WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
1960-61 Football League First Division
Manager: Ron Greenwood
The first few weeks of the season fell into a familiar pattern of winning at home but losing away. A 4–2 defeat at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers was followed by a good 5–2 home win against Aston Villa. The trend continued with a 2–1 win over Manchester United at Upton Park but succumbed to a 6–1 defeat in the return fixture a fortnight later. A new competition, the Football League Cup, was born and the Hammers beat Charlton 3–1 at home in the inaugural match. The next round brought a trip to Fourth Division Darlington and again a poor display in away games saw the Hammers beaten 3–2.
At home the goals were flowing as winger Mike Grice scored twice against Blackburn Rovers in a 4–3 win and a hat-trick from Malcolm Musgrove came in a 5–2 victory against Preston North End. London rivals Arsenal were next to face the home onslaught and Dave Dunmore scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 win. Now in fine form, the Hammers won their first away game when beating Manchester City 2–1 at Maine Road. In an amazing game at Newcastle, West Ham were leading 5–2 with eleven minutes remaining only to concede three goals and end up drawing 5–5.
Stoke City were the visitors in the FA Cup and after drawing 2–2 they won the replay 1–0 at their Victoria Ground. The away results were dreadful, with heavy defeats at Blackpool (3–0), Preston (4–0) and Blackburn (4–1). Finally, following a 5–1 defeat at Leicester City, manager Ted Fenton was relieved of his duties and Ron Greenwood was appointed the club's fourth manager on 11 April 1961. The Hammers finished sixteenth in the league, with only one away win on their travels.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Molineux
2 - 4 (Dick, Woosnam)
20 August 1960
Att: 37,266
Rhodes
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
A goal up in seven minutes against the Cup holders and League runners-up on their own ground was a splendid start to the season, and the large number of Hammers' fans in the 37,266 attendance had every hope of us pulling off the first sensation of the 1960-61 campaign. It could have been 2-0 in the 32nd minute had Mike Grice's shot gone into the net instead of rebounding into play off the post—and Wolves would have really been in trouble, unfortunately it was not so, and within a minute the home side had forced a corner at the other end which resulted in a great header from Ron Flowers levelling the scores.
This reprieve certainly revived the Cullis men, and the rampaging Flowers created something of a record for a wing-half by netting his club's first two goals of the season — the second being a 25-yard first-time drive three minutes after the interval as the ball ran loose from a home attack. Nevertheless, our lads were still very much in the game, and had Johnny Dick in the 54th minute converted a similar sort of chance that brought him our first goal we could have had Wolves worried again; however the ball rolled past the post and from then onwards the opposition got a decisive grip on the game.
The issue was virtually settled after 68 minutes, Des Home's corner being pushed out to Peter Broadbent for the England inside-forward to pick his spot from 15 yards range ; and Jim Murray hardly had to hurry when he tapped the ball in from one yard's range after it had slid off the bar from Norman Deeley's cross from the left-wing. The final goal came in the final minute, Phil Woosnam hitting home a loose ball from just inside the box.
Six goals (four of them of a very good standard) and plenty of pretty football contributed to an exciting encounter that kept the spectators well on their toes. We had our chances and showed up very well in the first half-hour, but with Wolves recovering their poise after a shaky start eventually had to concede victory by a score fairly representative of the game. It would have been highly satisfactory to have brought back a point, but although our new-style tactics showed several Hammers to advantage, lapses at vital stages proved fatal to our hopes.
ASTON VILLA
Upton Park
5 - 2 (Bond, Dick, Dunmore, Musgrove, Woosnam)
22 August 1960
Att: 28,959
Rhodes
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
Both teams were unchanged after their opening fixture, the Villa having beaten Chelsea by 3-2 a couple of days earlier, and once again both featured in a high-scoring game. However, it was the turn of the Hammers to prove victorious on this occasion, and a 5-2 success came at the end of another 90-minute thriller watched by an attendance of 28,959. A general tightening-up and additional experience of our tactics brought more desirable results, and although the visitors equalised on one occasion and nearly levelled the scores at 3-3 during the second half we pulled through to eventually gain a comfortable margin. The game sparkled from the start and it took only 15 minutes for the scoring spree to commence. A very good combined movement between Phil Woosnam, Bobby Moore and Malcolm Musgrove ended with Woosnam lobbing home from twelve yards, but a couple of minutes later Pat Saward brought the ball downfield for Bobby Thomson to make it 1-1 from a rebound after his first shot had hit the post. Another two-in-two minutes spell just before the floodlights went on brought goals from Dave Dunmore on 37 minutes, after a solo run following a Musgrove - John Bond move and John Dick who shovelled in Musgrove's pass from a Dunmore opening-. What looked like a shot at goal by Peter McParland was headed in by Gerry Kitchens three minutes later, and the teams went in after an exhausting half with the score 3-2 in the Hammers favour. A scramble on our line had hearts in the Hammers' mouths soon after the interval, but then a typical Bond drive from 30-yards from a Woosnam pass virtually settled the issue with 32 minutes to go. Both sides came very near to scoring several times after that, but it was left to Musgrove to set the seal with a grand header two minutes from the end, Woosnam again providing the final pass. Actually the only forward not to score was Mike Grice, but he played a commendable part in our attacking movements and again had the mortification of seeing a grand shot rebound from the upright.
BOLTON WANDERERS
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Dick, Musgrove)
27 August 1960
Att: 24,283
Rhodes
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
West Ham gained a 2-1 victory with a last-minute lob from John Dick, but could well appreciate that the Trotters had a feeling of being "robbed" of a point which they perhaps deserved from a somewhat disappointing game. We say " disappointing " because the contest faded into a drab second-half after a fairly good opening 45 minutes during which Malcolm Musgrove scored with a fierce angled drive (13 mins.) and Peter Deakin equalised with a half-hit shot from close range (25 mins.).
However, it is only right to point out that we also had what appeared to be a good goal by Dave Dunmore disallowed, the linesman's offside decision against another of our players cancelling the referee's original award, A goal then could well have put us on the road to a more convincing margin, but it was not to be. The failure of the visiting forwards to offer little more than long-range shooting as their contribution to their side's efforts did not help from the entertainment viewpoint, but our own defence could be complimented inasmuch as they kept their opponents at bay — although the Wanderers' shooting was so inaccurate that they did not look likely to score even from closer in.
ASTON VILLA
Villa Park
1 - 2 (Dunmore)
29 August 1960
Att: 32,098
Rhodes
Bond
Cantwell
Hurst
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Smillie
Musgrove
Two Hammers made their first appearance of the season in this game, Geoff Hurst coming in for Andy Malcolm (who received a thigh injury against Bolton) and Andy Smillie taking over from John Dick. Villa fielded the same XI as that which lost here 5-2 on the previous Monday.
An 18th-minute goal for the Hammers was the result of a nine-man movement, Andy Smillie's strong shot being parried by Sims to leave Dave Dunmore an easy chance. We kept this lead until half-an-hour from the end by more brilliant play, and with a little more punch up front could have made the game safe. However, a clever MacEwan - McParland move enabled Kitchens to equalise (thus keeping his record of scoring in every game to date this season) and this put fresh heart into the Midlanders. Nevertheless, it looked as if we were to gain a deserved point until 90 seconds from time when Villa got a free-kick award on their left flank ; over came the ball - and Ron Wylie's lob was converted by Bobby Thomson to snatch a somewhat fortunate victory.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Hillsborough
0 - 1
3 September 1960
Att: 26,359
SHEARING
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
A single goal by John Fantham five minutes after the interval decided this game in favour of the Wednesday whose attack could not otherwise penetrate a clever defence which kept the opposition from giving a full-scale test to Peter Shearing. The ex-Hendon amateur 'keeper was playing his first League game, and although he did everything that was asked of him Peter will agree that it could have been more difficult.
The Owls' manager Harry Catterick expressed the view that 4-2-4 is a negative type of soccer, but his players certainly gave no owl-like display of wisdom in their endeavours to overcome it, and consequently the game did show some lack of sparkle ; this was supplemented by a failure among our own forwards to make the most of their chances, although Phil Woosnam brought out the best in England goalkeeper Ron Springett when the home custodian just managed to push his drive over the bar.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Brett, Musgrove)
5 September 1960
Att: 30,506
Shearing
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Brett
Musgrove
The contrast between this game and that of two days earlier was shown by the enthusiasm of an attendance of nearly 30,000 who applauded the skill of both sides on a fine evening which brought soccer in keeping with the conditions.
We made a late change in our side (bringing in Ron Brett for the injured John Dick) while the United also made one alteration at centre-half in an endeavour to plug the gap exploited by Bobby Smith of the Spurs on the previous Saturday. Our move paid an almost immediate dividend, for Brett converted Mike Grice's centre in the 18th minute. A first-timer by Albert Quixall put the visitors on level terms almost on the stroke of half-time, but ten minutes after the interval we gained a winning lead by what was described by one writer as a" pantomime goal"; we considered it a rather apt description inasmuch that it was an off Woosnam shot by John Bond that gave Malcolm Musgrove an easy scoring chance, but it was not entirely fair to add that it was that goal which beat the visitors. We could reasonably point to the fact that we hit the woodwork three times with Harry Gregg well beaten, and although Peter Shearing gave a most encouraging display "between the sticks" for the Hammers his counterpart was none the less responsible for a thrilling display at the other end.
CHELSEA
Stamford Bridge
2 - 3 (Dunmore, Grice)
10 September 1960
Att: 37,873
Shearing
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Brett
Musgrove
A 37,873 attendance (the third highest of the day) had nothing but praise for this match, which was played in an excellent sporting spirit between teams that fought a typical "local derby duel (without the "traditional" infringements'.). It was a game m which luck played i part, but fortune could never be credited with the brilliant display given by Peter Bonetti in the Chelsea goal; his goalkeeping was terrific, and the spontaneous applause from our players was adequate comment upon a performance that was almost " out of this world." We succeeded m obtaining a photograph of Bonetti being beaten by a Dave Dunmore drive in the 26th minute (from Ron Brett's pass), but it was only one of the two occasions when this 19-year-old had to admit defeat; the other was when Mike Grice connected with a rebound after the 'keeper had parried Malcolm Musgrove's drive on to the bar 13 minutes from time.
Chelsea had made a flying start with a goal by Frank Blunstone in the first minute from a cross-pass by Charlie Livesey, and five minutes after our equaliser they went ahead with a Jimmy Greaves goal. The Blues survived a tremendous attacking spell soon after the interval, but broke away for Livesey to score with an angled shot that made it 3-1 after 73 minutes. But then... it was Bonetti again!
MANCHESTER UNITED
Old Trafford
1 - 6 (Brett)
14 September 1960
Att: 33,288
Shearing
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Woodley
Woosnam
Dunmore
Brett
Musgrove
Our return game with the United brought plenty of excitement for the 33,6288 attendance, seven goals being scored in a match that equalled our earlier meeting as far as good soccer was concerned. However, the Mancunians proved to be the better finishers on this occasion and they ended 6-1 in front.
In the opening spell we went very close to scoring, but the tide started to turn against us in the 20th minute when Dennis Viollet's shot cannoned off Ken Brown's boot for the first goal. The same forward made it 2—0 seven minutes later with a 20-yard drive, but we reduced the arrears on the stroke of half-time through Ron Brett. A combined move two minutes after the interval ended with Bobby Charlton scoring and this was followed by further goals from Charlton and Albert Scanlon. Albert Quixall converted a penalty four minutes from time.
So it terminated for the statistical record with a convincing margin in favour of the opposition. From our side we gained consolation by a typical report of the game which said: " Yet Ten Fenton's footballers were never five goals worse than United and they never stopped playing football."
BLACKPOOL
Upton Park
3 - 3 (Bond, Musgrove, Woodley)
17 September 1960
Att: 23,521
Shearing
Kirkup
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Woodley
Woosnam
Bond
Dunmore
Musgrove
We took a point from this game which despite half-a-dozen goals was not an entirely satisfactory one from the spectators' viewpoint. The 23,521 attendance was certainly not completely disappointed in their hopes of seeing some typical Stanley Matthews' skill, and they had plenty of deserved praise for the efforts of Bobby Moore who came out of his duels with the "Maestro" with flying colours. But we just couldn't seem to make the grade, and although we held the lead three times the Seasiders managed to end with what for them was indeed a welcome draw after five successive defeats..
A slow-moving goalkeeper allowed a left-foot John Bond shot to find the net after nine minutes to put us ahead, but Ray Charnley (a hardworking centre-forward) headed in to make it 1-1 after 20 minutes. The entire Blackpool defence watched Derek Woodley's centre pass right across the goalmouth for Malcolm Musgrove to score from close in (38 minutes) and we went in 2-1 up at the interval and hopeful of further goals. However, a quickly-taken free-kick by Matthews found Charnley in the right spot for another equaliser after 62 minutes; nevertheless we seemed to have again made the points our own when Derek Woodley scored his first goal of the season from Phil Woosnam's pass with but 13 minutes to go. But then ... a fatal hesitation as goalkeeper Waiters booted a clearance almost into our penalty-area, and an easy goal by Mudie three minutes from time ended our hopes of victory.
EVERTON
Goodison Park
1 - 4 (Beesley)
24 September 1960
Att: 46,291
Shearing
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Woodley
Woosnam
Dunmore
BEESLEY
Musgrove
The very successful Everton team maintained its 100 per cent home record for the 1960-61 season before an attendance of 46,291 who again saw the Hammers play plenty of soccer but provide little finish to their movements.
We included 18-year-old Michael Beesley in our League side for the first time, and he celebrated his debut by heading home Malcolm Musgrove's centre in the tenth minute to equalise Micky Lill's opening goal from a 20-yard drive which had come after five minutes' play. Unfortunately just before half-time Mick collided with Jim Gabriel and both went off to have stitches inserted in head-cuts (although they resumed after the interval); nevertheless Mick had already shown his ability, and was always seeking opportunities.
Meanwhile the Toffeemen had quickly regained their advantage, for after 13 minutes a speculative 20-yard effort by Tommy Ring made it 2-1, We made sporadic raids after
that, but it was no real surprise when a third goal came for the homesters as Roy Vernon pounced on Ring's quick throw-in after 66 minutes' play. This disheartened several of the Hammers, and Vernon got another ten minutes later to completely settle the issue.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC : Football League Cup (First Round)
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Dick, Moore, Musgrove)
26 September 1960
Att: 12,496
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Woodley
Cartwright
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
With Noel Cantwell injured, Phil Woosnam on International duty for Wales two days later and Mike Beesley out of action we made changes. This was John Dick's first appearance since September 3rd when he was injured. The Robins (who wore dark blue jerseys on this occasion owing to a normal colour-clash!) made us go all out for the first hour, and it was not until Bobby Moore crashed home a grand shot from all of 25 yards in the 65th minute that we felt fairly comfortably placed to qualify for the next round (although even then the visitors made several threats to our goal). In fact it was the opposition that netted the first goal, Stuart Leary taking advantage of defensive hesitation to conclude a solo effort. However, this early reverse proved a "shot in the arm" to our XI, and John Dick levelled the score with a similar effort to Leary's from a good through ball. Four minutes after the interval Malcolm Musgrove intercepted a back pass to net one from close range and Moore then made the final tally 3-1.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Upton Park
3 - 2 (Dick 2, Woosnam)
1 October 1960
Att: 17,519
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
If a cat has nine lives it could well be said that both goals in this game had ninety-nine lives; as one sports writer in the press room put it after the game, " The score might well have been 9-9 or any permutation up to that." As it happened we scored three times to the Rovers' two and thus gained a very welcome pair of points.
Morning rain had not only made the ground slippery but it also had its effect on the attendance, this being down to 17,519. However, those who were present certainly had their share of excitement, with defenders kicking, heading and chesting the ball off the goal-line when goalkeepers were completely beaten several times. Nevertheless, one such particular kick was just too late, and an observant linesman had no hesitation ii awarding a goal despite an opposing defender booting out Phil Woosnam's first-time angled drive in the 26th minute.
That goal gave us the lead which we had tried so hard to gain after scores by Alex McLeod and John Dick. McLeod headed home a back header from Derek Dougan following a long throw-in seven minutes from the start, and Dick's goal also came when his head met Phil Woosnam's lob to beat the visiting 'keeper in the 21st minute. A miskick that left Eddie Thomas to sidefoot the ball home gave the Rovers a 66th minute equaliser, but with only eight minutes to go Dick notched his fifth League goal this season from Malcolm Musgrove's pass to put us finally ahead.
There were still several frustrating periods for Hammers' supporters in this game, but nevertheless our XI showed touches of soccer which proved that with perseverance they can regain that delightful team-work which made them such a threat in that first 18 months back in Division I. We were, of course, without the services and steadying influence of skipper Noel Cantwell (still absent through injury), but after a somewhat hesitant start deputy left-back John Lyall came into his own during the closing stages in his first League game of the season.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Upton Park
4 - 3 (Grice 2, Dunmore, Musgrove)
8 October 1960
Att: 15,954
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
Phil Woosnam was the star of this game which we won by the odd goal in seven after holding a 4-1 lead at one time. Phil's distribution of the ball had the City defence in a tangle time and time again, and he truly turned in a very fine performance which should have been crowned with a personal goal.
How the Blues' defence survived until the Nth minute was amazing, for in those opening stages only bad luck, good goalkeeping and the woodwork stood between our rampaging forwards and several goals. The 16,000 spectators were loud in their praise and they were rewarded with some clever goals. Mike Grice headed Phil's lob past the advancing Schofield to net our first and then nine minutes later Malcolm Mus-grove pounced on a rebound from Phil's shot which had been diverted on to the bar. City's most dangerous forward Mike Hellawell, scored the first of his two goals by ramming a cross-pass into our net with a left-foot drive (29 mins.) that made the half-time count 2-1, but Grice made it 3-1 six minutes after the resumption when he came in from the left wing to connect with another Woosnam pass as the opposition defenders moved too late to cover.
When Woosnam and Musgrove took the ball upfield for our inside-right to make the final pass that left Dunmore to convert with a strong shot (60 mins.') it looked all over, but a late Brum rally was sparked off when a defensive error let in Bill Rudd with 16 minutes to go to the final whistle. Hellawell struct again seven minutes from the end, but were definitely deserved a victory that was hot truly represented by the 4-3 score.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
The Hawthorns
0 - 1
15 October 1960
Att: 22,009
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
Noel Cantwell's injury had not responded to treatment for him to resume in our line-up and John Lyall therefore continued in an unchanged team for this fixture. Unfortunately it did not look like the same team that had beaten Birmingham City on the previous Saturday, for although Phil Woosnam again provided plenty of spectator-entertainment his colleagues could not capitalise on many of the chances offered. The Albion likewise failed to make the most of the opportunities offered by the similar work of Ronnie Allen, although they had another star in veteran Joe Kennedy whose anticipation and tackling was outstanding.
The outcome was that the 21,300 spectators were in short supply of thrills, and it was left to wing-half Bobby Robson to settle the issue seven minutes after the interval with a 25-yard drive that brought the only goal of the game.
PRESTON NORTH END
Upton Park
5 - 2 (Musgrove 3,Bond [pen], Dick)
22 October 1960
Att: 16,295
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Boyce
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
The first hour of this game was fairly evenly contested, the score being level at 2-2 after each team had netted twice in the opening 30 minutes. Both sides opened their account with a long-range shot, Malcolm Musgrove beating Else from fully 35 yards with a real "blaster" in the fifth minute and Tommy Thompson equalising with a drive from 25 yards five minutes later. John Bond converted from the penalty-spot to made it 2-1 after Musgrove was fouled in the 20th minute, but Thompson ran on to a through ball to get his second tally. Sixty-eight minutes had passed when John Dick headed home Mike Grice's cross pass and then Musgrove came along with a couple of typical late efforts to complete his first Football League hat-trick and put us well ahead by the final whistle.
Considering the heavy conditions the game was played at a fast rate, and there were enough goals and near-misses to please the 16,287 attendance that braved adverse weather conditions. They were all keen to see 17-year-old Ron Boyce make his League debut, and we were pleased that Ron made a promising showing on this auspicious occasion.
DARLINGTON : Football League Cup (Second Round)
Feethams Ground
2 - 3 (Dick, Musgrove)
24 October 1960
Att: 16,911
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
Our first-ever Cup meeting with Darlington ended in a 3-2 victory for the north-easterners before a 16,911 attendance (only a little over 2,000 short of the ground record). Defensive errors on the part of the Hammers largely accounted for this " upset," but in fairness to the Fourth Division side should be said that they took their opportunities in a very enthusiastic manner. However, an early injury to Malcolm Musgrove undoubtedly had a great effect on the mobility of our forward-line and the attack did not function as smoothly as it had done a couple of days earlier.
Twenty seconds after the kick-off left-half Ray Spencer ran on to a pass from Lance Robson to crack home the ball from 20 yards, and for the next twenty minutes we were hard pressed. We recovered our poise to equalise when Dave Dunmore chased a long ball for about 40 yards to make it 1-1, but Darlington came back after the interval to gain a 3-1 lead; outside-right Joe Rayment scored at the second attempt when his shot from outside-left Keith Morton's pass was parried (53 mins.). and Robson intercepted a back pass eleven minutes later to give his side a commanding lead. John Dick reduced our arrears, but the 'Tons held on to pass into the Third Round.
We were naturally disappointed, but at the same time congratulate Darlington on a victory which ranks with their 4-1 F.A. Cup win over Chelsea three seasons ago. We wish them even- success for further progress in the competition.
FULHAM
Craven Cottage
1 - 1 (Dunmore)
29 October 1960
Att: 20,949
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Woodley
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Grice
Although John Bond, Brian Rhodes and Phil Woosnam had recovered from injuries received at Darlington on the previous Monday, Malcolm Musgrove's ankle had not recovered sufficiently for him to play in this alt-London encounter. Consequently Mike Grice crossed to take Mai's place on the left-wing and Derek Woodley had his fourth League game of the season at outside-right.
In damp conditions Fulham started as if they intended to run up a big score. However, they found themselves against a defence which covered splendidly, and time and again they were unable to get in a shot. But at the other end it was a different story, and with the Cottagers' rear-guard wide open on several occasions it was surprising that Dave Dunmore was the only Hammer to find the net; Dave ran for about 30 yards through an unguarded middle to collect Andy Malcolm's pass and shoot past the advancing Tony Macedo in the tenth minute. We could well have added another two or three goals to this before Fulham equalised, but Macedo made some good saves on the occasions when our shots were on target and undoubtedly contributed much to his team's collecting a point.
Graham Leggat's equaliser came two minutes before half-time when he hit a ground shot from 25 yards into the far corner of the goal; the rest of the opposition's efforts were also confined mostly to long-range shots and headers from centres, and there was no doubt that much of Johnny Haynes' good work went to waste through the combined inefficiency of his colleagues and the efficiency of his opponents.
From our view it was most pleasing to gain our first away League point since November 14th of last year: and the considerable contingent of Hammers' supporters among the 20,949 gate helped to encourage their favourites to break a run which we were glad to end.
ARSENAL
Upton Park
6 - 0 (Dunmore 3, Dick, Malcolm, Woosnam)
5 November 1960
Att: 29,275
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Woodley
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Grice
We celebrated Guy Fawkes' Day by "burning up" Arsenal to a tune of 6-0. This was one goal short of our record First Division victory against them in 1927, but we could well have set a new mark but for the great work of Jack Kelsey; he had no chance with any of our half-dozen successful shots, but pulled off saves and cut out cross-balls which could have led to many more.
It was a sad reflection on the Gunners' line-up that Kelsey was their sole star, for even in defeat most teams have more than one player worthy of mention. However, the all-round superiority of our XI more than overshadowed the North Londoners and we had stars in plenty in this game.
Our rear-guard gained full marks, but it should be borne in mind that the covering of the other four members afforded our wing-halves the opportunity to take a very large part in attack; this was finally underlined by Andy Malcolm's grand goal, his first in Division I.
Of the forwards the scoring honours undoubtedly went to Dave Dunmore who notched his initial hat-trick in the claret-and-blue. His first was a "gift" set up by a defensive error, but he took the other two in grand style and was a constant threat. Sometimes less spectacular but nevertheless most effective was Phil Woosnam who "made" goals before getting one of his own, while John Dick's goal was also the reward for a lot of hard work.
A grand win, and well worthy of the applause which greeted our team as it left the field.
MANCHESTER CITY
Maine Road
2 - 1 (Dunmore, Grice)
12 November 1960
Att: 33,751
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
Malcolm Musgrove returned to our line-up after missing two matches through injury, and he came through successfully. Mal had to switch positions with Phil Woosnam after ten minutes' play when our inside-right received an ankle-knock that necessitated his moving to the wing for a spell; the City were one up then, Dennis Law beginning a move which ended with Colin Barlow scoring from an angle. However, Phil recovered to resume at inside-right and helped to open up the game. The outcome was a deserved equaliser in the 38th minute when Dave Dunmore beautifully headed home Mike Grice's centre, and just before the interval came another goal when Grice converted after his first shot had been parried.
That interval lead put us really on top and we very nearly added to it after the resumption. But although we missed that opportunity the City made just as costly a lapse at the other end soon afterwards. The Mancunians were not deterred by this and made many efforts to equalise, but against a resolute rearguard they came to naught — and the points were ours! Unfortunately a small section of the 33,751 behind our goal let their disappointment get the better of them in the second half, but the majority gave praise to our skill in registering City's first home defeat of the season.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Upton Park
2 - 4 (Dunmore, Palmer [og])
19 November 1960
Att: 21,047
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
A quotation from one report of this game reads: "Judging by their recent programme admonitions, West Ham will explain away this defeat by blaming the newspapers." Now, you know, that is rather unfair, for we do endeavour to be factual in our reports of games and our recent articles discussing relationships with certain sections of the press have never criticised match reports — only those articles referring untruly to other matters.
The simple explanation for this 2-4 reverse on our own ground at the hands of foot-of-the-table Forest can, in our opinion, be summed up by one word, complacency. Having thrashed Arsenal here a fortnight earlier, and beaten Manchester City at Maine Road on the following Saturday it appeared right from the start that some of our team adopted an "it's easy" attitude towards the opposition.
Despite the visitors' opening pressure this false sense of security was perhaps accentuated by an "own goal" in our favour 19 minutes after the start, and although the Midlanders equalised after what appeared to be an offside decision in our favour the scoring of a good goal by Dave Dunrnore restored our lead and morale rather quickly. Nevertheless this was against the run of the play, and we could not complain about the Forest equalising on the stroke of half-time even if Billy Gray's 30-yard speculative shot led to a "soft" goal. This rather unexpected success not only spurred the opposition but it obviously dimmed our own lads' enthusiasm, and with the 18-year-old Peter Grummitt "playing a blinder" between the sticks the Nottingham club well-earned their victory through further tallies by Le Flem on 47 minutes and Vowden in the 61st minute.
BURNLEY
Turf Moor
26 November 1960
Postponed : Unfit Pitch
CARDIFF CITY
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Dunmore, Musgrove)
3 December 1960
Att: 13,967
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
Under appalling conditions on a mud-bound pitch slashed by drenching rain from start to finish, the two teams combined to provide an entertaining 90 minutes for the 14,000 spectators who braved the elements. It was to be expected that some allowance would be made by the referee for the ground conditions when it came to tackling, having in mind the slippery conditions underfoot; but there was no doubt in the minds of a large number present that there were occasions when some decisions were difficult to understand. Nevertheless, despite this the two XI's put everything they had in the game, and there was some excellent soccer interspersed with thrilling goalmouth episodes.
It took 35 minutes of hard pressing before we got our first goal, this coming from Malcolm Mus-grove's cross shot into the far corner of the net as the opposing 'keeper came out of his goal. The second followed a quickly-taken free-kick that ended with Mike Grice making the pass for Dave Dunmore to score four minutes after half-time.
The Bluebirds came near to scoring several times, but found Brian Rhodes in splendid form. He made one particularly fine save from Watkins' free-kick, punching the ball over the bar in spectacular one-handed fashion.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
St James' Park
5 - 5 (Bond [pen], Dick, Dunmore, Musgrove, McMichael [og])
10 December 1960
Att: 20,106
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
With only 19 minutes to go to the final whistle our unchanged team looked like recording their second away win of the season, and had the possibility of equalling or passing our record away score of six goals in a League match. Unfortunately a tendency to ease off combined with a "neck-or-nothing" Magpies' rally brought the home side three goals in a six-minute period, and caused a breath-taking five minutes finale for the 20,106 spectators.
The Novocastrians deserve every praise for their determined efforts in these closing stages, but they readily admitted that we gave them the run-around prior to their comeback. Playing on his " home-town " doorstep Malcolm Musgrove provided the locals with plenty of entertainment in the first half; he scored our first goal in the fourth minute after Phil Woosnam had beautifully engineered an opening, dribbling the ball in after his first shot was blocked ; Mai was also responsible for our second goal in the 20th minute, his hard drive being diverted into the net by McMichael. White had equalised in the fifth minute, but after that Garrow played an almost lone hand in the first half.
Ten minutes after the change-over Dave Dunmore took a long pass from Musgrove to increase the score to 3-1, and when Woosnam was brought down in the 65th minute John Bond scored from the penalty-spot White got his second a minute later, but in another five it looked all over as John Dick put us 5-2 up. Many spectators left the ground at this time, but when they read the match reports they most certainly regretted their hastiness and petulance ; McGuigan headed in Mitchell's centre (79 mins), Bell hit a beauty (84 mins) and Mitchell got the equaliser to leave that final five minutes of a most exciting encounter.
Newcastle United:
Garrow, McKinney, McMlchael, Neale, Stokoe, Bell, Hughes, McGuigan, White, Mitchell, Scanlon
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Upton Park
5 - 0 (Dunmore 2, Dick, Moore, Musgrove)
17 December 1960
Att: 22,336
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
The injury which Geoff Sidebottom received in the League match here last Saturday week brought to an abrupt end the crescendo of enthusiasm which was greeting our increasing margin of superiority of a well-defeated Wolves' side. Fortunately the visiting goalkeeper was not so severely injured as was first believed, and it is to be hoped that he will not be kept out of action for a long period; but we did not know that at the time, and the incident cast a shadow over the last 40 minutes that made it a pale sequel to the tremendous prelude that had gone before. There was no denying that our team had given the Wanderers the "run around" during that first 50 minutes, and it is a general opinion that a continuance of the play which built up a 3-0 lead would have still brought victory by a similar margin to the 5-0 score which eventually resulted. The complete change which came over the game was undoubtedly disappointing to the 22,336 attendance, but what had gone before contained as much excitement as is often encountered in ninety minutes of a normal game. It took only four minutes for us to lead, and the television cameras recorded a goal which had to be seen to be believed; Phil Woosnam, John Dick, Malcolm Musgrove and Mike Grice all took part in the move which ended in Musgrove diving full length to head home, and to quote one report: "... nowhere on the Continent or in South America could any team of stars produce a better goal than this one." Dun-more's first-time conversion of a short pass from nearly 30 yards in the 38th minute was also well worthy of remembrance and Bobby Moore's solo five minutes after the interval was another example of opportunism bringing his reward. Dunmore got his second with a nicely-placed shot before Dick had another solo run to end the scoring, but these last two tallies merely accentuated that our team can produce play that ranks them among the best sides in the country.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
0 - 2
24 December 1960
Att: 54,930
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
Nearly 90,000 spectators - 54,930 at White Hart Lane and 34,481 at Upton Park - saw our "local derby" duels with the Spurs during the Christmas holidays. The North Londoners' "Christmas box" to the Hammers was five goals; unfortunately we were not able to return this in even a minor way, so the Lilywhiles took their own "Xmas gift" in the shape of four points. We think they earned them, and have no hesitation in giving them pride of place as the best team we have met this season. Of the two games, we consider that the one at White Hart Lane was the better - not because we lost by a smaller margin but because the Hammers' play in general appeared more likely to earn some spoils. A headed goal by John White in the 24th minute had given the home side the lead but they underwent many anxious moments in the space of the next hour! Indeed had not Bill Brown made a "save of the season" from Dave Dun-more after the ex-Spur had rammed back first-time a topped goal-kick there could well have resulted the first home defeat of the season for the League leaders ; but it was not to be, and the ten-men opposition (Cliff Jones had hobbled off injured soon after the interval) not only stilled us off but even attacked to make the issue safe with a Terry Dyson counter 90 seconds from time.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
0 - 3
26 December 1960
Att: 34,351
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
For the return game the teams were unchanged except that Terry Medwin and John Hollowbread replaced the injured Jones and Brown. But surprisingly enough the exchanges this time were even more in favour of the Lilywhites, and they merited the 3-0 margin of victory to set the seal on their performance. A little bit of luck put them one up through an " own goal " after 24 minutes, and they made it two when Allen made the most of his opportunity a couple of minutes before the interval. Inspired by "Bubbles" our attack again hammered away after the resumption, but with Hollowbread stemming the gap in a truly fine "reserve" display we again failed to add the final touch ; inevitably, almost, the ball found its way to the other end—and White hit it home via an upright to administer the coup de grace.
No recriminations from Upton Park — the better team won — but nevertheless, " Congratulations, Hammers ! " We would have beaten plenty of other teams on this form—but not the " Super Spurs of 1960 ! "
BOLTON WANDERERS
Burnden Park
1 - 3 (Musgrove)
31 December 1960
Att: 15,931
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Hurst
Smillie
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
We rested Mike Grice and Bobby Moore and brought in Geoff Hurst and Andy Smillie in their places. Hurst gave a very good performance in his second appearance in our First Team colours this season, and helped Phil Woosnam to make the opening that brought our goal after 20 minutes' play, Malcolm Musgrove finishing with a shot as he cut in from the left. Soon afterwards our left-half was again in the picture when he hit a post with a good drive, and the Wanderers looked really in trouble.
Then came a "transformation scene." With but seven minutes to go before half-time Dennis Stevens nipped in to beat the offside trap as the ball came off one of our defence. Four minutes later it was 2-1, Billy McAdams seizing on a faulty clearance to pile-drive it home, and ten minutes after the resumption it went to 3-1 as Brian Birch's centre was diverted into our net. With their tails up the Wanderers held on to this somewhat fortunately gained advantage, and the 15,931 attendance showed great delight by cheering the Trotters to a rather unexpected victory that they badly needed in their precarious position.
Bolton Wanderers:
Hopkinson, Hartle, Farrimond, Stanley, Edwards, Cunlitfe, Birch, Stevens, McAdams, Deakin, Holden.
STOKE CITY : FA CUP (Third Round)
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Dick, Dunmore)
7 January 1961
Att: 21,545
Rhodes
Bond
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Smillie
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
After missing a chance to go ahead in the first minute we succeeded in scoring our first goal following 35 minutes of varying fortunes, Dave Dunmore netting from an angle into the top far corner. Stoke had made several threatening raids and looked dangerous near goal, but it came as a complete shock when a 30-yard speculative " poke " by Don Ratcliffe found its way into our net with the Hammers looking on.
Had we been ahead at the interval instead of on level terms it is likely that we would have held our advantage, but after the resumption we had to plod away at the task of again getting through the visiting rear-guard. We finally did so when Malcolm Musgrove got away on the left and shot, for O'Neill to parry the ball into the air ; John Dick dived to head, and there we were - in the lead again. Unfortunately it was an advantage that couldn't be held, and after escaping with an 'offside " decision that brought a disallowed "goal" for the City our defence got into another tangle that finally left Ron Andrew to shoot home from close range with but seven minutes to go. Again inspired, the Potters more than held their own. and earned the right to replay on their own midden, despite over-robust methods that earned some of their players warnings from the referee.
STOKE CITY : FA Cup (Third Round Replay)
Victoria Ground
0 - 1
11 Janaury 1961
Att: 28,914
Rhodes
Kirkup
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Brett
Dick
Musgrove
REPORT:
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Dick)
14 January 1961
Att; 20,650
Rhodes
Kirkup
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
REPORT:
CHELSEA
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Dick, Obeney, Woosnam)
21 January 1961
Att: 21,829
Rhodes
Kirkup
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Obeney
Dick
Musgrove
REPORT:
BLACKPOOL
Bloomfield Road
0 - 3
4 February 1961
Att: 9,947
Rhodes
Kirkup
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Obeney
Dunmore
Musgrove
The visit to Bloomfield Road Blackpool was most unsatisfactory as far as we were concerned. An extract from the first edition of the new Sunday Telegraph summed it up as follows: "Sheer hard work, uncompromising determination to get goals, and a good slice of luck bought Blackpool two vital points which could just tip the scales and prevent relegation. The whole team played with the urgency facing a side second from the bottom and without a win since Christmas. But the fact remains that in the first half Blackpool had no more than three or four real chances. However the Lancastrians made the most of them, and Ray Parry put the Tangerines in front by crossing a ball in the 21st minute for Bruce Crawford to head home via an upright; at the time the Hammers' John Lyall was out of action, lying injured on the ground. A solo from Parry ended with him netting from a narrow angle four minutes short of the interval and the 'Pools third goal was by Ray Charnley a minute from time. At the other end Tony Scott was always the master of left-back Tom Garrett, but many openings he created went begging. Nevertheless it took much good work by opposing skipper Jim Armfield to stop some dangerous moves, and 17-year-old Gordon West made two excellent saves from Harry Obeney in the closing stages.
Blackpool:
West, Armfield, Garrett, Hauser, Gratrix, Durie, Campbell, Kelly, Charnley, Crawford, Parry.
EVERTON
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Obeney 2, Dick, Musgrove)
11 February 1961
Att: 22,322
Rhodes
Kirkup
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Obeney
Dick
Musgrove
This game had the rather surprising ending of a 4-0 victory for us. We say "surprising," as pre-match forecasts were of the opinion that if we were to win it would be by a narrow margin. However, it must be remembered that prior to our meeting Everton had lost six successive games, and they subsequently had another shock when Shrewsbury Town knocked them out of the Quarter-Final of the League Cup at Gay Meadow so the "surprise" was not such an unexpected occurrence after all.
The answer is undoubtedly: "Money doesn't always buy success." This has probably proved as great a disappointment to the Everton board of directors as it has to many others in the past, and the "Bank of England'" team on this occasion were made to look very ordinary by a Hammers' side which made the most of its opportunities.
Harry Obeney put us on the road to success by heading home Tony Scott's corner in the fifth minute, and he got another opportunist goal seven minutes after the interval by following up to net a rebound after Phil Woosnam's shot had hit a defender and then the bar. The best move of the match between Woosnam, John Dick and Obeney ended with another Woosnam shot striking the post, but we were consoled six minutes from time when Dick ran through to score after Malcolm Musgrove had made the opening. Musgrove got the fourth after his penalty-shot had been saved by Albert Dunlop. A word of praise to our defence for their efforts in keeping Everton scoreless. Ken Brown in particular had a great game, and never put a foot wrong.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
St Andrews
2 - 4 (Musgrove, Scott)
25 February 1961
Att: 16,856
Rhodes
Kirkup
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Obeney
Dick
Musgrove
The BBC Grandstand service teleprinter sent out the result of our away match as Birmingham City 4, West Ham United 7. All viewers were probably astonished, but were quickly brought back to normal by being advised that the teleprinter was wrong and that the score was 4-2 in favour of the home side. That the 4-7 scoreline could well have come true if our team had maintained their earlier scoring-rate, as we were two up in ten minutes. The Hammers (like many other teams) were playing with two wingers at that time; each of ours netted a goal that afternoon, Malcolm Musgrove in the third minute and Tony Scott with a 20-yard shot after beating three opponents. The Blues' replies were from Dick Neal (18 mins); Jimmy Harris (a 29th minute penalty and another counter seven minutes after the interval); and finally a long-range left-footer by Jimmy Bloomfield - who later became a Hammers' player before his appointment as Orient manager. The mud-and-water surface was not conducive to good soccer, but the teams provided a most entertaining 90 minutes that deserved a larger attendance than 16,856 (the smallest of the season at St. Andrews).
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Dick)
4 March 1961
Att: 21,607
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Dunmore
Dick
Musgrove
Those of you who were, among the 21,607 attendance at the fixture against the Albion are only too aware of the poor standard reached by both sides. Judging by comments that floated across the Boleyn Ground opinions were almost unanimous that the play was well below that expected in a First Division game, and it was hard to believe that we were watching a Hammers' team which had produced several sparkling displays this season; equally difficult to digest was the fact that the opposition were the remnants of a team which only last April was slogging it out for talent money in the senior section! Despite their rocky defence conceding a goal after seven minutes (John Dick lobbing a through pass over the advancing Wallace) the Throstles fought back valiantly. Contrawise our own XI appeared content to hold on to their narrow lead, and it came as no great surprise when the visitors equalised before half-time through debutant 20-year-old centre-forward Jack Lovatt; the lanky Lovatt literally "went through the card" in this game, having miskicked, hit the bar with another shot, scored, been knocked out by a clearance and generally having quite a time before he ended 90 minutes of honest endeavour. Another young Throstle sealed our fate - Bobby Hope converting from close in after Clark had taken the ball to the bye-line before laying it back past our split defence. Encouraged by their unexpected success the Midlanders remained on top, and frankly we hardly looked like salvaging even one point after that.
PRESTON NORTH END
Deepdale
0 - 4
11 March 1961
Att: 12,084
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Brett
Woosnam
Obeney
Dick
Musgrove
With Harry Obeney fit again we brought him back into the side at centre-forward, and included Ron Brett on the right-wing following his recent successes as a winger in the Reserves. Unfortunately the hoped-for increases in our "goals for" column did not result from these changes, but in fairness to both these players it is only right to add that they were in no way more to blame than their colleagues for the lack of finish which ended in a reverse at the hands of foot-of-the-table North End. In the first half-hour the soccer was unbelievably poor, and the Hammers contributed their share by missing three good scoring chances. The Lancastrians were obviously as surprised as we were disappointed, but recovered from their shock in ample time to gain their fourth win in five matches. The first goal came nine minutes before half-time, Sneddon sending across a low ball which Thompson had merely to tap home. An equally simple finale to cross from the wing one minute after the resumption made ft 2-0, FuIham beading in the ball which had been nodded on to him by Alston. Alston got the next with another header from Mayers' corner-kick (66 mins.) and the Whites completed a "hat-trick" of headers when Fullam put them 4-0 up with 22 minutes to go. There was no further scoring, but the Deepdale boys kept on top for practically all the rest of the time until the final whistle.
Ted Fenton
Ted Fenton arrived at Upton Park on Tuesday morning 14th March 1961 and following a brief meeting with Reg Pratt, Eddie Chapman issued a statement that “Mr Fenton had been sent home on sick leave”
Following Ted Fenton’s departure, team selection for the next 7 games (Fulham (home) : Blackburn (away) : Arsenal (away) : Leicester City (home and away) : Newcastle United (home) and Nottingham Forest (away) was “a Management Board decision taken upon the advice of the coaches”
FULHAM
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Obeney)
18 March 1961
Att: 18,742
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Obeney
Dick
Musgrove
"Three-quarters of the play, one-third of the goals"... that could well be a fair summary of the Hammers in this "London derby" that ended with the West Londoners gaining a 2-1 success and a pair of most valuable points. After a rousing start we gained a 1-0 advantage in the 2Ist minute through Harry Obeney heading home a Mike Grice centre, and appeared likely to add to it at any time thereafter. The game went that way until a couple of minutes before the interval, when after a fierce shot had teen saved the ball ran loose for Maurice Cook to shoot home from close range and bring the Cottagers a rather unexpected equaliser. What proved to be the winner came a quarter-of-an-hour after the interval when Jim Langley converted a penalty awarded for hands, but even at that stage we could have secured the spoils had we been able to press home our constant attacks. But it was not to be... for with Johnny Haynes playing a defensive game and various other members of the Fulham team adopting "stop at any price" tactics we were certainly "up against it." It was most unfortunate that the referee did not adopt sterner measures until the match was nearly over, for had he awarded us a penalty which we consider should have been rightly conceded at an earlier stage we might well have saved the day.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Ewood Park
1 - 4 (Woods [og])
20 March 1961
Att: 13,953
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Beesley
Smillie
Musgrove
A series of defensive errors was largely responsible for the 1-4 defeat we sustained in this re-arranged fixture, and in view of that we could not complain about the final outcome. Thirty-five minutes of Rovers' pressure elapsed before their first goal, this following a speculative drive by Fred Pickering which struck John Bond and then shot high into the air; the ball was not properly cleared and Alec McLeod gratefully took the chance to convert. We went in at the interval one down. Eighteen minutes after the restart we were level; Bond sent in a drive to the far post and this time it was the turn of the home 'keeper to err, as he pushed out the ball for it to rebound from Matt Woods' head across the line. However, we were only on level terms for ten minutes before the avalanche, although during that time we played our best soccer. A mishandled ball wide of the post was seized upon by Pickering, his centre being easily pushed home by Peter Dobing into a vacant net, and Dobing and Douglas soon afterwards carved an opening for McLeod to hit a 20-yard "swerver" into the top corner. Our badly-shaken defence was by now powerless to stop the Rovers getting another goal two minutes from time, Andy McEvoy being the scorer on this occasion.
ARSENAL
Highbury
0 - 0
25 March 1961
Att: 27,505
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Hurst
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Obeney
Dick
Musgrove
This game was - to say the least - difficult to summarise; in fact, it could almost be described as a " reporter's nightmare." There was a pale-tinted background of below-par soccer, but in sharp contrast there were incidents that in a more colourful surrounding would have provided the highlights of what could well have been a real thriller. As it was, the spectators probably left Highbury with a feeling that a goalless draw was a result that gave justice to both sides. Our team showed changes from that which lost against Blackburn Rovers; Andy Malcolm missed his first game since last August (Geoff Hurst taking over at right-half) while Harrv Obeney and John Dick returned to the forward-line.
The first half was mostly in favour of the Gunners, whose attack looked more likely to score than our own. However, some excellent saves by Brian Rhodes and clever covering by the Hammers' rear-guard, in which Ken Brown was outstanding, kept the score-sheet blank, and we went in at half-time with the feeling that an improvement in our forward-play could well lead to a most welcome win.
The improvement was forthcoming after the interval, and by the closing minutes we had gained the upper hand and were playing with far greater confidence. In fact with only four minutes to go it looked certain that we were to reap the reward of persistence when John Dick shot from ten yards past the advancing Jack Kelsey.
LEICESTER CITY
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Dick)
31 March 1961
Att: 22,010
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Grice
Woosnam
Obeney
Dick
Musgrove
The only really satisfactory item about this game from the Hammers' viewpoint was that an eighth minute goal kept both the points at the Boleyn Ground. For the remainder of the time we squandered opportunities that came on several occasions through good approach work; it was thus all the more ironical that this solitary score should come as a result of a long down-field clearance that bounced over a Leicester defender's head to give John Dick the chance to gather the ball and run on to lob it past the advancing Gordon Banks.
Of the visiting attack not a great deal was seen, but it was generally conceded that in defence they could present quite a problem to the Spurs' forwards in the Cup Final.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Musgrove)
1 April 1961
Att: 18,997
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Hurst
Brett
Cartwright
Obeney
Dick
Musgrove
With Phil Woosnam unable to play plus the decision to make other changes we brought in Geoff Hurst at left-half and formed a new right-wing of Ron Brett and John Cartwright (the latter making his first League appearance of 1960-61). The changes appeared to have had effect when Malcolm Musgrove got his head to a low-centred ball from Cartwright and diverted it into the net to give us a one-minute lead. However this promise was short-lived, as seven minutes later Albert Scanlon headed home Bell's long lob with our surprised defence caught off balance, and it was 1-1. For most of the remainder of the first half is was "all Hammers," and in a quarter-of-an-hour period just before the interval the Northerners' goal underwent amazing escapes when we hit defenders and woodwork. However that was almost the last of the excitement, and the remaining 45 minutes provided a generally uninteresting spectacle with each side in turn making bad passes and similar mistakes. Ivor Allchurch was one of the few exceptions to this, but he must have been considerably disappointed with the poor response from his Newcastle colleagues who threw away excellent chances of going home with more than one point.
LEICESTER CITY
Filbert Street
1 - 5 (Kirkup)
3 April 1961
Att: 23,776
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Hurst
Scott
Boyce
SEALEY
Dick
Musgrove
For the return against the Cup Finalists we made forward changes. Tony Scott and Ron Boyce forming the right-wing and Alan Sealey making his debut in First Division soccer.
Our debutant centre-forward did quite well, but it was his opposite number who got the star rating on the afternoon's play, for young Hugh Mcllmoyle (also making his initial appearance in City's First Team) began the second-minute move which ended in Albert Cheesebrough putting the Blues ahead. Mcllmoyle continued to play well, and had the satisfaction of netting his side's fourth goal a quarter-of-an-hour from the end.
In the interim Joe Kirkup had also got his first goal in League soccer when he raced upfield and took a pass from John Bond to put us on level terms. We held the City to 1—1 until two minutes from the interval, but in the space of a minute Cheesebrough and Riley gave their side a useful lead. Mcllmoyle's goal put City 4—1 in front, and the finale came near the final whistle when Cheesebrough completed his hat-trick.
A disappointing report it is true, but the following final paragraph from one press review is not without significance: " West Ham have problems, but they will not be so obvious against other teams. Leicester were back at their best." We sampled City's defence in the first game : this time it was their attack which caught the eye, and we confirm our previous remarks that Spurs may find a harder task than was expected in the Final.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
City Ground
1 - 1 (Dick)
8 April 1961
Att: 23,083
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Sealey
Dick
Musgrove
Phil Woosnam returned to the team after undergoing a sinus operation and had a good game, being very unlucky not to score in the second half when his shot struck a team-mate with the ball on its way to the net. Phil's forward-line colleagues were all well in the picture, and gave the home defence a harrowing time. However, we found teen-age Peter Grummitt in grand form between the sticks for Forest, and he kept us out except when John Dick headed home one of Tony Scott's many fine centres after play had been in progress 16 minutes.
That goal looked good enough to give us full spoils, for play fell off in the second half and there were no real threats to our goal. It was thus rather an anti-climax when nine minutes from time Forest got the equaliser.
Ron Greenwood
After a 4 hour meeting on Monday 10 April 1961 with the West Ham Board, Ron Greenwood accepted the Manager's job on Tuesday 11 April 1961. Greenwood will commence his coaching role on Wednesday 13 April 1961.
Ron Greenwood’s first game in charge was two day's later against Manchester City at Upton Park on 15 April 1961
MANCHESTER CITY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Sealey)
15 April 1961
Att: 17,982
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Sealey
Dick
Musgrove
The City were thankful for the point which took them nearer safety, but they certainly " got away with it" when the referee did not award a penalty for what appeared to be the most obvious "bringing down" of the season; at the time we were leading by 1-0 through a goal by Alan Sealey (his first in Division I), who had been unfortunate earlier on to see one of his shots strike the leg of the diving Bert Trautmann and then divert over the bar. There were other occasions when it seemed certain we must score, but stalwart work by the City defenders covered a below-par Trautmann, and we could not add to that solitary counter.
In the circumstances it was not surprising that the visitors kept hopefully prodding at our own rearguard, and their efforts were rewarded five minutes from time when Colin Barlow got the equaliser. The City were to be commended for sticking to their task, and on that count alone perhaps earned their share of the spoils in a match which on a number of occasions rose well above the standard usually associated with "relegation duels."
BURNLEY
Turf Moor
2 - 2 (Musgrove 2)
18 April 1961
Att: 11,609
Rhodes
Kirkup
Bond
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Boyce
Sealey
Dick
Musgrove
REPORT:
CARDIFF CITY
Ninian Park
1 - 1 (Dick)
22 April 1961
Att: 9,549
Rhodes
Kirkup
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Moore
Scott
Woosnam
Sealey
Dick
Musgrove
Once more we came back in the second half after being a goal down at the interval. It was to some extent a match of two parts, with the exchanges in favour of the Bluebirds until the 37th minute.
A couple of minutes before that City had taken the lead with a shot from Donnelly, and they earnestly appealed for another goal soon afterwards when Baker's free-kick rebounded into play. However, from thence onwards our XI showed up better on the muddy surface, and we might well have gained full spoils. Tony Scott's square centre ended with John Dick crashing the ball past Vearncombe for the 69th-minute equaliser, and after that there were many exciting spells with the Hammers generally having the better of the exchanges. But taking all things into consideration it was a fair draw, for in our defence Brian Rhodes made several good saves and Ken Brown well held Tapscott, while at the other end Phil Woosnam was unfortunate to see one of his shots hit an upright. Certainly the tussle merited a better attendance than the official return of 9,549.
BURNLEY
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Woosnam)
29 April 1961
Att: 18,759
Rhodes
Kirkup
Lyall
Malcolm
Brown
Hurst
Scott
Woosnam
Sealey
Dick
Musgrove
REPORT: