3-0 did not represent the true margin between the teams - although we do not deny that the home side fully merited both points.
ARSENAL 'A'
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Tucker)
23 April 1951
Peters
Cooper F.
Everall F.
Cater
Corbett
Noakes
Broster K.
Bing
Howe
McGowan
Tucker
A dribble from the half-way line by Ken Tucker ended in an unstoppable shot to give us an interval lead which we held until ten minutes from time, when the Gunners equalised to share the points - a fair result on the play.
CHELMSFORD CITY
New Writtle Street
2 - 0 (Southren, Williams)
28 April 1951
Peters
Devlin
Nelson A.
Malcolm
Bradly
Noakes
Southren
Williams
Chapman
Petchey
Kirwan A.
The home side put up poor opposition for this fixture, and our XI had a comparatively easy time in winning by 2-0, having the points well in hand from start to finish. Tommy Southren scored our first after 20 minutes and Harry Williams added another with about 15 minutes to go.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 'A'
Upton Park
0 - 1
30 April 1951
Chiswick
Armstong
Nelson A.
Malcolm
Howe
Noakes
Birleson R.
Petchey
Kearns
Wade
Tucker
A goalless draw would have been a fair result to this interesting game, and it was an annoying climax when the Spurs scored the only goal following what appeared to be a deliberate "hands" by one of their players in midfield.
IPSWICH TOWN 'A'
Spotted Dog Ground
1 - 4 (Southren)
2 May 1951 (Two games on the same day)
Chiswick
Corbett
Yeomanson
Cater
Niblett
Jackman
Southren
Brown R.
Chapman
Foan
Betts
With what appeared to be two sides of Combination strength in opposition this looked likely to be an interesting game, but a series of defensive errors put the visitors three up in thr first 15 minutes and we were struggling from thence onwards until Tommy Southren reduced the arrears and we looked like making up the leeway. Had a glaring case of foul tactics in the penalty area been noticed by the referee we might have still further reduced the margin, but Ipswich took heart from this let-off to go further ahead and ran out winners by 4-1.
CHELSEA 'A'
Stamford Bridge
0 - 5
2 May 1951 (Two games on the same day)
Turner A.
Armstong
Cooper F.
Malcolm
Bradly
Noakes
Bing
Paley A.
Howe
Hallibone J.
Tucker
Despite experience being mostly on the Pensioners' side they had a team of Combination standard on view, our youngsters were holding them to a goalless draw at the interval and had done the majority of the attacking. Maintaining this pressure in the second half our XI continued to impress until two breakaways brought goals for the home side. After that it seemed to go all one way and we eventually lost by five clear goals.
NORWICH CITY 'A'
Spotted Dog Ground
3 - 0 Betts, Bing, Foan)
7 May 1951
Chiswick
Nelson A.
Cooper F.
Malcolm
Hunt P.
Jackman
Southren
Bing
Kearns
Foan
Betts
REPORT:
