WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decades
A Pictorial History
1972-73 Football League First Division
Manager: Ron Greenwood
There were various departures at this time, among them Eustace, Redknapp and Stephenson, but the big shock came when Geoff Hurst was transferred to Stoke City for a fee of £80,000. It was a decent start to the season with just three losses in the first nine games. At home Coventry City were beaten 5–2 and Norwich City 4–0. Bryan Robson was the man in form, scoring eight goals in those nine games.
The League Cup began with a narrow 2–1 home victory against Bristol City but the next round was a disaster as the Hammers were humbled 2–1 away to Fourth Division Stockport County. After a 2–2 draw in November with Wolves the team had moved up to fifth place, but the next nine games only yielded two wins. Robson was still on the mark, scoring twice against both Stoke City and Tottenham.
After winning 1–0 at Port Vale in the FA Cup, a trip to Hull City in the fourth round brought a 1–0 defeat. In March centre-forward Ted MacDougall was signed for £150,000 from Manchester United, and his four goals in his first five appearances helped the team to a nine-game unbeaten run. Bryan Robson scored a hat-trick against Southampton to take his tally of goals to 28, which made him the league’s top scorer. There had been poor performances in the cups but a sixth-place finish in the league was the highest placing since 1959.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
The Hawthornes
0 - 0
12 August 1972
Att: 22,234
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
DUDLEY TYLER
Best
Coker
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
COVENTRY CITY
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Best 53)
14 August 1972
Att: 27,498
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Coker
Brooking
Robson
A solitary goal and the two points earned from Monday night's encounter were enough to send us to the top of the table. Admittedly, with eight other clubs having recorded opening-day victories just 48 hours earlier, it was always likely that our stay at the summit would prove short-lived, making our position more symbolic than significant. Even so, it represented an encouraging start to the new campaign and offered welcome evidence that the side was progressing steadily, a marked contrast to the difficult opening weeks of the 1971/72 season.
The decisive goal sparked protests from sections of the opposition, but goalkeeper Bill Glazier was later convinced the officials had made the correct call. After speaking to photographers positioned close to the incident, he found unanimous agreement that the alert linesman had been right to signal that the ball had crossed the line.
Earlier, Coventry had enjoyed a fortunate escape when Bryan Robson crashed a powerful effort against the crossbar. Although the visitors continued to battle and were only denied a share of the spoils by a dramatic late goal-line clearance, there was little argument over the outcome. West Ham had created the better chances, carried the greater attacking threat, and fully deserved their victory.
LEICESTER CITY
Upton Park
5 - 2 (Moore 17, Coker 38, Robson 53, 78, Tyler 70)
19 August 1972
Att: 25,490
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Coker
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Molineux
0 - 3
22 August 1972
Att: 21,958
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Coker
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
LIVERPOOL
Anfield
2 - 3 (Robson 37, 44)
26 August 1972
Att: 50,491
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
ARSENAL
Highbury
0 - 1
29 August 1972
Att: 43,802
Grotier
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson (Lock)
REPORT:
MANCHESTER UNITED
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Robson 31, 77)
2 September 1972
Att: 31,939
Grotier
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
The 2-2 draw prompted plenty of debate over whether the outcome was a fair reflection of proceedings, although there was widespread agreement that West Ham had done more than enough during an impressive first-half display to have secured victory. Despite enjoying the better of the play for long spells, the Hammers twice found themselves trailing. Manchester United's first lead lasted around twenty minutes before being cancelled out, while their second advantage, gained at a crucial stage of the contest, was short-lived as West Ham responded almost immediately to deny the visitors what had appeared to be a decisive breakthrough.
It was an absorbing encounter, full of skilful football and powerful shooting that repeatedly tested both goalkeepers. The custodians rose magnificently to the challenge, producing a string of fine saves that drew deserved applause from the crowd. Combined with the sporting approach adopted by both sides and an excellent refereeing performance, the ingredients were there for an afternoon of first-class entertainment.
The one disappointment was the attendance. The crowd of 31,939 represented West Ham's lowest home gate against Manchester United since the 1963/64 season. A full day's Olympic coverage on television undoubtedly played its part, but another factor may have been that United, currently enduring a less successful period, no longer carried quite the same aura or drawing power that had traditionally made them one of English football's greatest attractions.
BRISTOL CITY : FL Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
2 - 1 (McDowell 44, Best 83)
6 September 1972
Att: 17,688
Grotier
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
CHELSEA
Stamford Bridge
3 - 1 (Taylor 3, Moore 23, Bonds 79)
9 September 1972
Att: 34,394
Grotier
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
NORWICH CITY
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Brooking 30, Robson 37, 78 [pen], Taylor 41)
16 September 1972
Att: 28,058
Grotier
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
0 - 1
23 September 1972
Att: 51,291
Grotier
McDowell (Charles C.)
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Bonds 3, Best 67)
30 September 1972
Att: 26,482
Grotier
Charles C.
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
STOCKPORT COUNTY : FL Cup (Third Round)
Edgeley Park
1 - 2 (Best 23)
4 October 1972
Att: 13,410
Grotier
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
IPSWICH TOWN
Portman Road
1 - 1 (Best 66)
7 October 1972
Att: 22,218
Grotier
Lampard
Charles C.
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Robson 34, 38, Brooking 16)
14 October 1972
Att: 25,379
Grotier
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
MANCHESTER CITY
Maine Road
3 - 4 (Best 18, Ayris 44, Moore 70)
21 October 1972
Att: 31,052
Grotier
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
CRYSTAL PALACE
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Brooking 4, 21, McDowell 63, Robson 67)
28 October 1972
Att: 28,894
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Charles C.
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
Trevor Brooking struck twice as West Ham United swept aside struggling Crystal Palace 4-0 at Upton Park before a crowd of 28,894 to move clear at the top of the First Division.
The Hammers entered the match without captain Billy Bonds, whose run of appearances stretching back to January 1970 was ended by a toe injury sustained at Manchester City the previous week. Manager Ron Greenwood responded by reshuffling his side, pushing John McDowell into midfield, moving Frank Lampard to right-back and recalling Clive Charles at left-back. There was also a welcome return for Scotland international goalkeeper Bobby Ferguson, making his first appearance after an 11-match absence.
West Ham wasted little time asserting themselves. After just five minutes, Bobby Moore produced a trademark pass that split the Palace defence and took both John McCormick and David Payne out of the game. Trevor Brooking raced on to the through ball and confidently fired beneath Paul Hammond to give the Hammers an early lead.
Palace almost responded immediately. Charlie Cooke glanced on Payne's cross, but Martin Hinshelwood fired wastefully wide from a promising position. Further opportunities for Alan Pinkney and John Craven also went begging as the visitors struggled to make their pressure count.
At the other end, Clyde Best was denied by Hammond before West Ham doubled their advantage in the 21st minute. Once again the move was orchestrated by Moore, whose perfectly weighted pass released Brooking. The young midfielder glided past Iain Phillip before unleashing a superb strike beyond the diving goalkeeper for his second goal of the afternoon.
Brooking's surging runs repeatedly exposed the Palace defence and he looked certain to complete his hat-trick. Twice he carved out excellent openings only to be thwarted by brave goalkeeping from Hammond, whose saves prevented the scoreline becoming even more emphatic before the interval. Ferguson, meanwhile, was largely untroubled but showed his alertness with a smart save from Pinkney's cross-shot shortly before half-time.
West Ham maintained their dominance after the break and effectively settled the contest on 61 minutes. Brooking was again heavily involved, launching an attack from the left before McDowell timed his run to perfection, burst through the Palace back line and hammered home for his first Football League goal.
Five minutes later the Hammers completed the scoring. Pat Holland delivered a low cross into the danger area and Pop Robson arrived to smash the ball home, putting the seal on West Ham's most convincing league victory of the season.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Robson 55, Brooking 89)
4 November 1972
Att: 29,524
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Lock
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler (Ayris)
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road
1 - 3 (McDowell 64)
11 November 1972
Att: 27,172
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
DERBY COUNTY
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Robson 56)
18 November 1972
Att: 28,154
Ferguson
Charles C.
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Ayris (Best)
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
EVERTON
Goodison Park
2 - 1 (Brooking 44, Best 65)
25 November 1972
Att: 27,558
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard (Lock)
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Brooking 79)
2 December 1972
Att: 23,785
Ferguson
McDowell
Lock
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
LEEDS UNITED
Elland Road
0 - 1
9 December 1972
Att: 30,270
Ferguson
McDowell
Charles C.
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris (Boyce)
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
STOKE CITY
Upton Park
3 - 2 (Robson 32, 36, Best 76)
16 December 1972
Att: 23,269
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
For the visitors, Geoff Hurst was making his first return to Upton Park since his departure four months earlier, and it was the former West Ham hero who stunned the home crowd after just nine minutes. Rising above the defence, Hurst powered a header into the net to give Stoke City an early advantage.
The Hammers gradually regained their composure and drew level on 31 minutes. Trevor Brooking delivered an inviting cross into the danger area and Pop Robson reacted quickest, stabbing home from close range. Five minutes later Robson struck again, finishing confidently to turn the game on its head and send West Ham into the interval with a deserved lead.
West Ham continued to dictate proceedings after the break, controlling possession and creating the better opportunities. Their superiority was rewarded 15 minutes from time when Clyde Best unleashed a thunderous 25-yard drive that flew past the Stoke goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
Although John Ritchie pulled a goal back for Stoke in the closing minute to set up a tense finish, West Ham held firm to secure a deserved 3-2 victory. The win lifted the Hammers into seventh place in the First Division table and capped a memorable afternoon that saw Upton Park favourite Geoff Hurst warmly welcomed back, but ultimately leave empty-handed.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
0 - 0
23 December 1972
Att: 19,429
Ferguson
McDowell (Lock)
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Robson 78, 82 [pen])
26 December 1972
Att: 37,397
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Lock
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
An 11 o'clock kick-off on Boxing Day produced a dramatic contest at Upton Park, where West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur shared four goals during a breathless second-half spell lasting less than half an hour.
The 37,397 spectators endured a largely uneventful first period, but the match burst spectacularly into life after the interval as Spurs established what appeared to be a commanding two-goal lead. Despite creating little of note up to that point, the visitors struck first when a long throw from Martin Chivers caused confusion in the West Ham defence and Jimmy Pearce was on hand to tap home from close range.
Matters worsened for the Hammers soon afterwards. A Tottenham corner created further uncertainty inside the penalty area and former West Ham favourite Martin Peters capitalised, finding the net against his old club to double Spurs' advantage.
Yet if Tottenham believed the points were safely within their grasp, they had reckoned without Trevor Brooking. The elegant midfielder inspired a stirring West Ham fightback, beginning with a surging run and pinpoint cross from the right that allowed Bryan "Pop" Robson to outmanoeuvre a static defence and power a fine header beyond the helpless Pat Jennings.
Four minutes later Brooking again provided the spark. Displaying wonderful technique, he controlled a bouncing ball with an inspired touch that carried it over the head of a defender deep inside the penalty area. His subsequent low cross caused panic in the Spurs goalmouth, and as the ball threatened to cross the line, Terry Naylor handled while lying on the turf. Referee Eddie Wolecki had little hesitation in awarding a penalty.
Robson stepped forward and confidently drove the spot-kick past Jennings to level the scores, taking his league tally to 17 goals for the season.
With the momentum now firmly behind them, West Ham pressed relentlessly for a winner. Tottenham were forced onto the defensive for the closing stages, while Robson and Kevin Lock both came close to snatching victory. However, despite the Hammers' late siege, Spurs managed to withstand the pressure and hold on for a share of the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw that had seemed highly unlikely when they led by two goals early in the second half.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR:
Jennings, Evans, Knowles, Pratt, Dillon, Naylor, Coates, Ferryman, Olivers, Peters, Pearce.
LEICESTER CITY
Filbert Street
1 - 2 (Brooking 3)
30 December 1972
Att: 19,341
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Brooking (Boyce)
Robson
REPORT:
LIVERPOOL
Upton Park
0 - 1
6 January 1973
Att: 34,480
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Lock (Charles C.)
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Tyler
Robson
Liverpool arrived at Upton Park for a First Division encounter watched by a crowd of 34,480, with West Ham forced to cope without two influential figures in Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking, both sidelined through injury. Matters became even more difficult when Kevin Lock was forced to leave the field before half-time following an unfortunate injury.
Despite those setbacks, the Hammers produced a determined display and matched the eventual champions for long periods. Indeed, the post-match verdict in the club's report summed up the afternoon perfectly, noting that Liverpool created only two genuine opportunities and scored from one of them.
The decisive moment arrived 15 minutes from time when Kevin Keegan rose to head home what proved to be the game's only goal. It was a clinical finish from a side renowned for making the most of their chances, and it ultimately carried the points back to Merseyside.
West Ham could count themselves unfortunate to emerge empty-handed after containing their illustrious opponents for much of the contest, but Liverpool's efficiency in front of goal underlined why they would go on to lift the First Division title. The Reds finished the season as champions with 60 points, three clear of Arsenal, while Leeds United occupied third place on 53 points. For the Hammers, the narrow defeat was a reminder of just how little separated victory and defeat against the country's strongest side.
PORT VALE : FA Cup (Third Round)
Vale Park
1 - 0 (Holland 62)
13 January 1973
Att: 20,619
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard (Charles C.)
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
West Ham United progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Third Division Port Vale at Vale Park. Although the Hammers arrived as clear favourites from the top flight, they were made to work throughout a fiercely competitive tie against determined opponents who refused to give an inch.
The decisive moment came courtesy of Pat Holland, whose goal proved enough to separate the sides and secure West Ham's place in the next round. It was a rare strike from the influential midfielder, one of only two goals he scored all season, making it all the more memorable. Holland's intervention ultimately settled a closely fought contest in which chances were at a premium and resilience was every bit as important as quality.
The victory kept alive West Ham's hopes of a cup run, but those ambitions were short-lived. Despite overcoming Port Vale's stubborn resistance, the Hammers were unable to build on their success and saw their FA Cup campaign brought to an end in the fourth round by Hull City.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Old Trafford
2 - 2 (Robson 14, Best 28)
20 January 1973
Att: 50,878
Ferguson
McDowell
Charles C.
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Tyler
Robson
West Ham travelled to Old Trafford to face a Manchester United side rooted to the foot of the First Division, but it was the home team who made the brighter start. Bobby Charlton was first to threaten with a thunderous effort that flashed narrowly wide, before Arthur Graham went equally close with a powerful header.
Having weathered that early pressure, the Hammers struck on 15 minutes. Clyde Best rose superbly to head the ball across the penalty area, where Pop Robson reacted quickest to whip a fine finish beyond Alex Stepney and give West Ham the lead.
The visitors doubled their advantage midway through the half. Billy Bonds launched a high ball forward and Best capitalised, expertly lobbing the stranded Stepney to put Ron Greenwood's side firmly in control at 2-0.
However, the match turned three minutes later with a controversial penalty award. Tommy Taylor was adjudged to have handled the ball, much to West Ham's frustration, and Charlton made no mistake from the spot to reduce the arrears. The goal breathed new life into United and proved to be a pivotal moment in the contest.
Manchester United emerged for the second half with renewed determination and gradually increased the pressure on the Hammers' defence. Their persistence was rewarded ten minutes from time when Willie Morgan's cross caused problems in the penalty area and debutant Lou Macari stabbed home the equaliser.
Having looked set for a memorable victory after establishing a two-goal lead, West Ham were forced to settle for a share of the spoils. Nevertheless, the Hammers showed plenty of resilience in a hard-fought encounter, earning a valuable 2-2 draw at Old Trafford despite United's spirited second-half recovery
CHELSEA
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Taylor 13, Robson 68, 81)
27 January 1973
Att: 35,336
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
HULL CITY : FA Cup (Fourth Round)
Boothferry Park
0 - 1
3 February 1973
Att: 32,290
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler (Lock)
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
NORWICH CITY
Carrow Road
1 - 0 (Robson 31)
10 February 1973
Att: 32,286
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
BERTIE LUTTON
Brooking
Robson
West Ham United completed a league double over Norwich City with a hard-fought victory at Carrow Road, where Bryan "Pop" Robson's decisive goal secured all three points in front of a crowd of 32,286.
Having already dismantled the Canaries 4-0 at the Boleyn Ground earlier in the season, the Hammers once again proved too strong for their Norfolk opponents. Robson's match-winning strike settled a closely contested encounter and ensured West Ham left Carrow Road with another valuable victory.
The result formed part of an impressive campaign for Ron Greenwood's side, who consistently challenged among the leading teams in the First Division before eventually securing an excellent fifth-place finish. Norwich, by contrast, spent much of the season looking nervously over their shoulders in a relegation battle and only confirmed their survival by ending the campaign one place above the drop zone.
For West Ham, the victory underlined the progress being made by a talented and increasingly consistent side, while for Norwich it was another difficult afternoon in a season spent fighting to preserve their top-flight status.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Bonds 19, Robson 86)
17 February 1973
Att: 26,079
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
STOKE CITY
Victoria Ground
0 - 2
24 February 1973
Att: 21,885
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris (Lock)
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
IPSWICH TOWN
Upton Park
0 - 1
2 March 1973
Att: 37,004
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Best
Holland
Brooking
Robson
West Ham were left lamenting a cruel end to an embarrassing day at Upton Park. It began with the news that Ted MacDougall, the £150,000 signing from Manchester United, was unable to play because of a registration blunder. It ended with a limp home defeat that once again exposed the fragility of their football.
On a night when they could barely string two passes together, there was none of the swagger or effortless skill the crowd had come to expect. Instead, they were outplayed in midfield by an Ipswich side closing menacingly on the First Division’s top two. The decisive moment came six minutes after the break: Mick Lambert’s cross skimmed off Bobby Moore’s head, and David Johnson pounced in mid‑air with hungry precision.
Only the sharp goalkeeping of Bobby Ferguson prevented Ipswich from adding more. And though West Ham finally mustered pressure in the last quarter of an hour, they created precious little.
The second‑biggest crowd of the season - drawn by the promise of seeing MacDougall - drifted away frustrated once more, reminded how exasperating this West Ham side could be.
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Bramall Lane
0 - 0
10 March 1973
Att: 24,024
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
Lock
TED MacDOUGALL
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
MANCHESTER CITY
Upton Park
2 - 1 (MacDougall 60, Robson 68)
17 March 1973
Att: 30,156
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard (Holland)
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
Lock
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
With West Ham having failed to find the net in their previous three matches and Manchester City arriving at Upton Park on a six-game winless run, it was perhaps inevitable that confidence would be in short supply during a cautious opening period. The first half subsequently proved a disappointing affair, with neither side able to provide the quality needed to break the deadlock.
The contest finally sprang to life on the hour mark when Ted MacDougall gave the Hammers the breakthrough they had been seeking. The goal settled any lingering nerves and transformed West Ham's approach, with the home side suddenly playing with greater purpose and authority.
Eight minutes later the advantage was doubled. Bryan "Pop" Robson continued his prolific campaign by netting his 23rd League goal of the season, putting the Hammers firmly in command and seemingly out of sight.
Manchester City refused to surrender, however, and Mike Doyle reduced the deficit six minutes from time to set up a tense finish. Despite the late setback, West Ham defended resolutely to preserve their lead and condemn the visitors to another disappointing afternoon, sending City back to Maine Road empty-handed.
Both sides were disrupted by injuries during the match. City's Derek Jeffries was forced off at half-time and replaced by Frank Carrodus, while the Hammers suffered a blow of their own three minutes into the second half when Pat Holland was called upon to replace Frank Lampard. Fortunately for West Ham, neither alteration prevented them from securing a hard-earned and deserved 2-1 victory.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Selhurst Park
3 - 1 (Robson 43, Brooking 52, MacDougall 85)
24 March 1973
Att: 36,865
Ferguson
McDowell
Holland
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
Lock
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
West Ham United extended their unbeaten run to nine matches with a convincing victory over a Crystal Palace side whose fate at the foot of the table was already beginning to look bleak.
Having comfortably defeated the Eagles 4-0 at the Boleyn Ground earlier in the season, the Hammers once again proved too strong for their London rivals. Bryan "Pop" Robson was again among the goals, maintaining his excellent scoring form, while Ted MacDougall and Trevor Brooking also found the net to complete another impressive attacking display.
West Ham controlled the contest for long periods, combining patience and quality in possession with a clinical edge in front of goal. Robson led the line with his customary determination, MacDougall added to the visitors' problems with another well-taken effort, and Brooking's contribution capped a performance full of composure and creativity.
The victory further underlined the Hammers' fine run of form as they continued to climb the First Division table, while Palace's struggles deepened in a season that would ultimately end in relegation. For West Ham, it was another confident step forward and a deserved success that completed a league double over the Canaries' South London neighbours.
EVERTON
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Robson 68, Lock 87)
31 March 1973
Att: 25,531
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds (Holland)
Taylor T.
Moore
Lock
Best
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
NEWCASTLE UNITED
St James' Park
2 - 1 (MacDougall 17, 47)
7 April 1973
Att: 24,075
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
Lock
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
LEEDS UNITED
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Holland 89)
14 April 1973
Att: 38,804
Ferguson (Lutton)
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Lock
Moore
Best
Holland
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
The visit of Leeds United provided one of the season's most memorable and dramatic afternoons, leaving those inside Upton Park with a mixture of relief, frustration and ultimately pride.
The greatest concern centred not on the result but on the welfare of goalkeeper Bobby Ferguson. In attempting to clear a dangerous Leeds attack, Ferguson collided heavily with team-mate John McDowell in what was clearly a freak accident. Although he bravely attempted to continue, he later collapsed and was taken to hospital, prompting understandable anxiety among players and supporters alike. Thankfully, reports later that evening were far more encouraging and hopes were high that the Scottish international would soon be fit to return to action.
Up to that point the contest had been evenly balanced, but Ferguson's departure inevitably tilted the odds in Leeds United's favour. Clyde Best admirably volunteered to don the goalkeeper's jersey, an unfamiliar role for the striker, and could do little to prevent the goal that appeared likely to settle the match in the visitors' favour.
Yet West Ham refused to accept defeat. Displaying the resilience and character that had become hallmarks of the side, the Hammers continued to play disciplined, controlled football despite their adversity. Their determination was richly rewarded two minutes from the end of an extended period of injury time when they grabbed a deserved equaliser, sparking scenes of relief around the ground.
Leeds were understandably frustrated to see a vital point slip from their grasp, but they could have few complaints about the final outcome. Their nervousness was evident during the closing stages, with frequent changes of boots and regular touchline instructions betraying the tension of the occasion. Indeed, had circumstances been entirely normal during the final half-hour, West Ham's spirited response might well have earned an even greater reward and sent the Yorkshiremen home empty-handed.
In the end, the result mattered less than the courage shown by a depleted West Ham side and the welcome news that Ferguson's injury was not as serious as first feared.
SOUTHAMPTON
Upton Park
4 - 3 (Robson 14, 18, 66, Brooking 84)
20 April 1973
Att: 33,039
Grotier
McDowell (Lutton)
Lampard
Bonds
Lock
Moore
Best
Holland
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
DERBY COUNTY
Baseball Ground
1 - 1 (Lutton 77)
21 April 1973
Att: 28,727
Grotier
Charles C.
Lampard
Bonds
Lock
Moore
Best
Lutton
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
West Ham's visit to FA Cup semi-finalists Derby County at the Baseball Ground produced a dramatic finale that ensured the match remained in the memory long after the final whistle.
For much of the afternoon the contest had been closely fought, but the closing 20 minutes brought a flurry of incidents that transformed the encounter. Derby thought they had taken a decisive step towards victory when the ball found the net, only for their celebrations to be cut short by the goal being disallowed. The Hammers seized the opportunity in ruthless fashion. Within seconds of the reprieve they swept upfield to score themselves, stunning the home support and appearing to have snatched both points from under Derby's noses.
However, there was one final twist. With just two minutes remaining, the Rams were awarded a penalty and made no mistake from the spot, drawing level and ensuring the spoils were shared.
It was a breathless conclusion to an otherwise evenly balanced encounter, with fortunes swinging dramatically from one side to the other in a matter of moments. In the end, a draw was probably a fair reflection of a hard-fought match between two well-matched sides.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
St Andrew's
0 - 0
23 April 1973
Att: 36,942
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Lock
Moore
Best
Lutton
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
The Easter programme concluded with West Ham's third match in the space of four days as they travelled to St Andrew's to face an in-form Birmingham City side. The result was a hard-fought goalless draw, a point that carried added significance as it brought an end to the Blues' impressive run of five consecutive victories.
With both teams feeling the effects of a demanding schedule, clear-cut chances were limited and neither side could find the breakthrough. West Ham showed their customary organisation and resilience, while Birmingham were unable to build upon the momentum that had carried them through their recent winning sequence.
In truth, however, the most striking aspect of the afternoon lay not on the pitch but in the stands. Despite poor weather conditions and a congested holiday fixture list, an impressive crowd of 36,942 turned out at St Andrew's. Such an attendance was a reminder of football's enduring appeal during the period, underlining the strong support both clubs enjoyed and providing a noteworthy backdrop to an otherwise unremarkable stalemate.
ARSENAL
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Brooking 73)
28 April 1973
Att: 37,366
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Lock
Moore
Best (Ayris)
Lutton
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
REPORT:
