WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1989-90 Ovenden Papers Football Combination
NORWICH CITY
Upton Park
0 - 1
19 August 1989
McKnight
Pearson
McQueen (Hancock)
Reed
Purdie
Kelly P.
Rush
Livett
Dolan
King
Clarke
The Hammers opened their schedule with a home match against Norwich City Reserves, but it turned out to be an encounter of no great merit.
Our first disappointment came in the 17th minute when Tommy McQueen went off injured. It was followed by a series of missed opportunities that went to naught due to poor finishing, and it was hardly surprising that our score-sheet remained blank.
Allen McKnight made a number of saves to keep the Canaries at bay, but was eventually beaten when their No 2 came upfield to head home. It was sufficient to earn City the points after an unenterprising 90 minutes.
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
1 - 3 (Kelly P.)
29 August 1989
McKnight
Pearson
McQueen
Purdie
Strodder (Padington)
Devonshire
Rush (Macari)
Kelly P.
Dolan
King
Livett
The accentuating problems of injuries has been reflected in team-selection for our Reserves and Youth team.
For our visit to the County Ground at Swindon on Tuesday, August 29, the first problem to be overcome was at goalkeeper. Allen McKnight was carrying a groin injury and would normally have stood down; but third-string 'keeper Stephen Banks was also ruled out with 'flu, so Allen agreed to play.
The Swindon side started with two goals in the first 10 minutes, and the outlook was rather grim; but the Hammers settled down, and after Andy Pearson had made progress on the right flank his centre was converted by Paul Kelly to make the half-time score in favour of the Home side by1-2.
Unfortunately we sustained another blow when Gary Strodder was unable to resume for the second-half; a pulled Achilles tendon was the cause this time, and John Paddington came on as substitute. A third goal by the homesters settled the issue, but with 20 minutes to go we were able to give Michael Macari the opportunity to make his Combination debut.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Upton Park
2 - 2 (King, Meade)
2 September 1989
McKnight
Pearson
McQueen
Purdie
Reed
Livett
King
Kelly P.
Dolan
Meade
Rush
Several of our youth group were called-up for the squad, both subs having played for the South East Counties League side that morning. We also 'borrowed' Orient's Raphael Meade for this one game.
The Hammers had the better of the first-half and were two-up at half-time. Adam King got the opener, with a long looping shot over the 'keeper. The second was somewhat unusual; Allen McKnight made a long-distance clearance from his penalty-area, and after one bounce it went over the Albion defence; our 'guest player' collected the ball in the open space behind the opposition, and hit it first time into the net.
The Seagulls got back into contention with a reply soon after the interval, but the Hammers looked set to record their first win of the season; inexperience conceded the equaliser when an under-hit back-pass was intercepted, so we had to be satisfied with 'half a loaf instead of full rations.
SOUTHAMPTON
Upton Park
5 - 1 (Dolan 4, Meade)
15 September 1989
McKnight
Hancock
McQueen (King)
Purdie
Pearson
Devonshire
Kelly P.
Livett
Dolan (Harwood)
Meade
Kelly D.
With the home match against Southampton being brought forward to Friday, September 15. We marked the occasion by taking our first three-pointer of the season, following two previous defeats and a draw.
The score-line of 5-1 in our favour indicated a one-sided game, but the Saints equalised our opening goal to be on level terms at half-time. Raphael Meade (again 'on loan' from Orient) scored just after the interval to put us ahead once more and that signalled an 'opening of the floodgates'.
Eamonn Dolan had opened our account, and he made it a personal performance of note by adding the last three to give him an overall quartet. As he was required for First Team squad duty on the following afternoon we 'subbed' him at the end of 70 minutes.
That gave Chris Harwood the opportunity to make his first appearance in our colours since the 1987-88 season. He missed all the 1988-89 schedule with a pelvic problem, but we hope he has now fully recovered.
David Kelly also played against the Saints, prior to commencing a three-match suspension.
NORWICH CITY
Carrow Road
1 - 2 (Livett)
29 September 1989
McKnight
Kelly P.
McQueen
Pearson
Strodder
Devonshire
King
Brady
Dolan
Kelly D. (Clarke)
Livett
The Canaries adopted the idea of playing home games on Friday evenings a couple of seasons ago, and have continued the practice.
The Hammers' XI included Gary Strodder, fit to resume competitive action after injury he came through the 90 minutes in a satisfactory manner. Both Eamonn Dolan and David Kelly were in the starting line-up, but as Leroy Rosenior was a 'doubtful' for the League match on the following afternoon, Simon Clarke subbed for Kelly just after the start of the second-half.
The home side included their recent signing, Danish international Henrik Mortensen. He made a spectacular opening to the game with an overhead kick that put the Canaries one up, but did not contribute a great deal for the remainder of the match.
Simon Livett made it one apiece before the interval and a David Kelly header hit the bar. The Hammers made a great deal of the running and appeared set for a point with only a couple of minutes remaining on the time-check; but at that juncture Malcolm Allen stepped in to net a second goal for the Canaries, which left the final score at 2-1 in their favour.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
0 - 0
4 October 1989
McKnight
Hancock
McQueen
Strodder
Foster
Rush
Livett
Kelly P.
King
Beard
Harwood (Macari)
Our Reserves commenced a series of four successive away games with a visit to the Goldstone Ground on Wednesday, October 4.
The Brighton and Hove Albion second string have done well so far this season, and on this occasion they contributed to an even game which eventually resulted in a goalless draw. Each side had opportunities to score, but in general the respective defences held firm. Our line-up included Gary Strodder (resuming his return from injury) and Colin Foster (who was ineligible for that evening's Littlewoods Cup tie).
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
3 - 5 (Kelly D. 3 [1 pen])
7 October 1989
McKnight
Hancock (Rush)
McQueen
Heffer
Marquis
Devonshire
Kelly P.
Livett
King
Kelly D.
Harwood (Clarke)
The match against Spurs Reserves at White Hart Lane was in complete contrast to that at Brighton. With our opponents occupying second place in the table it was a tough proposition from the start; but the lengthy list of injuries compelled us to take six players from the youth squad to make up the required 13 players to travel to North London (hence the cancellation of our SECL fixture that morning).
Three out of the back four of the regular under-18 XI were in the rearguard at Tottenham, including Steven Heffer and Paul Marquis making their Combination debuts. Allen McKnight, Tommy McQueen, Alan Devonshire and David Kelly were the only four in the starting line-up with League experience.
The home side, not unexpectedly, went into a two-goal lead, but had a temporary set-back when Devonshire was brought down in the penalty-area and David Kelly converted the spot-kick. Another Spurs goal before half-time and one after the interval put them 4-1 ahead, and they appeared likely to add to the margin.
But at that stage the scenario changed. Hammers rallied, and Kelly completed his hat-trick with a couple of splendid goals; Spurs were panic-stricken and it was our turn to look set for at least a point. Unfortunately inexperience cost us a soft goal, and the final count went to 3-5 against us. It was a reflection of the home side's frustration that they had a man sent off 10 minutes from time.
FULHAM
Craven Cottage
0 - 3
11 October 1989
Banks
Kelly P.
Marquis
McQueen
Strodder
Devonshire
King (Macari)
Clarke (Harwood)
Dolan
Brady
Kelly D.
The visit to Craven Cottage on October 11 was the fourth away game in a row, and we had hopes of securing a success against the lowly-placed West Londoners. We should have done so, as the XI containing half-a-dozen players with League experience created at least a dozen good scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, there was nobody able to provide the finishing touch, and to make matters worse the Hammers gave away a couple of 'soft' goals; in addition, the home side created a good one to end as 3-0 winners. The scoreline was a travesty, but our team had only itself to blame at the conclusion of a disappointing afternoon.
PORTSMOUTH
Upton Park
0 - 1
13 October 1989
McKnight
Kelly P.
Marquis
Heffer
Hancock
Livett
King
Clarke (Marquis)
Rush (Beard)
Padington
Harwood
The home match against Portsmouth Reserves was brought forward from the following Saturday to Friday the 13th. First Team calls left us with a line-up of youngsters, but they did better than expected against a Pompey XI which looked strong on paper and provided some good football. A goalless first-half ended with Allen McKnight making a couple of 'reaction saves' within seconds of each other; at the other end Adam King headed Chris Harwood's centre just wide of the upright to balance the issue. Pompey were rather fortunate to score in the
58th minute, when the ball broke from a tackle from Terry Connor to be presented with an easy opportunity from around the 10-yard mark. The visitors held firm for most of the remaining time, but 'got away with it' when Simon Beard's left-foot shot rattled their crossbar eight minutes from the end. So the final count was 1-0 to them, but with a good share of the honours going to the inexperienced Hammers.
MILLWALL
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Livett [pen], Rush)
19 October 1989
McKnight
Padington
McQueen
Hancock (Rush)
Marquis
Devonshire
Harwood
Livett
King (Clarke)
Kelly D.
Kelly P.
The home match against Millwall Reserves was moved forward to Thursday, October 19 from the following Saturday {as per original fixture list).
We were able to 'break our duck' on the scoreline on this occasion, although the first of our two goals came from a spot-kick conversion by Simon Livett during the first-half. By then the Lions were two-up, having netted twice in the early stages. Once again it was inexperience at the back which enabled the visitors to build up a lead; thus making it another uphill struggle, especially so in that we had to rearrange the XI when Darren Hancock went off mid-way through the half.
Hancock's place was taken by Matthew Rush, and it was the substitute who headed our second counter - but not before the South Londoners had added another goal. Although 2-3 down we might have sneaked a point, but the visitors were able to keep us at bay and took full spoils from a match which was " entertaining but again ended in disappointment for the Hammers.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Loftus Road
1 - 1 (Kelly D.)
31 October 1989
McKnight
Reed
McQueen
Gale
Foster
Devonshire
Ward
Kelly P.
King
Livett
Kelly D.
Our Reserves resumed their schedule with a visit to Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday October 31. We fielded a strong-looking XI, and welcomed back Tony Gale and Colin Foster from the physiotherapist's couch!
It was a match which we should have won, as overall the Hammers had the better of the play. However, we had to be content with one point instead of three, the 1 -1 draw earning Rangers their reward after being in arrears at the interval.
David Kelly put us ahead, and then we conceded the equaliser through poor defensive clearing. That was followed by two penalties; Mark Falco's spot-kick rebounded from our bar on the first occasion; our 'free shot' also failed when Simon Livett's attempt was blocked by the goalkeeper.
ARSENAL
Upton Park
4 - 8 (Kelly D. 4)
4 November 1989
McKnight
Padington (Rush)
Marquis
Gale
McQueen
Devonshire
Harwood
Kelly P.
King
Kelly D.
Livett
For those supporters who were not at Upton Park that afternoon the Sunday papers provided an unusual score-line of: West Ham United 4, Arsenal 8. The sequence of events in that twelve-goal game was likewise out of the ordinary, as the scoring (ours first) went: 1-0, 1-3, 2-3, 2-4, 3-4 (half time), 3-5, 4-5 and finally 4-8.
Both Xl's were a mixture of players with and without League experience, and in the long run the difference between those groups was a decisive factor. The Gunners' attackers could be happy with their tally, but it was Hammers' David Kelly who particularly dominated the scoring-list by netting all our four goals.
David was on target from the start and opened the goal-spree in our favour. We continued to pressurise the North Londoners' defence, and could have gone further ahead; Paul Kelly hit the woodwork and Simon Livett headed just wide of it before Arsenal retaliated with three goals.
As indicated previously, we fought back on three occasions to reduce the visitors margin to a singleton, and at 4-5 against us late in the second half there was a feeling that we could save the game. However, the Gunners restored their two-goal advantage at 6-4, and made the final result appear far worse with a couple more in the closing minutes.
As indicated by the score-line it was a bad afternoon for defenders, who far too often left their goalkeepers unprotected against the marksmen who had a field day.
The result added an unwelcome statistic to our club records, as prior to this game the most goals conceded by a Hammers' team in the Combination was seven. That was way back in February 1934 when Crystal Palace secured a 7-1 margin at Selhurst Park. However, at least we did better on this occasion at the other end with David Kelly's quartet!
LUTON TOWN
Kenilworth Road
1 - 1 (Macari)
11 November 1989
McKnight
Padington
McQueen
Gale
Foster
Kelly P.
Rush
Livett
King
Macari
Villalbe
The plastic pitch at Kenilworth Road was the venue for the Reserve Team fixture.
We included a Peruvian in our line-up. We believe that Zavier Villalbe is the first of that nationality to play for the Hammers. He is in England with the hope of joining an English club as a full-time player, and was due to have a trial with another team last Monday.
Another newcomer to the Combination ranks was our manager's son Mick Macari. He marked his debut by opening the scoring; accepting a pass from Adam King, the young striker's first shot was blocked, but he netted the rebound.
Luton Town equalised in the second half and held out for a 1 -1 draw. It was a disappointing result for us, as there were chances to win, particularly a 'golden' one in the last minute when a header went wide of an open goal; earlier we had hit an upright, but overall our performance was patchy.
WATFORD
Vicarage Road
4 - 4 (King 2, Clarke, Whittingham)
18 November 1989
McKnight
Hancock (Heffer)
McQueenPearson (Clarke)
Marquis
Devonshire
Rush
Livett
King
Whittingham
Kelly P.
Seven of the eight-goal aggregate were netted in the second half on November 18. We were worth the one-goal interval lead, Adam King making the most of his opportunity, but misfortune came our way with two injuries. We lost Darren Hancock 10 minutes after the interval with a knee problem, so Tony Carr had to make a major re-arrangement of the line-up. Paul Kelly went to a full-back position and Simon Livett dropped into place in the back four.
Meanwhile the Hornets had equalised, but we recovered from the setbacks to go 3-1 up. Winston Whittingham was making an initial appearance in our team, his form for Spartan London League Barkingside having been sufficiently impressive to merit a trial at this level; he scored our second goal, and substitute Simon Clarke added to the lead.
At that stage Watford came more into the reckoning, and when they levelled the count at 3-3 there appeared to be the possibility of them winning.
However, the Hammers retaliated for King to register his second score of the afternoon - only for the homesters to draw level again 10 minutes from time.
The closing stages were much in Hammers' favour, and King went near to completing his hat-trick. The home 'keeper held on to his colleagues' hard-earned point by saving a Simon Rush volley that was definitely goal-bound, thus concluding an encounter which provided the fans with a splendid afternoon's entertainment, despite the rather misty conditions during the second half.
IPSWICH TOWN
Chadwell Heath
3 - 0 (Fashanu, Kelly D., King)
21 November 1989
McKnightReedHorlockFosterGaleDevonshireKingLivettDolanFashanu (Heffer)Kelly D.
NO PROGRAMME ISSUED
As the Boleyn Ground was to be the venue for a Littlewoods Cup tie on the following day, we decided to transfer our scheduled home fixture on November 21 to the Chadwell Heath training ground by mutual agreement with Ipswich Town.
The visitors fielded a very young side, and our XI carried far too much experience for them. The eventual result was 3-0 in our favour, and the margin might have been more pronounced in what was to a great extent a one-sided encounter, with the Suffolk club never really threatening to score.
Our starting line-up included Justin Fashanu; it was his first appearance in the trial period arranged following his prolonged absence from the active soccer scene. He opened our score, but it was decided that it would be advisable to substitute him after 20 minutes action as there was the possibility of a hamstring handicapping his further participation that afternoon.
Both our other goals were netted prior to the interval. Adam King was again on the scoring list and David Kelly took his Combination total to nine so far this season. There was not a great deal to comment upon during the second half, reflected by the absence of further goals.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Kelly, Whittingham)
25 November 1989
McKnight
Pask
McQueen
Gale
Horlock
King
Rush
Livett
Dolan
Whittingham (Clarke)
Kelly P.
It was literally within seconds of the kick-off that the ball was centred into the opposing penalty-area; in turn it was headed on by Eamonn Dolan and Winston Whittingham, leaving Paul Kelly the chance of scoring his second Combination goal of the season.
We made it two-nil in the ninth minute; Matthew Rush laid on a through pass to Whittingham, and the triallist from Spartan Leaguers Barkingside neatly bisected the attempted intervention by two defenders to left-foot his shot past Bobby Mimms.
The North Londoners gradually recovered from this double blow and were distinctly unfortunate when an angled shot hit the inside of an upright and bounced back across the face of our goal to be hastily cleared for a corner five minutes before the interval.
The visitors had used their two subs by midway in the second half in an endeavour to reduce our two-nil margin, but they nearly went further in arrears when Whittingham made a threatening foray down the right wing; his shot rebounded from the 'keeper but broke the wrong way for his fellow-attackers who were following up.
The Spurs' officials - and probably most of their players were surprised at the manner in which they eventually got a goal. Play in our penalty-area was halted as one of their men tumbled over with none of our players in the vicinity; John Moncur converted the penalty-kick.
OXFORD UNITED
Manor Ground
6 December 1989
Postponed : Fog
On the Wednesday our squad travelled to Oxford United's Manor Ground for a scheduled fixture. The selected teams changed in preparation for the kick-off, but at 7.40pm the referee finally decided that there was no point in starting the game due to the foggy conditions.
SWINDON TOWN
Upton Park
5 - 1 (Clarke 2, King, Marquis, Skinner)
7 December 1989
McKnight
Padington
Horlock
Skinner
Pask
Livett
King
Kelly P.
Marquis
Kelly D. (Macari)
Clarke
Our fixture originally dated for December 8 was brought forward to the previous evening - Thursday December 7 - at Upton Park.
A misplaced back-pass let in Swindon Town for the opening goal, but the Hammers succeeded in equalising before half-time. It was very different during the second half, and our team netted four without reply to end 5-1 winners. Simon Clarke scored twice, Adam King, Paul Marquis and Andy Skinner one apiece. Skinner, a former apprentice with us, is a temporary signing.
This was our third successive victory and fifth in a row without defeat.
OXFORD UNITED
Manor Ground
0 - 3
11 December 1989
McKnight
Skinner
McQueen
Foster
Parris (Marquis)
Devonshire (Clarke)
Kelly D.
Kelly P.
King
Dicks
Livett
The match v Oxford was rearranged to be played on Monday December 11.
Conditions were kinder, but our hosts gained the upper hand at an early stage, and led by one-nil at the interval. Nothing went right for us after the resumption, and we collapsed to be comprehensively defeated 3-0 and terminating a six-game run of success.
There were two major physical casualties; George Parris went out of the action with a recurrence of his back problem and Alan Devonshire came off with conjunctivitis.
As Julian Dicks had concluded his suspension period he had a full 90-minutes of exercise as a front runner.
WIMBLEDON
Plough Lane
1 - 0 (Rosenior)
2 January 1990
McKnight
Pearson
Horlock
Kelly P.
Strodder
Marquis
Rush
Kelly D.
Whittingham (Clarke)
Rosenior (King)
Livett
Two postponements and the scheduled 'Christmas break' left our Reserves with a three-week gap following their re-arranged fixture v Oxford United on December 11. They resumed on January 2 with a visit to Plough Lane to meet Wimbledon that evening in the previously-deferred fixture from December 16.
It brought a pleasing one-nil victory, thanks to a good all-round performance by the Hammers.
Leroy Rosenior made his first appearance since mid-September and defender Andy Pearson also resumed after missing the previous four combination fixtures, so the Irons' line-up was looking stronger on paper with more players available for selection.
Rosenior and Winston Whittingham (from Barkingside FC) made an effective strike-force. Rosenior scored the only goal during the second half, taking a through-ball from Paul Kelly and holding off two defenders before beating the 'keeper. Leroy played for 70 minutes before being substituted by Adam King, and he came through his first competitive test in a satisfactory manner.
LUTON TOWN
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Kelly D. 2 [1 pen])
6 January 1990
McKnight
Padington
Horlock
Pearson
Marquis
Devonshire
Brady
Kelly P.
Livett
Kelly D.
Clarke
We had Liam Brady and Alan Devonshire in the starting line-up and their experience provided scoring opportunities during the first half, but it was not until late in the opening period that we came nearest to scoring as David Kelly's header bounced off the top of the bar.
However, we went ahead just as everyone was preparing for the tea-break. Kelly was 'grassed' just inside the penalty-area, and he converted the spot-kick himself.
The visitors were by no means lacking in retaliation, and Allen McKnight was called upon to make several timely interceptions - as he had at Wimbledon earlier in the week.
We went further ahead in the 73rd minute. A combined move by Brady and Devonshire followed by an astute through pass provided Kelly with the opening to net his second with a low shot into the far corner of the goal, and the two-nil margin was held until only a couple of minutes remained on the efficient referee's watch.
Then, incredibly, disaster struck. Appalling defensive errors let in the Hatters to score twice in a minute, and the Luton Town contingent could hardly contain their surprise at returning to Kenilworth Road with a point. Even before it was 2-0 we should have converted more scoring chances, and by not so doing we received a salutary lesson.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Kelly D., Rosenior, Rush)
13 January 1990
McKnight
Pearson
McQueen
Strodder
Marquis
Livett
Kelly P.
Robson (Rush)
Rosenior
Kelly D.
King (Slater)
There were several pleasing features about last Saturday's Combination game against Charlton Athletic at Upton Park.
After an absence of over 12 months, Stewart Robson took part in a competitive fixture; he played in the first-half of the match as a trial run, but was substituted after the interval by prior arrangement, having successfully emerged from this initial test.
There was also another substitution for the second-half, with Stuart Slater playing the concluding 45 minutes following his missing first team appearances due to injury.
Leroy Rosenior played throughout the hour-and-a-half; he netted our second goal with a first time shot from David Kelly's pass. Kelly had opened our account before the interval, accepting a through-pass to beat the advancing 'keeper.
The Valiants retaliated to make the count 2-1 in our favour, but we put the result beyond doubt when Slater made ground along the bye-line to provide Matthew Rush with an easy opportunity. Overall a good performance, a 3-1 victory and three points.
CHELSEA
Stamford Bridge
2 - 1 (Morley, Strodder)
16 January 1990
Suckling
Pearson
McQueen
Strodder (Marquis)
Timson
King
Kelly P.
Morley
Bishop
Quinn
Livett (Rush)
On Tuesday afternoon we continued our good form at Chelsea. The side was strengthened by the inclusion of Ian Bishop, Trevor Morley and Jimmy Quinn, who were all ineligible for the Littlewoods Cup tie with Derby the following night.
It was Morley who opened the scoring - his first goal for the Hammers - in the 20th minute when he finished a move set up by Bishop. Ten minutes later Chelsea equalised when fullback Gareth Hall hit a long high cross which dropped in at the far post.
By the 35th minute we were back in front. A corner from Bishop was swept in with a strong header from Gary Strodder. In the second-half the Blues had more of the ball but we defended well and could have increased our lead. Manager Tony Carr rates this win on par with the victory over Wimbledon.
FULHAM
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Morley 2)
27 January 1990
McKnight
Kelly P.
Dicks
Quinn
Pearson
Livett (Marquis)
Milne
Bishop
Morley
Allen
King
The line-up provided by the Cottagers' administrators to be printed in our match programme led to a spate of unnecessary writing for the spectators. The starting XI actually showed only one amendment, but the West Londoners changed no less than eight shirt numbers (including those of the two subs!).
As our First Team had no game that day, we were able to include three players who had been ineligible for the Littlewoods Cup ties, plus Ralph Milne, Julian Dicks and Martin Allen (the latter two having also missed the first leg against Derby County).
However, the opposition gave an early shock to our squad, catching defenders flat-footed only four minutes after the kick-off to snatch a lead which they held until the 62nd minute. A shot by Jimmy Quinn rebounded from the woodwork to Allen, and his subsequent pass was converted by Trevor Morley.
Quinn had been playing in the centre of the defence, but he moved upfield and our attacks became more incisive. Two wins in one day for Paul Marquis. On 70 minutes Paul Kelly hit the bar from nearly 30 yards' range and five minutes later Milne's header gave Morley the opportunity to score his second from around the ten yards mark. Three minutes after that, Milne hit an upright, but Fulham kept us at bay for the remainder of the game to leave the final result at 2-1 in Hammers' favour.
WIMBLEDON
Upton Park
3 February 1990
Postponed : Poor Pitch
READING
Elm Park
0 - 2
13 February 1990
Miklosko
Padington
Horlock
Foster
Marquis
Bishop
Livett
Quinn
King (Rush)
McAvennie (Dolan)
Morley
Our rearranged date with Reading was at their Elm Park Ground on Tuesday, February 13. The Hammers line-up included four players ineligible for Littlewoods Cup tie duty - Ian Bishop, Colin Foster, Trevor Morley and Jimmy Quinn.
Foster was making his first competitive appearance after returning from injury, and the same applied to Frank McAvennie and Eamonn Dolan. McAvennie played for the first hour, and Dolan took his place for the concluding 30 minutes.
We also had the opportunity to field our new goalkeeper - Ludek Miklosko. It gave the Czech international his first taste of English football, and after the initial stages he settled down well.
However, the home side also fielded a strong XI, and they terminated our run of five undefeated games with a 2-0 victory, both goals being scored before the interval.
READING
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Dolan, Livett, McAvennie, Rosenior)
17 February 1990
McKnight
Kelly P.
McQueen
Foster
Strodder
Devonshire
Livett
McAvennie (Rush)
Rosenior
King
Dolan
Dolan, Foster and McAvennie were all in the starting line-up, and were joined by Leroy Rosenior - also back from injury. We nearly got away to a flying start, appealing for a goal after McAvennie's shot bounced down from the bar. That was not awarded, but on the quarter-hour we had better fortune as Paul Kelly's powerful shot rebounded from the upright for Rosenior to convert.
Reading forced Allen McKnight to make two good saves literally seconds apart, but the visitors went further in arrears as McAvennie collected a through pass and netted from 20 yards after the ensuing clearance in the 26th minute. Ten minutes later Tommy McQueen made ground down the left and Simon Livett controlled the centre before beating the 'keeper with a ground shot. Half-time 3-0. The opposition got more into the game after the interval, and were rewarded with a goal by Stuart Lovell in the 57th minute.
Alan Devonshire had been well in the picture throughout, and another of his defence-splitting runs led to a further counter 10 minutes from time; his near-post centre was competently converted by Dolan, taking the count to 4-1. That concluded the scoring.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
5 - 0 (Morley 4, Dolan)
24 February 1990
McKnight
Kelly P.
McQueen
Potts (Pearson)
Foster
Devonshire
Dolan
Livett
Rosenior
Morley
King
Our Reserves completed their :irst 'double' of the season by defeating Southampton's Second-string at The Dell.
We had secured a 5-1 victory against the Saints last September; but this latest performance was even more decisive against a club whose First Division performances lave been in contrast to their foot-of-the-table second-choice. However, Combination results very much depend upon which players are available on a particular day, and we have been fortunate during recent weeks to be fairly free of injuries, thus widening our scope for selection.
The 5-0 win on the Hampshire ground was our sixth in eight games since the start of the New Year piroducing a welcome uprising n the standings. There was never much doubt that we would collect the points after we had gained a 2-0 interval lead. Tony Morley netted both pre-half time counters; Simon Livett made it three, then Mlorley again delivered a couple if telling blows to bring his personal tally to four for the afternoon.
We had a great chance to make it six, but our regular penalty-taker (Livett) acceded to the request of a team-mate to take a spot-kick; the eager deputy's effort was comfortably blocked by the 'keeper, but it really didn't make a vital difference.
Unfortunately, the occasion was marred by a recurrence of Steve Potts' hamstring injury. Steve had not played in a competitive match since the end of January, but hoped that this game would mark a successful return to action. However, he had to come off after 40 minutes; Andy Pearson deputised.
WATFORD
Upton Park
6 - 0 (Rosenior 3, Kelly D. 2. McAvennie)
3 March 1990
McKnight
Pearson
McQueen
Strodder
Foster
Kelly P. (Rush)
Dolan
McAvennie
Rosenior (Horlock)
King
Kelly D.
The visitors had a double setback in the opening 17 minutes. At the end of 10, David Kelly headed the ball across the goal area to provide Leroy Rosenior with the finishing touch to make it 1-0. Kelly was on the mark for our second, his powerful 30-yard drive proving too strong for the 'keeper to parry.
Watford's Liburd Henry went down in the box, leading to a penalty-award 10 minutes before the interval. The spot-kick went harmlessly wide, so it remained at 2-0 as the teams went in at half-time. Paul Kelly did not resume for the second-half, so Matthew Rush from our youth squad took over, and he was quick to make his impact; in the 63rd minute he dispossessed an opposing defender and centred for Rosenior to convert from close range.
From thence onwards it developed into a very one-sided contest, and the greater experience of the Hammers showed to complete advantage. David Kelly had earlier been foiled by a good save after an overhead 'bicycle shot'; but in the 65th minute he went past two defenders and the goalkeeper to run the ball into the net - 4-0.
Shots continued to rain on the 'punch-drunk' Watford rearguard; Tommy McQueen, Rush and Eamonn Dolan all had near-misses and Rosenior bounced one off the bar from 20 yards.
Further goals were inevitable. At 80 minutes Dolan beat three opponents before again passing to Rosenior for the latter to complete his hat-trick. Two minutes later, a three-man-move was concluded by Frank McAvennie making it a round half-dozen.
ARSENAL
Highbury
1 - 2 (McAvennie)
10 March 1990
Player 1
Player 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Our Reserves went to Highbury on March 10 with the knowledge that Arsenal Reserves had beaten the Hammers' second-string by 8-4 at Upton Park last November, and that the Gunners are making their regular challenge for the Combination championship.
It proved to be an unfortunate afternoon, not merely because we lost by 2-1. The initial set-back came at the end of a quarter-hour's play, Adam King being put out of further action with a thigh injury. Then the homesters took a one-nil lead into the second half, although they had to thank their goalkeeper for making a very good stop of Eamonn Dolan's pre-interval shot.
It went to two-nil a couple of minutes after the resumption of play following the change-over, but we were back in contention when Frank McAvennie was on hand to score during a goalmouth melee with a first-time shot.
Five minutes from time Tommy McQueen's free-kick
bounced back off an upright; a little to one side, and the Hammers would have got a deserved draw.
However, there was consolation in the shape of a successful re-appearance by Ray Stewart. The Scottish international sustained torn knee-ligaments over a year ago in a League match at Derby, and had had a long battle to regain his fitness.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Dolan, Rosenior)
15 March 1990
McKnight
Pearson
Dicks
Stewart
Strodder
Kelly P.
Livett
Rosenior
Dolan
Rush
Kelly D.
The Palace game, brought forward from the Saturday so that our League game at Leeds could be relayed live to Upton Park, proved a stern test. Palace defended well and made it very difficult for us and there was no score during the first half.
David Kelly, who had an outstanding game, beat the offside trap in the 55th minute to lay a chance on for Leroy Rosenior who found the net. Ten minutes later good work on the left by Simon Livett paved the way for Eamonn Dolan to side-foot in a second goal.
The Hammers have now won four of the last five games in the Combination a reflection of the strengthening of the side as players recover from injury. Besides Ray Stewart in defence there was Gary Strodder.
Frank McAvennie, who was scheduled to play, withdrew at the last moment due to swelling on the ankle but he was due to resume his comeback at Portsmouth last night as the Hammers continued their climb to a respectable position in the table.
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
0 - 1
20 March 1990
e
McKnight
Potts (Hancock)
Pearson (Rush)
Stewart
Strodder
Devonshire
Kelly P.
McAvennie
Rosenior
Dolan
Livett
After winning four of their preceding five games, our Reserves had a disappointing performance against Portsmouth's second-string at Fratton Park.
The home side got an early goal, and their young, eager squad did well from thence onwards. They survived a narrow escape as Simon Livett's 25-yard drive rebounded from the inside of a post and the ball made its way across the face of the goalmouth without any of our players being able to make contact and equalise.
We were able to include some players who had been out of action during recent months because of injury, and only two of our starting line-up were without First Team experience. Unfortunately Steve Potts experienced some problems with a recurrence of hamstring pulling, so we took him off after 20 minutes as a precaution. Kevin Horlock substituted, and we later used Matthew Rush as sub for Andy Pearson with 20 minutes to go. Pompey held their lead until the final whistle, and thereby completed the double over us this season, having won by the same 1 -0 score here last October.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Marquis, McAvennie, Rosenio, [og])
24 March 1990
McKnight
Pearson (Padington 20) (Hancock 85)
Horlock
Stewart
Marquis
Clarke
Dolan
McAvennie
Rosenior
Heffer
Rush
The Rangers had held us to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road in October, but they conceded two goals in each half on this occasion to be completely subdued by 4-0.
They helped us on our way to victory by conceding an 'own goal' for the Hammers' initial counter, and Frank McAvennie added to it with one prior to the interval. The second-half scorers were Leroy Rosenior and Paul Marquis (the central defender's second of the season). We had the opportunity to score more, particularly so in that we were awarded a penalty. It was left to Ray Stewart to take the spot-kick, but for once he did not oblige with his usual conversion. Incidentally it was the second time this season that we failed to score from the 12-yard mark against Rangers' Reserves; Simon Livett's shot was blocked by their 'keeper in our first meeting - a day on which the West Londoners also hit the bar with one.
This latest win put us well into the top half of the Combination standings; a considerable improvement after a poor start to the season when we won only one and drew three of the first dozen games.
WIMBLEDON
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Dicks [pen], McAvennie, Rosenior)
27 March 1990
McKnight
Kelly P.
Horlock
Marquis
Dicks
Dolan (Rush)
Livett
McAvennie
Rosenior
Clarke
Brady
We had a re-arranged fixture against Wimbledon at Upton Park on Tuesday 27 March, as the original date of February 3 had to be amended.
The teams were fairly evenly-balanced during the first half, and it was one-each at the interval. Leroy Rosenior had put the Hammers in the lead, but the Dons came back to level the count. We had also suffered another set-back, as Eamonn Dolan dislocated his shoulder, in the 24th minute, and had to retire from action to have it set in place, It was a recurrence of the mishap he sustained at Sheffield earlier this season, but then he was able to continue after on-the-field remedial action. This time he ended with his arm in a sling, and faced further inaction. Matthew Rush took Eamonn's place for the remainder of the game.
The Hammers got the upper hand after half-time, and a penalty-conversion by Julian Dicks was followed by a Frank McAvennie goal that made the final score 3-1 in our favour, It completed the Combination 'double' over the South Londoners, as we won by a Rosenior goal at their ground in January. Leroy's one against the Dons here was his ninth combination goal this season, and he is now second in our list behind the 14 scored by David Kelly prior to David's departure to Leicester City.
MILLWALL
The Den
2 - 2 (McAvennie, Robson)
3 April 1990
McKnight
Kelly P.
Horlock
Stewart
Potts
Devonshire (Rush)
Brady
Livett
Robson
McAvennie
Rosenior
There was an away match versus Millwall on Tuesday, April 3, which gave the opportunity of competitive action for Steve Potts and Stewart Robson who had been sidelined through injury; both emerged successfully from the tests.
We therefore fielded nine players with League experience, and the top-of-the-table Lions' side found themselves hard-pressed to keep us down to a one-nil lead at the interval; McAvennie was our scorer, which took Frank's Combination tally up to six so far this season.
The home team recovered after the resumption, and went into a two goals to one lead; but the Hammers then got back into the picture, and a goal by Robson made the final score two-each. The four points from those two matches put us comfortably into the top half of the standings.
CHELSEA
Upton Park
0 - 1
6 April 1990
McKnight
Potts
Stewart (Horlock)
Strodder
Martin
Devonshire
Livett
McAvennie
Clarke
Brady
Robson
'Friday night at Upton Park' was not a happy occasion for the Hammers when we played our re-arranged fixture against Chelsea on April 6. A solitary second-half goal by the West Londoners gave them the three points.
From their viewpoint it was a more joyful evening for the two ex-Hammers among the visitors. Their coach, Mick McGiven, was obviously pleased with the result, while Alan Dickens did well in his first game after returning from a spell of absence through injury.
Our own XI which started the match had just two without League experience; some were returning or continuing to make recovery from recent injuries, and it was in general a satisfactory test for most. However, Ray Stewart had to go off five minutes after the interval, which may have again retarded his recovery.
Following two home wins and an away draw, it was a disappointing result, as we had hoped for at least some reward.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Welling United FC
4 - 0 (Livett, Denvonshire, Robson, [og])
12 April 1990
McKnight
Potts
Livett
Marquis
Martin
Devonshire
Kelly P.
McAvennie
Rosenior
Brady (Hancock)
Robson
Charlton Athletic Reserves on April 12 was played on the ground of Welling United FC which is used by the South Londoners for their Combination fixtures.
The Hammers' line-up included several senior squad members and we were able to give further injury tests to Alvin Martin, Steve Potts and Stewart Robson.
Our XI proved to be more than adequate to cope with the opposition, although only one goal separated the sides at the interval; Alan Devonshire was the scorer, following inter-passing on the edge of the penalty area.
The second half went almost entirely in our favour. Simon Livett scored with a 20-yard drive and Robson 'chipped' the 'keeper for the second. Robson was also involved in our fourth and final counter, as he was heading for goal when a defender's tackle diverted the ball into the home net. We made one substitution, Darren Hancock replacing Liam Brady on the hour.
OXFORD UNITED
Upton Park
3 - 2 (Horlock, Robson, Rosenior)
21 April 1990
McKnight
Hancock
Horlock
Strodder
Martin
Devonshire
Dolan
McAvennie
Rosenior
Robson
Kelly P. (Heffer)
An experienced Hammers team quickly built up a 3-0 lead against the lower-placed visitors and there were indications that it would be a one-sided contest.
Following a long throw-in by Darren Hancock the ball came through to Kevin Horlock, whose good shot put the Hammers ahead; Robson was again on the scoring-list after rounding a defender and the goalkeeper; then Paul Kelly's header rebounded from the crossbar to provide Leroy Rosenior with his 10th Combination goal this season.
We had doubts about the penalty award which produced a goal for Oxford shortly before the interval, but with the 3-1 advantage in our favour there appeared little danger of losing out. However, United then scored again and the prospect of them snatching a draw was always a possibility. Fortunately our XI recovered its composure and held out to eventually win 3-2.
IPSWICH TOWN
Portman Road
3 - 1 (McAvennie, Strodder, Livett [pen])
25 April 1990
McKnight
Potts
Horlock
Strodder
Martin
Devonshire
Dolan (Hancock)
Rush (Macari)
McAvennie
Rosenior
Livett
The penultimate fixture for our Reserves in this season's combination schedule was played at the Portman Road Ground on Wednesday, April 25, against Ipswich Town Reserves.
Played in excellent weather, it was mostly to the Hammers' advantage. Frank McAvennie netted his seventh Combination goal of the season to put us one ahead at the interval. Then Gary Strodder and Simon Livett (from a penalty) made it three-nil in our favour before the home side fought back to score and leave the final count at 3-1 to us. Overall, the First Team experience of eight of the Hammers' XI was responsible for the comfortable victory.
Unfortunately we had one major mishap, Eamonn Dolan having to be substituted because of a recurrence of his shoulder problem.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Tooting & Mitcham FC
2 - 1 (Quinn 2)
3 May 1990
McKnight
Parris
Horlock
Strodder
Martin
Devonshire
Rush (Padington)
Livett
Quinn
Hancock
Clarke
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