WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
1963-64 South East Counties League
Manager: ?
NO Programmes issued for Home games at Chadwell Heath in the League
ARSENAL
London Colney
1 - 1 (Gadston)
24 August 1963
Mackleworth, Porter, Archer, Needham, Andrew, James, Allix, Herbage, Lillington, Gadston, Hoy
We visited the London Colney ground of Arsenal Colts for our first South East Counties League match of the season. The Hammers took the lead in the tenth minute when after a spate of clever inter-passing Joe Gadston stabbed the ball into the corner of the net. We looked like holding the advantage until the end, and might well have done so had not the ball trickled into our net after Colin Mackleworth had apparently parried it safely away for a corner. We came back in attack and had good efforts by Gadston and Allix repelled, but in general the 1—1 draw was a fair result overall.
Centre-half George Andrew from Scotland fitted well into our defensive pattern and had a good game.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Chadwell Heath
3 - 0 (Gadston 2, Lillington)
31 August 1963
Mackleworth, Porter, Archer, Needham, Andrew, James, Hoy, Herbage, Lillington, Gadston, Allix
At no time did the Hammers look like losing this game, and it was not until Colin Mackleworth was injured in the closing stages that the Spurs got into the picture. A goal by Joe Gadston put us on the way to victory in the seventh minute, and a solo effort by Graham Lillington who retained possession and forced his way through from outside the penalty-area after half-an-hour's play made it 2-0 at half-time. Plenty of good passing and understanding made our performance a fine display of team-work, and we set the seal when Gadston converted from the penalty-spot a minute from time after a foul on the injured Mackleworth (who was by then on the right-wing).
LEYTON ORIENT
Chadwell Heath
4 - 2 (Gadston 2, Lillington 2)
7 September 1963
Mackleworth, Porter, Archer, Needham, Stables, James, Hoy, Herbage, Lillington, Gadston, Allix
A very enthusiastic match with plenty of vim and vigour. With two previous victories to their credit it was obvious that the O's were likely to provide strong opposition, and that we deservedly beat them 4—2 was a most creditable performance. A well-taken shot on the run by Joe Gadston opened the score in the 13th minute, and this was the only goal of the first half. Orient equalised within four minutes of the restart, but we were ahead again through Gadston two minutes afterwards ; a further equaliser after 57 minutes' play came from the opposition, but two more well-taken goals by Graham Lillington (76 and 84 minutes) made the issue safe.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Eltham
1 - 3 (Hay)
14 September 1963
Mackleworth, Porter, Abbott, Needham, Archer, James, Hay, Herbage, Sprately, West, Allix
After their previous good performances this was a disappointing display by the Hammers. With some newcomers in the side they never really struck up a rhythm throughout the game on a narrow pitch, but full marks go to the Athletic for a fast and spirited show. The Reds took the lead in the 19th minute and from then on for the rest of the first half were well in command, netting a second goal before the interval. Another soon after the restart virtually settled the issue, but we did manage a late rally and Roddy Hay scrambled home a consolation to make the final score 3-1.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Chadwell Heath
3 - 3 (Gadston, ?, ?)
21 September 1963
Mackleworth, Needham, Porter, Wylde, Stables, James, Allix, Harris, Hoy, Gadston, Hay
The Palace included four players in their side with Reserve Team experience, and their strong and robust style did not help us to settle down easily; however, we did succeed in getting the only goal of the first half. After the interval the Young Glaziers went ahead, and although we again drew level they then made it 3-2. The score stayed that way until two minutes from the end, when Joe Gadston forced his way through to bring the final equaliser.
ARSENAL : SECL Cup (First Round)
Chadwell Heath
0 - 0
28 September 1963
Mackleworth, Needham, Archer, Stables, Andrew, James, Hay, Harris, Lillington, Gadston, Allix
This game had all the earmarks of a draw from the early stages, as neither team appeared penetrative and the attacks were generally well held by the defences. Arsenal gave our rearguard a few anxious moments soon after the start and the situation was reversed in the closing minutes, but a tricky wind caused many errors of judgement. The Gunners were well served by goalkeeper Black, but although a goalless 90 minutes brought extra time the additional play was a mere formality.
SOUTHAMPTON : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (First Round)
Upton Park
10 - 1 (Redknapp 3, Sissons 3, Britt 2, Bennett, Dryden)
30 September 1962
Att: 3,300
Mackleworth
Needham
Kitchener
Dawkins
Andrew
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
Our under-18 Colts' Team resumed the cup trail when they met Southampton Colts in the First Round of the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup at Upton Park, and their performance before an attendance of 3,300 showed that once again they must be reckoned among the favourites in this season's competitions. Nine of the 1962-63 regular side are available, and in this particular game the places of Dennis Burnett and John Charles (both ineligible on the age-limit) were taken by George Andrew (our recent professional signing) and Terry Needham.
Both newcomers played a useful part in our team's 10-1 victory, but the "star" of the evening proved to be Harry Redknapp, who not only scored a personal hat-trick in the first half (14, 38, 39 mins.), but also bedevilled the Saints' defence time and time again after the interval.
It was unfortunate for the Hampshire club that one of their players was injured early on (although he was able to return), but this made virtually no difference in the long run as in the second half alone we hit the woodwork four times. The visitors' 'keeper — Peter Higgins — gave a very courageous display (sustaining some hard knocks in the process), but could do nothing to prevent the Hammers from scoring at more or less regular intervals. Johnny Sissons also got a hat-trick (39. 46, 50 mins.) and the other goals came from Martin Britt (28, 86 mins.), Peter Bennett (63 mins.) and John Dryden (88 mins.).
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Chadwell Heath
1 - 1 (Hoy)
5 October 1963
Mackleworth, Needham, Archer, Stables, Andrew, James, Hoy, West, Lillington, Gadston, Allix
Top-of-the-Table Rangers (with nine points from five games) nearly sustained their first defeat, as it was not until three minutes from time that they got the equaliser to make the final score 1-1 ; even though it was a good shot that gained the opposition a point, the Hammers were to blame for allowing the scorer to get in too close before making a tackle, and it was a disappointment not to win. Due credit must go to both sides in a spirited game ; we could have gained a more decisive half-time margin with a little more determination in front of goal (a Q.P.R. defender diverted Roddy Hoy's shot for our tally), and Rangers deserved their point in a determined second-half rally.
MILLWALL
Chadwell Heath
1 - 2 ([og])
12 October 1963
Mackleworth, Porter, Ackerman, Wylde, Stables, James, Allix, West, Lillington, Main, King
There were three newcomers in the side, but even allowing for this lack of experience the standard was not very high. Our solitary goal came just before the interval when a Lions' defender put through his own goal to equalise the one they had scored eight minutes after the start. We had control in midfield and Lillington battled hard "up front" - only to find the task beyond him due to little support and the fact that we had two "passengers" on both wings for most of the second half. Millwall's winning goal came after 63 minutes' play.
ARSENAL : SECL Cup (First Round Replay)
London Colney
1 - 3 (Porter [pen])
19 October 1963
Mackleworth, Bates, Porter, Stables, Andrew, James, Harris, Hoy, Lillington, West, Allix
During the opening stages the Hammers produced some pretty, accurate but rather ineffectual football, but although in control did not display much urgency. Although assisted by two defensive errors, Arsenal took the lead against the run of the play with goals in the 13th and 16th minutes. After the interval there was more vim and vigour from the Hammers, but although they could well have equalised earlier it was not until the 26th minute that Porter reduced the arrears with a penalty. In the closing quarter-of-an-hour the Gunners' stamina was a telling factor and they scored again to win 3-1.
FULHAM
Chadwell Heath
2 - 4 (Needham [pen], ?)
26 October 1963
Skeels, Bates, Porter, Needham, Andrew, Stables, Allix, Gadston, Lillington, West, Smithson
This match was a credit to both teams and clubs. There was some fine, intelligent football with Fulham the more decisive and direct. Early exchanges were in West Hani's favour, but an eleventh-minute goal for Fulham gave them more purpose and drive, and they went further ahead in the 16th minute ; neither goal was indicative of the run-of-play. A penalty award, converted by Needham, put West Ham back in the picture, but shortly before the interval Fulham increased their lead. In the second half Fulham scored in the third minute. Nevertheless West Ham were still very much in evidence and the defence was more efficient. A final late rally from West Ham brought them one goal and some near misses. Considering the strength and experience of the Fulham side this was a most encouraging performance by the young Hammers.
BRENTFORD
Griffin Park
2 - 1 (Lillinghton, ?)
2 November 1963
Hadlow, Bates, Porter, Needham, Stables, James, Hoy, Gadston, Lillington, Allix, Rusden
Brentford gave us a hammering in the first 20 minutes and we were a little fortunate to be only one down at the end of this period. However, our youngsters settled down and equalised before the interval. In the second half the opposing goal had as many escapes as purs had earlier on, and their goalkeeper did very well to keep us out until three minutes from the end when Graham Lillington snatched the winner.
WATFORD
Chadwell Heath
2 - 0 (Archer, Lillington)
89 November 1963
Hadlow, Bates, Ackerman, Porter, Stables, Archer, Allix, Gadston, Lillington, Hartley, Smithson
Our all-amateur XI had their task made easier by an injury which reduced Watford to ten men. The Blues held us till half-time although we failed to take advantage of our mid-field superiority ; we also missed a penalty soon after the interval. However, pressure was bound to have its effect, and when a well-judged free-kick taken by triallist Smithson from Stafford was headed home by Graham Lillington it was the beginning of the end, Terry Archer supplied the coup-de-grace with a good header to make the final score 2-0.
BRENTFORD : London Youth Cup (First Round)
Griffin Park
6 - 1 (Herbage 4, Bennett, Dryden)
12 November 1963
Mackleworth, Needham, Kitchener, Dawkins, Andrew, James, Redknapp, Herbage, Bennett, Gadston, Dryden
As Martin Britt and John Sissons were abroad with the England Youth Team we made changes from our regular Colts' line-up. Although we led 1-0 at the interval we did not have a very good first half as Brentford Colts missed a penalty and hit a post whilst we were holding this advantage. However an interval discussion on tactics brought the desired results, and we dominated the last 45 minutes to gain a 6-1 victory. Alan Herbage marked his first appearance in the " senior" line-up by getting four goals, with Peter Bennett and John Dryden adding the others. Brentford's bad luck continued when their left-back sustained a hair-line fracture of the left leg when they were four goals in arrears, but they were already well beaten by then.
BRENTFORD
Chadwell Heath
7 - 0 (Sprately 3, Gadston 2, Archer, Porter)
23 November 1963
Hadlow, Needham, Porter, Stables, Andrew, James, Allix, Gadston, Sprately, Archer, Main
Our Colts gained a clear-cut win, but against poor opposition. It was strange that the Hammers should score only once during the first 20 minutes, for they produced a brilliant display of soccer that had their opponents bemused ; we then switched to more open play and got three more before half-time. The second half took a similar pattern, and it was again rather late before we recommenced scoring to make the final tally 7-0. Sprately got a hat-trick, Gadston (2), Archer and Porter being the other scorers.
CHELSEA
Chadwell Heath
0 - 2
30 November 1963
Hadlow, Bates, Porter, Needham, Stables, James, Allix, Lillington, Sprately, Gadston, Hartley
Our mainly-amateur XI did well against a Chelsea side who was nearly all-professional and even in the final quarter-of-an-hour were still very much in the game. The Blues scored their first goal after 15 minutes and held that lead at the interval in a balanced duel; their second and final tally came after an hour's play.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
5 - 0 (Sissons 4, Britt)
2 December 1963
Att: 3,500
Mackleworth
Needham
Kitchener
Dawkins
Andrew
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
Our Colts have scored 15 goals in their two Southern Junior Floodlit Cup matches this season, as after notching a 10-1 win over Southampton Colts in the First Round they netted a nap hand against Queens Park Rangers Colts here on December 2nd.
It took us 25 minutes to pass the final line of the Rangers' defence and score our first goal (through Martin Britt), as prior to that the first-rate work of Peter Springett (Rangers' First XI goalkeeper), some astute covering by his full-backs and near misses all contributed in keeping their charge intact. However, John Sissons added another three minutes later and we went in at the interval two goals up.
The West Londoners were rather worn down by the time the second half started, and it became largely a personal duel between Springett and our forwards. Nevertheless, the custodian could not prevent Sissons from adding three more tallies to his own account, all this trio being through well-placed shots from around the edge of the penalty-area.
BEXLEY UNITED
Chadwell Heath
4 - 2 (McArthur 2, ?, ?)
7 December 1963
Skeels, Bates, Porter, Needham, Stables, Gardner, Harris, McArthur, Schartau, James, Allix
A somewhat indifferent game in which Bexley took a three-minute lead from a careless Hammers' goal-kick. The Kent club kept their 1-0 advantage until McArthur (a triallist from Nottingham) got two goals in the 30th and 35th minutes, and then went a couple further in arrears against a. Hammers' team which showed more determination. The lead was reduced by a goal ten minutes from time, but we ended ahead by 4-2.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Chadwell Heath
3 - 1 (Gadston, Main, McArthur)
14 December 1963
Hadlow, Levett, Porter, Stables, James, Stockley, Allix, McArthur, Gadston, West, Main
We moved several youngsters from our Junior Team into our Colts XI for the South East Counties League fixture against the lowly-placed Brighton & Hove Albion Colts team at Chadwell Heath .Main got our first goal in the eighth minute, driving home from close range after cutting in from the wing; good approach work ended in another for Gadston twelve minutes later. There was quite a lot of "pattern weaving" after the resumption, but the Hammers moved the ball around well and 16 minutes after the resumption McArthur made it 3-0. The Seasiders made a late rally to net eight minutes from time and leave the final tally at 3-1.
FULHAM : FA Youth Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Bennett, Dryden, Redknapp)
18 December 1963
Att: 2,200
Mackleworth
Needham
Kitchener
Dawkins
Andrew
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
Our Colts met Fulham Colts at Upton Park in the Second Round of the F.A. Youth Cup. A 2,200 attendance saw our under- 18's gain a 3-0 victory through goals by Peter Bennett, John Dryden and Harry Redknapp. It was a comfortable win, but the margin might have been greater had we taken more of the chances we made against a less-experienced side. The Fulham Colts' team are well-placed in the South East Counties League, but as we had nine full professionals in the line-up and all but two of the team have Combination experience the Cottagers were no real match for our lads.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Cheshunt
0 - 3
21 December 1963
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REPORT:
LEYTON ORIENT
Walthamstow
0 - 3
28 December 1963
Hadlow, Tumbridge, Porter, Lillington, Stables, Harris, Hartley, Schartau, West, Allix, Stockley
Our all-amateur XI of very tender age found itself opposed to a team containing five professionals and three apprentices. The score of 3-0 against the Hammers was therefore no disgrace, and it could well have been much closer. Indeed we had one goal disallowed and another shot was deflected on to the bar whilst we were only one down well in the second half.
CHELSEA
Hendon
0 - 3
4 January 1964
Hadlow, Needham, Porter, Stables, Andrew, Herbage, Gadston, Lillington, West, Enright, [1 unknown]
Chelsea's greater experience and stamina was one of the decisive factors of this game (they were all "full-timers" against our largely-amateur XI), but it was not this alone which gave them a 3-0 margin, for throughout they played with vim and vigour and backed it with determination and forcefulness. The early exchanges were even and we might well have gone ahead, but after the first goal at the end of half-an-hour's play, we showed little thrust, even with the "Hendon slope" in our favour for the second half.
PORTSMOUTH
Chadwell Heath
1 - 2 (Enright)
11 January 1964
Hadlow, Bates, Porter, Needham, Stables, James, Allix, West, Lillington, Enright, Main
A rebound that was directed straight into our net gave Pompey a ninth-minute lead, and the visitors maintained pressure that brought out good saves from Hadlow. Nevertheless, the goalmouth at the other end was not without incident, and after several near misses Enright levelled the scores and led us to hope for a win - only for the Blues to get the decisive counter five minutes from time and take the points from a rather disappointing game.
LEYTON ORIENT : FA Youth Cup (Third Round)
Brisbane Road
5 - 2 (Dryden 2, Sissons 2, Britt)
20 January 1964
Att: 5,600
Mackleworth
Needham
Kitchener
Dawkins
Andrew
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
We were able to field a full-strength side against Leyton Orient Colts at their Brisbane Road Ground in the Third Round of the F.A. Youth Cup.
The Hammers eventually won by 5-2, after a game in which errors and mishaps were mixed with a spate of very good soccer from our team. During the course of overcoming a very robust opposition we were awarded two penalty-kicks (which we missed), conceded another penalty (which was converted) and had a goal given against us after the referee had apparently stopped play for an offside decision ; Johnny Sissons had a personally eventful evening, scoring two goals, hitting the post once, having a penalty saved and then suffering a nose-bleed after a collision! John Dryden (2) and Martin Britt completed our scoring - and we made further progress in our efforts to retain the trophy.
LUTON TOWN
Stockingston Road
0 - 6
25 January 1964
Hadlow, Levett, Ackerman, Stables, James, Porter, Allix, Gadston, Lillington, Stockley, Main
On a difficult top surface it was a question of errors being the decisive factor, and it was one of these that brought the Town their first goal, however, exchanges remained pretty even up to the interval. The second half brought the "avalanche," for within nine minutes of the restart defensive blunders put us three goals in arrears, and another scoring rush in the last eight minutes made the final tally 6-0, a score that was not really a true reflection of the game.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Purley
1 - 1 (Greest)
8 February 1964
Skeels, Stables, Porter, Lillington, James, Stockley, Greest, Gadston, Enright, Walker, Allix
On a difficult top surface the Hammers attacked coolly and purposefully right from the first whistle, and after several near misses took the lead on the half-hour through Peter Greest (playing his first game for us). We were still in the lead at the interval and with the slope in our favour looked certain to add to this advantage. But in a breakaway the Glaziers levelled the scores and the points were thus shared in a 1-1 draw. This was a good constructive performance, but we did not press home our advantage, and a few minutes from time Palace nearly scored a goal which would have robbed us of a deserved point.
ARSENAL : FA Youth Cup (Fourth Round)
Highbury
1 - 2 (Britt)
10 February 1964
Mackleworth
Needham
Kitchener
Dawkins
Andrew
Howe
Redknapp
Bennett
Britt
Sissons
Dryden
Our exit from the F.A. Youth Cup at Highbury on February 10th was a somewhat inglorious one, as we threw away a game in which we had chances enough to win. Arsenal Colts did not have a great deal to offer in the way of constructive football but they had the vital factor of determination, and after levelling our goal they got another three minutes from time to settle the issue in their favour.
Some over-robust tackling brought knocks that required the trainer's attention to our inside-forward trio, but although these slowed us down lor a time we went in front in the 62nd minute ; a throw-in from John Sissons was moved on with a nice pass from Bobby Howe for Martin Britt to left-foot the ball home from 10 yards' range. Eight minutes later an unnecessary foul brought the Gunners a free-kick which left-half Clark headed home for the equaliser. Another header from inside-forward Jenkins ended our grip on the trophy which we so gloriously gained last season.
It was undoubtedly the poorest showing given by our full Colts Team this season, and the large proportion of Hammers' fans among the 3,862 spectators had cause for disappointment at seeing a match which lacked much of the good football which we have come to expect from our under-18 champions.
LUTON TOWN
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LEYTON ORIENT : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Semi-Final)
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MILLWALL
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PORTSMOUTH
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CHARLTON ATHLETIC
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CHELSEA : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Final 1st-leg)
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BEXLEY UNITED
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FULHAM
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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
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ARSENAL : London Youth Cup (Semi-Final)
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ARSENAL
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CHELSEA : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Final 2nd-leg)
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WATFORD
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LEYTON ORIENT : London Youth Cup (Final)
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