WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1962-63 South East Counties League
NO Programmes issued for Home games at Chadwell Heath in the League
MILLWALL
Chadwell Heath
1 - 3 (Harvey)
18 August 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Archer, Lillington, White, Porter, Redknapp, Herbage, Harvey, Gadston, Freeman
REPORT:
LEYTON ORIENT
Walthamstow
2 - 1 (Harvey 2)
25 August 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Kitchener, Needham, White, Howe, Farr, Porter, Harvey, Gadston, Archer
REPORT:
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Chadwell Heath
0 - 6
1 September 1962
Barnard, Burnett, Kitchener, Needham, White, Archer, Hoy, Herbage, Harvey, Gadston, Freeman
Rangers, sharp and full of running, overwhelmed a flat and ineffective West Ham side. The visitors repeatedly sliced through an overworked defence left exposed by forwards who couldn’t keep the ball. The Hammers never rediscovered their early‑season fluency and, already two down at the break, were ultimately swept aside 6–0.
LEYTON ORIENT
Chadwell Heath
1 - 2 (Unknown)
8 September 1962
Hadlow, Burnett, Kitchener, Needham, White, Porter, Redknapp, Deadman, Harvey, Gadston, Neale
Leyton Orient may have taken the points with a 2–1 win, but the match underlined the promise in our Under‑18s. West Ham controlled long stretches and, with sharper finishing, would almost certainly have come out on top. The defence looked far stronger than in the previous week’s setback, leaving plenty of reason to feel encouraged about what lies ahead.
WATFORD
Chadwell Heath
1 - 4 (Gadston)
15 September 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Kitchener, Stables, Needham, Porter, Redknapp, McGowan, Gadston, West, Neale
West Ham began brightly at Chadwell Heath, pouncing on a Watford mistake for Joe Gadston to fire them ahead inside six minutes. For a spell the sides were evenly matched, with both defences largely in control, until a poor clearance gifted Watford an equaliser. They then edged in front with a goal the Hammers felt was offside.
After the break the game slipped away. The West Ham forwards faded, the pressure mounted, and Watford struck again eight minutes into the half before adding a late fourth to seal a 4–1 defeat.
WATFORD
Vicarage Road
0 - 4
22 September 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Kitchener, Needham, White, Porter, Redknapp, Abbott, Gadston, Ralston, Archer
The Colts’ struggles in the South East Counties League continued, largely down to a lack of attacking strength against sides packed with apprentices. With our squad built mostly from Junior Team graduates, the gap has been clear.
The return fixture at Watford underlined it. Having lost 1–4 the previous week, the trip to Vicarage Road showed an even sharper contrast between the teams. A defensive lapse put us behind after six minutes, and only a string of excellent saves from Colin Mackleworth kept the half‑time deficit to 0–3. The defence tightened after the break and conceded just a late penalty, but up front we rarely broke through a tough, committed back line and squandered the few chances we created.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Cheshunt
4 - 5 (Gadston 2, Hervey, Storrar)
29 September 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Kitchener, Porter, White, Archer, Storrar, Needham, Harvey, Gadston, Ralston
The match simmered for most of the first half, both sides solid at the back, before bursting into life after the break. With seven minutes left the Hammers led 4–2—having scored all six goals themselves through Gadston, Storrar and Harvey, plus two unfortunate own goals. Spurs hit back with two sharp finishes, but the real sting came in the final minute when the referee awarded a soft penalty after a harmless tangle in our box. Even the Spurs player involved apologised, admitting he was the one who fouled. It was a far livelier, more incisive display from our forwards than in recent weeks, and the side deserved at least a draw.
ARSENAL : SECL Cup
London Colney
1 - 5 (Harvey)
6 October 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Kitchener, Needham, White, Porter, Redknapp, Herbage, Harvey, Gadston, Ralston
Arsenal, boosted by nine full‑time apprentices, always had the edge in this South East Counties League Cup tie at London Colney. They led 3–1 at the break and eventually ran out 5–1 winners, Steve Harvey grabbing our goal.
Even so, the young Hammers battled gamely and were a touch unfortunate to trail by so much at half‑time. The defence tightened up after the interval, and Joe Gadston worked tirelessly and intelligently up front, though he lacked the support his efforts deserved.
SOUTHAMPTON : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (First Round)
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Bennett, Sissons)
8 October 1962
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
West Ham fielded a stronger side for the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup tie against Southampton, bolstered by extra apprentices and two full‑time professionals. They needed that added experience, as the Saints also included three apprentices and two senior pros—most notably the imposing Martin Chivers, fresh from a First Team outing against Chelsea. The six‑foot centre‑forward was a constant threat, leading a savvy, well‑drilled Southampton side that combined know‑how with some excellent football.
BEXLEYHEATH & WELLING
Park View Road
1 - 2 (Dryden)
13 October 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Kitchener, Howe, White, Archer, Redknapp, Needham, Bennett, Gadston, Dryden
With a stronger side available, West Ham dominated from the first whistle and Bexleyheath were never really in contention. The Young Hammers carved out chance after chance and could easily have hit double figures, but over‑elaboration and some tame finishing kept the scoreline tight.
Dryden opened the scoring on 12 minutes from a fine Bobby Howe pass, and Peter Bennett added a penalty soon after - tucking home at the second attempt. A late break down the right gave Bexleyheath their consolation, leaving West Ham with a 2–1 win that should have been far more emphatic.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Chadwell Heath
3 - 1 (Harvey 2, Storrar)
20 October 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Moore, Porter, White, Wallace, Redknapp, Storrar, Harvey, Ralston, Woodhouse
Both sides fielded triallists and plenty of younger players, and our three debutants - Richard Moore, David Wallace and John Woodhouse—rose to the occasion with assured performances. Dennis Burnett, making his first appearance since turning professional, stood out in particular, showing real composure and a touch of class with his thoughtful, constructive play.
SOUTHAMPTON : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (First Round Replay)
The Dell
4 - 2 (Bennett, Britt, Dryden, Sissons)
24 October 1962
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
REPORT:
BEXLEYHEATH & WELLING
Chadwell Heath
2 - 0 (Lillington, Woodhouse)
27 October 1962
Hadlow, Moore, Archer, Porter, White, Wallace, Redknapp, Needham, Storrar, Lillington, Woodhouse
Harry Redknapp was lively throughout the first half, carving out several openings, and one of his runs led to John Woodhouse putting us ahead after half an hour. But too many of Redknapp’s chances went begging, and after the break Bexley took control, squandering a string of opportunities despite our defence battling hard. Five minutes from time the Hammers finally broke free, and Graham Lillington tucked away Richard Storrar’s pass to clinch the match.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Chadwell Heath
4 - 3 (Gadston 2, Needham, Unknown)
3 November 1962
Line-up Unknown
Both teams played some neat football early on, with West Ham building well but lacking bite in the box. After the Robins struck first on eight minutes, Joe Gadston levelled from a sharp Harry Redknapp run, and the same pairing combined again just before the break to make it 2–1.
The visitors equalised almost instantly after the restart, but Terry Needham restored the lead, and with one more goal each before the end the Hammers held on for a 4–3 win.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Warlingham
4 - 1 (Archer 2, Storrar 2)
10 November 1962
Line-up Unknown
West Ham eventually ran out 4–1 winners, but the match stayed tight until the closing stages. Terry Archer’s sharp first‑half finish gave the Hammers a narrow interval lead, yet Palace came out strongly after the break and levelled within six minutes.
The turning point arrived in the 75th minute as West Ham regained the advantage, and from there they pulled away comfortably, with Archer and Dick Storrar adding the second‑half goals. Throughout, the defence remained composed, with Dave Abbott and Bill Kitchener firmly in control of Palace’s flank raids
MILLWALL : London Minor Cup (First Round)
Upton Park
7 - 1 (Britt 4, Sissons 2, Dryden)
12 November 1962
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
West Ham’s superiority was absolute against an all‑amateur Young Lions side, turning the match into near one‑way traffic for the 1,300 watching. Four goals up by half‑time, the Hammers might easily have run up an even bigger total than the eventual 7–1. Martin Britt helped himself to four, with John Sissons and John Dryden completing the scoring in a commanding display.
LUTON TOWN
Stockingston Road
3 - 2 (Neale, Needham, Porter)
17 November 1962
Line-up Unknown
REPORT:
ARSENAL
London Colney
0 - 3
24 November 1962
Line-up Unknown
REPORT:
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : London Minor Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
5 - 0 (Britt 3, Charles, Sissons [pen])
26 November 1962
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
Despite Spurs fielding four full professionals and three apprentices, they still couldn’t contain the Hammers, who powered into the Semi‑Final with a commanding 5–0 win. Martin Britt struck another hat‑trick, while John Charles and John Sissons - via a penalty- completed an emphatic victory.
PORTSMOUTH
Royal Marines Ground
1 - 0 (Ralston)
1 December 1962
Hadlow, Stables, Archer, Porter, White, Wallace, Thomson, Gadston, Ralston, West, Neale
A superb 1–0 win for an all‑amateur West Ham side against a Pompey team packed with nine apprentices. On the heavy pitch the young Hammers looked far more assured, at times leaving Portsmouth chasing shadows. The defence was outstanding - Archer flawless at left‑back and Hadlow unbeatable when called upon - while Billy West impressed with his control up front. Roger Ralston settled it with a fine 78th‑minute header, sealing a memorable triumph.
BRENTFORD
Chadwell Heath
2 - 0 (Gadston, West)
8 December 1962
Meadows, Abbott, Kitchener, Porter, White, Archer, Thomson, Gadston, Stables, West, Neale
West Ham mastered the conditions and the contest, winning 2–0 with smart, controlled football in a swirling wind. The defence stayed firmly in charge throughout, leaving the keeper largely untroubled. Joe Gadston’s neat chest control and finish put the Hammers ahead on 37 minutes, and early in the second half Billy West tucked away Tony Porter’s hard‑earned cross to settle it.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Dryden, Redknapp) aet 1-1 at 90 mins
10 December 1962
Mackleworth,
Burnett
Kitchener
Needham
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Gadston
Dryden
West Ham went into their Southern Junior Floodlit Cup Quarter‑Final without John Sissons and the injured Trevor Dawkins, drafting in Terry Needham and Joe Gadston. Spurs, much stronger than the side beaten 5–0 a fortnight earlier, arrived with four full pros and five apprentices - and with a family twist: cousins Dennis Burnett and Joe Gadston lining up for the Hammers, and Alan Dennis for Spurs.
Tottenham struck inside five minutes and held that lead until John Dryden levelled after the break. With the match tied 1–1 after ninety minutes, extra‑time followed. Harry Redknapp put West Ham ahead early on, only for Spurs to hit back with a direct free‑kick. A 2–2 draw felt about right: Spurs had the early edge, but the Hammers finished the stronger and showed the greater stamina.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
The Valley
1 - 4 (Thomson)
15 December 1962
Meadows, Abbott, Archer, Porter, Needham, Wallace, Thomson, Dawkins, Storrar, West, Neale
Charlton arrived winless in 17 but produced a surprisingly dominant performance. Thomson’s speculative effort gave West Ham the lead after half an hour, only for the visitors to level just before the break. Three quick‑fire goals early in the second half—on 13, 14 and 20 minutes - put the Young Robins firmly in control at 4–1. The Hammers rallied late on but couldn’t change the outcome.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION : FA Youth Cup (Second Round)
Goldstone Ground
3 - 3 (Dryden 2, Sissons)
17 December 1962
Mackleworth, Burnett, Kitchener, Dawkins, Charles J., Howe, Redknapp, Bennett, Britt, Sissons, Dryden
West Ham’s Youth Cup tie at the Goldstone Ground turned into a breathless, end‑to‑end contest. John Dryden struck twice inside half an hour to put the Hammers in charge - Brighton even missed a penalty - before David Kydd’s 25‑yard free‑kick pulled one back. John Sissons restored the cushion just before the break, only for Kydd to hit back straight from the restart and then set up Phil Gilbert for Brighton’s equaliser ten minutes later. From there it became a full‑blooded chase for a winner, but neither side could find it, leaving the tie to be settled in a replay at Upton Park.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION : FA Youth Cup (Second Round Replay)
Upton Park
6 - 1 (Britt 3, Archer, Dryden, Sissons)
18 February 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
West Ham’s youngsters made absolutely sure there would be no repeat of the 3–3 thriller at the Goldstone, taking command of the replayed Youth Cup tie at Upton Park from the outset. Johnny Sissons opened the scoring on 27 minutes, and right on the stroke of half‑time Martin Britt doubled the lead.
Britt struck again ten minutes after the restart, and within two minutes John Dryden made it 4–0, effectively ending any hope Brighton had of an upset. The visitors pulled one back, but Terry Archer - drafted in as an emergency left‑winger - capped a superb individual display with a fine solo goal on 65 minutes. Britt then completed his hat‑trick to round off a resounding 6–1 victory.
Archer, usually a half‑back or full‑back for the under‑16s, proved a revelation in attack. Thrown in because of Peter Bennett’s illness and Dryden’s switch to inside‑right, he became a constant menace and one of the standout performers of the night.
ARSENAL
Chadwell Heath
3 - 0 (Archer, Bennett, Redknapp)
2 March 1963
Hadlow, Stables, Kitchener, Porter, White, Howe, ,Redknapp, Gadston, Bennett, Dryden, Archer
West Ham struggled for rhythm early on, bunching badly and allowing Arsenal to shade a goalless first half. The reshuffle after the break changed everything. Terry Archer, moved into the centre, immediately unsettled the Gunners and struck the opener eleven minutes into the half.
Peter Bennett added a second four minutes later, and Harry Redknapp wrapped things up on 33 minutes, completing a transformed performance and a deserved 3–0 victory.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Second Round Replay)
White Hart Lane
0 - 2
4 March 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Archer
Gadston
Dryden
Spurs finally had their say in this third encounter this season, winning the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup Second Round replay by a clear two‑goal margin. West Ham had beaten them 5–0 and then drawn 2–2 in the earlier meetings, but this time the Lilywhites were the sharper, stronger side and earned their place in the Semi‑Final.
Perhaps the absence of West Ham’s two additional full professionals might have made a difference, yet on the night the exchanges favoured Tottenham, and their victory was a fair reflection of the play.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Chadwell Heath
1 - 2 (Thomson)
9 March 1963
Hadlow, Abbott, Porter, Stables, Deadman, Wallace, Thomson, Gadston, Storrar, West, Neale
The match was battered by wind and driving rain, yet both sides handled the conditions admirably. Brighton’s physical strength told just before the interval, when they struck twice in the space of two minutes.
West Ham came out far the brighter after the break, pressing almost constantly. Thomson pulled one back five minutes into the half, and the Hammers carved out several promising chances thereafter, but despite the pressure the equaliser stubbornly refused to come.
SWINDON TOWN : FA Youth Cup (Third Round)
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Sissons 2, Britt, Dryden)
11 March 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
West Ham moved confidently into the last sixteen of the F.A. Youth Cup with a strong Third Round win over a highly regarded Swindon Town Colts side. The visitors, bolstered by players with Football Combination experience, matched the Hammers for the opening twenty minutes of each half, but over the full distance West Ham proved the stronger, fitter team.
By the time Swindon registered their only goal - an unfortunate own‑goal - the tie was already long beyond them. John Sissons struck twice with an excellent all‑round display, scoring on 15 and 65 minutes, while John Dryden added another on 19 minutes. Martin Britt rounded things off just after the hour, netting in the 67th minute to complete a convincing 4–1 victory.
A composed, authoritative performance that sets up an away Fourth Round meeting with either Portsmouth or Southampton.
CHELSEA
Hendon
1 - 1 (Unknown)
13 March 1963
Line-up Unknown
REPORT:
PORTSMOUTH
Chadwell Heath
0 - 1
16 March 1963
Hadlow, Abbott, Porter, Stables, Deadman, Wallace, Hoy, Storrar, Ralston, West, Neale
West Ham did most of the pressing for the bulk of the match, yet a single Portsmouth goal proved decisive. The Hammers - re‑shuffled but spirited - created enough moments to trouble the visitors, who survived several close calls. What ultimately told was the absence of a cutting edge: plenty of approach play, plenty of territory, but not quite enough force at the finish to turn pressure into goals.
MILLWALL
Greenwich
0 - 1
23 March 1963
Meadows, Burtoni, Archer, Stables, Berry, West, Thomson, Follows, Storrar, Herbage, Neale
West Ham again created a stack of opportunities but couldn’t turn any of them into a goal, and for long spells it seemed the match might drift to a goalless finish. Instead, Millwall snatched the only strike of the game with a scrambled effort in the 63rd minute.
Three triallists from the Leicester area were drafted in and showed clear promise, yet without familiarity alongside the regulars the cohesion wasn’t quite there. A frustrating defeat, shaped more by missed chances than anything the Lions produced.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
1 - 7 ([og])
30 March 1963
Hadlow, Abbott, Porter, Stables, Moss, Wallace, Thomson, Lillington, Storrar, Mattocks, Neale
Brighton came out flying and had West Ham under real pressure early on, but once the Hammers settled they began to impose themselves and even edged the initiative for a spell. Two defensive lapses, though, handed the home side a 2–0 lead inside 23 minutes. An own goal before the break offered a lifeline, making it 2–1 at half‑time.
Any hope of a revival vanished almost immediately after the restart when Brighton’s left‑half produced a superb strike, and from there the Hammers faded badly. Four further goals followed as the side wilted in the closing stages, rarely looking capable of stemming the tide. A tough afternoon, and one that slipped away rapidly once the second half began.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Chadwell Heath
3 - 4 (Porter 2 [2 pens], Wallace)
8 April 1963
Player 1
West Ham’s youngsters took a while to settle, but once they did they produced long stretches of the best football in the match, often outplaying a more seasoned Spurs side despite a troublesome cross‑field wind. Porter’s first‑half penalty put the Hammers ahead, and he repeated the feat soon after the interval. Although Spurs pulled one back, Wallace restored the two‑goal cushion with a sharp, opportunist finish.
From there, though, Tottenham steadied themselves and gradually took control of the closing stages. They clawed their way back into contention and, six minutes from time, a contentious decision handed them the goal that sealed a 4–3 win. Given the balance of play, West Ham could feel they had earned at least a share of the spoils.
FULHAM
Chadwell Heath
0 - 3
20 April 1963
Hadlow, Porter, Archer, Stables, Needham, Walton, McGowan, Winter, Lillington, Herbage, Hoy
Despite fielding four schoolboy triallists against a Fulham side close to full Youth Cup strength, West Ham produced a brave and often impressive display before eventually going down 3–0. Fulham didn’t break through until the 33rd minute, and even then the Hammers carved out enough chances that a natural finisher might well have levelled things.
A penalty eight minutes into the second half effectively decided the contest, and Fulham added a third with around fifteen minutes remaining. Even so, the young Hammers caused the competition leaders plenty of anxious moments and played some genuinely high‑quality football in patches.
PORTSMOUTH : FA Youth Cup (Fourth Round)
Fratton Park
3 - 1 (Dryden, Howe, Sissons)
25 April 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
West Ham were second‑best for much of the first half at Fratton Park, and Portsmouth’s 1–0 interval lead was no more than they deserved. The restart, though, brought a complete transformation. Within five minutes John Dryden had levelled, and soon after Martin Britt’s thunderous effort crashed off the bar for John Sissons to nod in the rebound and turn the tie on its head.
The pick of the goals came from Bobby Howe, who stepped forward and drove a superb 20‑yard strike in off the inside of the post to seal a 3–1 victory. A sluggish opening, but a superb, authoritative second‑half response from the young Hammers.
ASTON VILLA : FA Youth Cup (Quarter-Final)
Upton Park
4 - 2 (Britt 2, Sissons 2)
30 April 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
West Ham’s youngsters served up a wonderfully dramatic cup tie, full of momentum swings and moments of real quality. Sissons’ 20th‑minute strike gave the Hammers the early edge, but there was always a sense that Villa had something in them—and so it proved when they levelled with a crisp effort from the edge of the box midway through the second half.
What followed was a blistering spell of football. Within three minutes Martin Britt powered straight through the middle, beating two defenders and coolly rounding the keeper to restore the lead. Two minutes later he rose to meet Harry Redknapp’s corner with a superb header, seemingly putting the game beyond Villa.
But the Midlanders refused to fold. Eades struck again in the 79th minute to make it 3–2 and set up a tense finale. After a brief injury stoppage, Britt produced yet another surging run through the centre, this time slipping the ball perfectly for Sissons to finish and finally settle the contest at 4–2.
A crowd of 6,500 were treated to a cracking evening’s entertainment, and their encouragement clearly helped steady the side when the match threatened to slip away. Britt and Sissons naturally took the headlines, but the defence—backed by Colin Mackleworth’s fearless goalkeeping—played a huge part in containing a lively Villa forward line.
FULHAM
Craven Cottage
0 - 4
4 May 1963
Hadlow, Porter, Archer, Stables, Needham, Walton, McGowan, Winter, Lillington, Herbage, Hoy
West Ham stood up well early on against a near full‑strength West London youth side clearly intent on keeping pace with Chelsea Colts in the title race. The Hammers held firm until the 22nd minute, when the home team finally broke through, though West Ham carved out enough chances before the interval to have drawn level.
After the break, the difference in experience began to show. The hosts tightened their grip on the match and added three further goals without response, leaving the young Hammers well beaten despite their spirited first‑half resistance.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Winchester Cup (Final)
White Hart Lane
2 - 3 (Hoy, Lillington)
6 May 1963
Hadlow
Abbott
Archer
Wylde
Moss
Porter
McGowan
Lillington
Hoy
West
Neale
West Ham had the experience to make the Winchester Cup Final their own, but the performance never quite matched the occasion. Despite eight players with South East Counties League minutes under their belts, the side lacked urgency and allowed a winnable match to slip away.
Graham Lillington and Roger Hoy turned the game around to give the Hammers a 2–1 half‑time lead, and with Spurs down to ten men it looked a promising position. The injured Tottenham player returned after the break, limited but determined, and his side responded with a spirited late surge. Two goals in the closing stages overturned West Ham’s advantage, sealing a 3–2 win for the North Londoners and leaving the Hammers to reflect on an opportunity missed.
LUTON TOWN
Chadwell Heath
3 - 3 (Archer, Walton, White)
11 May 1963
Hadlow, Porter, Ackerman, White, West, Walton, Herbage, Gadston, Lillington, Hoy, Archer
The match really did feel like two separate contests stitched together. With the wind at their backs, the visitors seized control almost immediately, scoring in the first minute and again inside fifteen. A third followed before the break, helped along by a West Ham defence that never quite settled in the swirling conditions.
The reshuffle at half‑time - most notably Terry Archer dropping into the back line - changed the complexion entirely. The defence steadied, Billy Hadlow was barely troubled, and the Hammers pushed forward with purpose. The pressure finally told as Archer, Billy White and John Walton hauled the side level, and from there the momentum was entirely claret‑and‑blue.
Given the number of chances carved out in that second period, the only frustration was that the comeback didn’t quite stretch to a winner. A stirring recovery all the same, and a reminder of how dramatically a game can swing once the wind - and the organisation—turns in your favour.
FULHAM : London Minor Cup (Semi-Final)
Upton Park
9 - 2 (Britt 3, Bennett 2, Sissons 2, Dryden, Redknapp)
14 May 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
West Ham’s youngsters delivered a commanding, almost ruthless display to reach the Final, the 9–2 scoreline reflecting both their quality and their experience. Fulham may be destined to finish runners‑up in the South East Counties League, but the gulf on the day was shaped by the Hammers’ pedigree: every player with Metropolitan League football behind them, nine with regular Reserve‑team exposure, and Britt, Charles and Sissons already League debutants and Youth internationals.
The tie had a “how many” feel almost from the outset. Three goals in the opening 18 minutes effectively settled matters, and although a rare defensive lapse allowed Fulham to pull one back from a long free‑kick, West Ham restored their cushion almost immediately. By the time Fulham forced a second—bundling Colin Mackleworth over the line late on—the Hammers had already surged to 8–1, killing the contest with a devastating burst just after the interval.
The final flourish came in the last minute: Harry Redknapp meeting a sweeping cross‑field pass from John Dryden with a crisp first‑time strike from the edge of the box, arguably the pick of the afternoon.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Loftus Road
0 - 3
16 May 1963
Line-up Unknown
REPORT:
BRENTFORD
Griffin Park
? - ?
18 May 1963
Line-up Unknown
REPORT:
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS : FA Youth Cup (Semi-Final)
Molineux
2 - 2 (Britt, Dawkins)
18 May 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
REPORT:
REPORT:
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS : FA Youth Cup (Semi-Final Replay)
Upton Park
4 - 2 (Bennett, Britt, Dryden, Sissons)
21 May 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
LIVERPOOL : FA Youth Cup (Final - 1st leg)
Anfield
1 - 3 (Dryden)
23 May 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
REPORT:
CHELSEA
Chadwell Heath
1 - 0 (Unknown)
24 May 1963
Line-up Unknown
REPORT:
REPORT:
LIVERPOOL : FA Youth Cup (Final - 2nd leg)
Upton Park
5 - 2 (Britt 4, Dawkins)
25 May 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
CHELSEA : London Minor Cup (Final)
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Britt, Howe)
27 May 1963
Mackleworth
Burnett
Kitchener
Dawkins
Charles J.
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Archer
Dryden
REPORT:
