WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1990-91 South East Counties League (Div 1)
Manager: Paul Hilton
ARSENAL
London Colney
2 - 2 (Macari 2)
25 August 1990
Small, Padington (Handcock), Horlock, Marquis, Basham, Harriott, Reed, Heffer (Comerford), Macari, Beard, Richards
The current schedule paired us with the Gunners for the opening encounter last Saturday at London Colney, so it was a good test for Paul Hilton's squad to commence the season.
The North Londoners put our side under a considerable amount of pressure during the majority of the 90 minutes; but we soaked up most of it until the closing stages, with goalkeeper Keith Small performing very capably despite having only one week's training before the match (due to a summer injury).
Indeed, there was every possibility that we would gam full points, as with only ten minutes to go the count was two-nil in our favour. Mick Macari had made the most of a breakaway ten minutes prior to the interval, and he netted again in the 78th minute with a shot from the edge of the penalty-box.
A never-give-up performance by Arsenal eventually earned them a deserved reward with a couple of goals to equalise in the concluding minutes; so both clubs could regard this as a pretty satisfactory start.
GILLINGHAM
Chadwell Heath
4 - 0 (Beard, Horlock, Macari, [og])
1 September 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Heffer, Basham, Harriott, Hancock, Reed, Macari, Beard, Comerford
REPORT:
PORTSMOUTH
Purbrook Park School Ground
0 - 2
8 September 1990
Small, Williamson, Embery, Harriott, Basham, Canham, Lowe (Reeve), Fletcher, Macari, Whitmarsh, Comerford
REPORT:
CHARLTON ATHLETIC : South East Counties League Cup (First Round)
Sparrows Lane
6 - 3 (Beard 2, Comerford 2, Macari, Reed)
15 September 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Basham (Williamson), Reed, Hancock, Heffer, Macari, Beard, Comerford
Our First Round tie in the South East Counties League Cup was played at Charlton Athletic's excellently-appointed training ground in New Eltham. As our Reserve team had no commitment that day we were able to field a full strength side. Charlton's youth squad on the other hand was somewhat depleted due to a Combination fixture that same afternoon which deprived them of some of their more experienced players. Thus, they were forced to field eight schoolboys.
This gave us an obvious advantage in experience; but nevertheless, we quickly realised that one must never under-estimate the opposition, as the South Londoners nearly went ahead in the opening couple of minutes. Eventually the exchanges swung our way, in what was one of the most eventful first-halves our statistics have ever recorded.
In brief, the scoring went - in our favour - like this: 2-0, 2-1, 4-1, 4-2, 5-2, 5-3 and eventually 6-3 before half-time! The Hammers' net-finders were Simon Beard (two), Tony Comerford (two), Mick Macari and Peter Reed. As far as goalscoring was concerned the second half was an anti-climax. Possibly understandably, but even so, remarkable in as much as there was no addition to the score!
We certainly could have had more, but our finishing lost its edge. So the young Hammers qualify for the Second Round which is scheduled for Saturday, 20th October, when we will face Wimbledon.
LEYTON ORIENT : Southern Floodlight Cup (First Round Replay)
Brisbane Road
0 - 0
18 September 1990
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Basham
Reed
Hancock
Heffer
Macari
Richards
Comerford
REPORT:
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Chadwell Heath
6 - 1 (Heffer 3, Horlock, Padington [pen], Williamson)
22 September 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Reed, Hanoock, Williamson, Richards, Heffer, Comerford
The week before we played Charlton in the South East Counties League Cup at their venue and won convincingly 6-3. On that occasion Charlton had been forced by circumstances to field eight schoolboys, but for this second meeting in the league competition, the Valiant's had their full quota of under-18 players available. Thus we anticipated a far more difficult game. It was therefore with some surprise that Billy Bonds received the news, from Paul Hilton, that the youngsters had hit another six goals past Charlton to triumph 6-1.
This result added icing on the cake following the well earned point gained by the senior side at Newcastle United that same day. As striker Michael Macari was unavailable for this game his place as leader of the attack was filled by Steve Heffer. It proved to be a notable morning for the new striker, for he went on to net a hat-trick.
Steve's first goal came in the first half but he didn't complete his scoring until late in the game with goals in the 80th and 85th minutes. Kevin Horlock and John Padington (from a penalty), scored one apiece, but the half-dozen tally actually began when Danny Williamson's 20-yarder equalised Charlton's first-minute goal that provided a temporary and short lived setback.
Williamson might well have deserved a 'man of the match' award, had one been on offer, because he laid on the pass for Heffer's first goal and Horlock's counter. And it was from his shot that the Charlton Athletic goalkeeper parried out the ball for Steve Heffer to net the rebound and complete the scoring.
IPSWICH TOWN
Chadwell Heath
2 - 2 (Miller 2)
29 September 1990
Small, White, Embery (Whitmarsh), Harriott, Reed, Canham, Lowe, Holland, Beard, Richards, Miller (Brunning)
As Ipswich Town arrived early at Chadwell Heath our South East Counties League game kicked-off 15 minutes early at 10.45am. By eleven o'clock both teams had scored. Simon Miller putting the Hammers ahead in the first minute and Town equalising in the ninth.
The play swept from end to end for the remainder of the half and Ipswich gained an interval advantage when their No. 7 hit a good shot after being allowed to run. Our defence came under some pressure at that stage and goalkeeper Keith Small made some timely interceptions. Rain began to fall before the second-half commenced; the fans who had brought their golf umbrellas being wiser than the weather forecasters.
Eight minutes after the resumption John Lowe broke away on the right, his centre was headed on by Simon Miller and the Town goalkeeper was left stranded as Miller forced the ball into the empty net for his second goal in this his first youth game of the season. Play remained fairly evenly balanced for the remaining half-hour with both sides creating scoring opportunities. Ipswich may have considered themselves unfortunate not to have taken full points, but we almost snatched a last-minute winner.
NORWICH CITY
Trowse Village
6 - 1 (Hancock 2, Macari 2, Padington [pen], Williamson)
6 October 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Holland (Williamson), Hanoock, Heffer, Macari, Richards (Reed), Comerford
Our under-18s resumed their heavy scoring in League fixtures when they visited Norwich City at Trowse Village on Saturday 6th October. For the third time in four matches they recorded a six-goal victory, this 6-1 margin following the 6-3 and 6-1 scores against Charlton Athletic in League Cup and League encounters.
A foul by the opposing 'keeper on Mick Macari was converted by John Padington halfway through the first half. Then Macari sent a 25-yard pass to Darren Hancock who netted with a 25-yard drive; following which Macari made it 3-0 at half-time by beating two opponents on the edge of the area after a corner.
The Canaries pulled one back soon after the interval, but Hancock restored the margin halfway through the half. A move by substitute Peter Heed and Macari led to Danny Williamson scoring on the run in the 75th minute; then to conclude the rout Macari scored his second (81 minutes) - making a personal tally of six in five League appearances.
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
Porson Road Ground
4 - 1 (Beard 4)
13 October 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson, Hanoock, Heffer, Macari, Beard, Comerford
Another four goals were added to the Hammers' total a week later, following the journey to Cambridge United's Porson Road ground on the 13th. An impressive performance produced the 4-1 victory. The highlight of which was that all our quartet were netted by Simon Beard who made his total 7 so far this season.
Beard's first-half hat-trick (5, 14 and 44 mins) each came from openings set up by Macari, and the lead might have been even more decisive hut for refereeing and linesman's decisions which disallowed three other 'goals'. The home defence tried 'offside tactics', but were caught off-balance as our wide runners made ground and laid back passes from the by-line.
We had a mild wind in our favour before the interval, but it blew much more strongly after the resumption, so our defenders had an increased work load. Cambridge pulled one back five minutes after the re-start, but we held them in check after that and with five minutes to go gained yet another corner-kick; it was driven in by Hancock and headed on by Tony Comerford for Beard to convert.
Table-toppers Spurs and Arsenal drew 2-2 that same morning, so we narrowed the gap by a point apiece in retaining third place in the table.
LEYTON ORIENT : Southern Floodlight Cup (First Round Replay)
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Comerford, Heffer, Macari)
15 October 1990
Small
Padington
Horlock
Hancock
Marquis
Williamson
Holland (Miller)
Heffer
Macari
Beard (Richards)
Comerford
REPORT:
WIMBLEDON : South East Counties League Cup (Second Round)
Richardson Evans Sports Ground
1 - 3 (Marquis)
20 October 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson, Hancock (Reed), Heffer, Macari, Richards (Holland), Beard
Our match took place at the Richardson Evans Sports Ground, Roehampton Vale. Both teams had recorded big first round victories: Hammers 6-1 at home to Charlton Athletic and the Dons by 6-2 at Reading. Wimbledon are also undefeated in the Division of the SECL with six wins in seven games. So we had a difficult task ahead; that was confirmed in the opening minute as the home side broke away and gained a penalty-award for a foul in the box as an attacker was rounding our 'keeper. They missed from the spot, but were not to be denied of taking a lead.
Playing typical Wimble don-style produced goals in the twelfth and 25th minutes. The Hammers got back into contention when Paul Marquis firstly headed against the bar following a corner and then followed up the rebound to make it 1-2. Wimbledon's first goals came from set-pieces after corner-kicks; and a minute from half-time they recorded a third when a free-kick hit our bar and rebounded kindly for the Dons to convert a 'second bite at the cherry1.
There was no further scoring and the final score summed up the game in general. The opposition created more chances and some of our players showed signs of fatigue after participating in three games in six days.
CHELSEA
Chadwell Heath
3 - 1 (Holland, Macari, Marquis)
27 October 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Holland, Comerford, Heffer, Macari, Richards (Williamson), Beard
A good all round performance produced an excellent victory against Chelsea at Chadwell Heath. The Hammers were particularly impressive during the first half to be two up at the interval, although 35 minutes had elapsed before we opened the score as Paul Marquis headed home following a corner-kick.
The second goal also came after another corner was cleared, but Matt Holland chested it down and volleyed it past the defenders shortly before the half ended. Chelsea reduced the margin seven minutes after the breather, and the eventual issue hung in the balance until nine minutes from time. A combined move commenced from Simon Beard, was carried on by Tony Comerford and passed to Mick Macari who turned and scored our third. That concluded the goal-count at 3-1 in our favour with the second-placed club on points.
WATFORD
Woodside Stadium
2 - 0 (Macari 2)
3 November 1990
Small, White, Horlock, Marquis, Harriott, Hancock, Heffer, Holland, Macari, Beard, Richards
Another good performance on November 3rd produced an away win - our fourth successive victory in a row; and with Arsenal and Millwall both suffering defeats we opened up a clear lead from those below us.
The match against Watford that morning was played at the Woodside Stadium in Garston. It was a hard game with the home side playing very direct approach tactics.
It took 40 minutes before the Hammers went ahead; Tony Richards centred into the penalty-area, and Macari turned his defenders to slot home under the 'keeper's despairing dive. Half-time one-nil, and Danny Williamson on as substitute.
Macari again changed direction sharply for his second counter as Paul Marquis headed down a corner kick centre. We had other chances, but eventually had to hold out during the concluding quarter-hour as the Hornets piled on pressure. The home side hit the woodwork and did so again shortly afterwards; the ensuing scramble brought another narrow escape with the ball rebounding from the under-side of the bar before being cleared from the danger zone.
HORNDEAN : FA Youth Cup (First Round)
Upton Park
21 - 1 (Macari 5, Beard 4, Horlock 3, Comerford 2, Heffer 2, Richards 2, Williamson 2, Marquis)
5 November 1990
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Williamson
Hancock (Richards)
Heffer (Holland)
Macari
Beard
Comerford
REPORT:
LEYTON ORIENT
Chadwell Heath
2 - 1 (Horlock, Padington)
10 November 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson, Hancock (Richards), Heffer, Macari, Beard, Comerford
Orient had given the Hammers a hard test on November 10th. taking the lead al Chadwell Heath with a 25-yard shot after 20 minutes' play, We levelled some ten minutes after the interval, a three-man move between Kevin Horlock, Simon Beard and Macari leading to John Padington finishing off from just inside the box.
Padington's full-back partner Horlock got the winner, heading in after Tony Comerford's corner had been headed on by Richards. It was a good performance to win after being in arrears, and confirmed a fighting spirit in our squad. A continuance of victories and Spurs' defeat at Orient on November 17th took our team clear at the top and with a better goal difference.
COVENTRY CITY : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Second Round)
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Beard, Richards)
13 November 1990
Small
Padington
Horlock
Basham
Marquis
Williamson
Heffer
Hancock (Richards)
Macari
Beard (Holland)
Comerford
Coventry City got away to an early start in the Second Round tie at Upton Park on November 13th. Their skipper, Alun French, moved up from midfield into our goalmouth for a corner-kick, and headed in during the eleventh minute.
The Midlanders nearly added to their score, but were twice foiled by finger-lip saves from Keith Small. However, the Hammers levelled the score six minutes later, when Mick Macari created an opening for Simon Beard to run on and beat the 'keeper with a shot inside the far post.
A goal-line clearance in the 22nd minute prevented us taking the lead, but the visitors' goalkeeper was playing a confident game and dominating his area. However, Coventry had their fair share of the play, and the interval score of one each was acceptable to both sides.
Tony Richards came on as sub with half-an-hour to go. and he beat three opponents in the box before clearing the bar with a near-on-target shot.
Both sides made good attempts to break the deadlock, and with a dozen minutes left on the clock Hammers netted what proved to be the decider. Following a corner, Paul Marquis' header was parried away, but in the ensuing goal-line scramble Richards poked the ball past the spread-eagled City defenders.
Richards was back in defence near the end to make a timely clearance, but at the other end Macari was foiled as the 'keeper came out to block the forward's run for goal. By then it was well into injury lime, and our team had qualified for a Quarter-Final at Oxford United's Manor Ground (now arranged for Monday 10 December). Our team was not quite at its best form, but to come back from one down was to their credit.
MILLWALL
Langley Park
1 - 0 (Richards)
17 November 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson, Hancock (Holland), Heffer, Macari, Richards (Basham), Beard
Millwall provided another good test on tho following Saturday at Langley Park. We had a 'goal' by Beard disallowed, but Richards finished a Horlock-Macari move to put us ahead at the interval. The Hammers played well in the first half, but the Lions had the better of the second period.
They hit the bar, but our defence was in good form. Danny Williamson had a worthy scoring attempt saved by the home 'keeper, who atoned for nearly allowing his Hammers' opponent to score before half-time.
SOUTHEND UNITED
Gloucester Park, Basildon
3 - 1 (Macari 2, Holland)
24 November 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson (Holland), Heffer, Hancock, Macari, Richards (Basham), Beard
We recorded a seventh successive league victory against Southend United at Gloucester Park. Basildon. The Seasiders included eight first-year youngsters, and the Hammers' second-season players' experience lipped the scales. Nevertheless, the home side gave us a good test, and were unfortunate during the opening five minutes to be deprived of a penalty-award and then concede two goals.
Macari scored both, to bring his total lo 17 in the league and cup matches so far this season. Marquis had a hand (or rather head) in each, the first following a corner and the second a head-on by Beard who hit the bar after another corner; Macari was on hand to provide the coup-de-qrace.
Southend pulled one back in the tenth minute, but there was no further score until after the interval when Michael Basham carried on a move initiated by Horlock. leaving Matt Holland (a half-time sub) to get round the back of the defence and make the final count 3-1 in our favour. It was by no means a first-rate performance by the Hammers, but sufficed to overcome a promising younger team.
QUEEN PARK RANGERS
Chadwell Heath
6 - 1 (Horlock 2, Basham, Macari, Padington, Williamson)
1 December 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Holland (Williamson), Hancock, Heffer, Macari, Richards (Basham), Beard
A match that is goalless for the first hour and ends with a 6-1 score can be classified as rather out-of-the-ordinary. That would be fair comment upon our meeting with Queens Park Rangers at Chadwell Heath on the first day of December, when the Hammers consolidated their position at the head of the table after overcoming a team which put up a sturdy resistance for two-thirds of the match.
We had a slight edge in the fist half when the opposing 'keeper made particularly good saves from Simon Beard and Tony Richards; but the visitors survived until the 64th minute, when the same two players combined to create an opening from which Kevin Horiock opened our account.
Then came a remarkable spell of four goals in the next eleven minutes. The Hammers ran it up to 4-0 as Mick Macari, John Padington and Michael Basham rocked the West Londoners' rear guard, before Rangers netted their solitary counter. Our concluding duo came in the closing five minutes, Danny Williamson becoming our fifth scorer before Horlock scored for a second time. Until then Ranger had conceded only 18 goals in 12 matches, so it was their heaviest defeat this season so far.
ALDERSHOT : FA Youth Cup (Second Round)
Recreation Ground
1 - 1 (Marquis)
3 December 1990
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Holland (Williamson)
Hancock
Heffer
Macari
Richards (Basham)
Beard
Our Second Round tie vAldershot was played at their Recreation Ground. Although the 'shots are members of the Second Division of the South East Counties League, they have youth teams from five First Division and five Second Division Football League clubs among their opponents. At present they are contesting the runners-up spot, which is most encouraging at a time when their club in general is experiencing many problems.
They proved their standards by having somewhat the better of the play during a goalless first half of our game, although we had a 'goal' disallowed. The homesters conceded one five minutes after the interval as Paul Marquis headed in from a corner kick, but seven minutes later Aldershot responded with an equaliser.
There was continuing interest from thence onwards; we twice cleared off our goal-line and at the other end twice shot wide with only the 'keeper to beat. Then we hit the bar in the concluding moments of extended injury time, so the final count remained atone each.
FULHAM
Chadwell Heath
3 - 1 (Hancock 2, Comerford)
8 December 1990
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Reed, Williamson, Hancock, Macari, Richards (Heffer), Comerford
Fulham occupy a mid-table position, but their form on this occasion was above that standard - possibly due to the fact that they were aiming to knock the young Hammers off the top of the table. We eventually went ahead thanks to a 25th minute free-kick conversion by Kevin Horlock from the edge of the penalty box, but a poor back-pass led to the visitors deservedly equalising before half-time.
Play was temporarily held up on the hour and the referee's 'drop ball' decision led to our regaining the lead; we gained possession and the resultant move by Darren Hancock, Tony Richards and Tony Comerford ended with the last-named scoring. Horlock and Danny Williamson then created a further opening an the accurate centre was headed home for Hancock's second of the game.
So, we eventually collected two more points by a 3-1 hard-earned victory; and with Arsenal losing by the same score at Norwich we extended our lead at the head of affairs.
ALDERSHOT (FA Youth Cup (Second Round Replay)
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Richards 2, Horlock, Padington)
10 December 1990
Small
Padington
Horlock
Basham
Marquis
Williamson
Hancock
Reed (Heffer)
Harriott
Richards
Comerford (Holland)
Our replayed Second Round tie against Aldershot at Upton Park on Monday 10th December produced a final 4-0 score-line in Hammers' favour; on the face of it, the concluding count reflected an easy victory, but behind that 4-0 statistic there were some interesting points to be recorded.
The learns had drawn 1-1 at the Recreation Ground a week earlier and the 'Shots had reason to believe that they might have edged a victory on that occasion. Another 'plus' was that they had won six successive SECL matches in their Division prior to our replay.
However, everything went in our favour during the opening 21 minutes of the second meeting; so those present could hardly be expected to see the visitors wipe out that deficit, despite their intervening attempts to break down the Hammers' rearguard.
Kevin Horlock made a long solo run to start the goal-rush in the fourth minute; seven minutes later his lob into the goalmouth was only partially cleared to John Padington who drove home the ball from 15 yards on the angle.
A minute later Richards converted Darren Hancock's centre and added a second from Danny Williamson's through pass. Richards was aiming for his hat-trick seven minutes before half-time, but was pulled back on the edge of the penalty area; the referee's red card for the professional foul reduced Aldershot to ten men for the rest of the game.
Both managers put on their two subs with half-an-hour to go; but neither team made a great deal of impact on the likely outcome until the closing minutes when the 'Shots hit the near upright a couple of times. That summed up their failure to finish, as they otherwise rarely gave trouble to 'keeper Keith Small.
FULHAM
London Fire Brigade Sports gRound
0 - 0
15 December 1990
Small
White
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Williamson
Hancock
Reed (Holland)
Beard (Lowe)
Richards
Comerford
REPORT:
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Chadwell Heath
3 - 3 (Lowe, Macari, Richards)
22 December 1990
Small, Harriott, Horlock, Basham, Marquis, Holland, Lowe, Reed, Macari, Richards, Comerford
The youth team had an important engagement at Chadwell Heath on Saturday 22nd December against Tottenham Hotspur's youngsters who were holding runners-up position in the table. It turned out to be a cliff-hanger contest, with goal-scoring mainly confined to the second half.
The Hammers went one up in ten minutes as Tony Richards' shot looped over the 'keeper, and a good save by Keith Small plus Spurs hitting the bar sent us in with a half-time advantage. Twelve minutes after the interval we cleared a Tottenham corner-kick leaving Tony Comerford and Matt Holland to breakaway. Holland's shot hit the bar, but John Lowe was on hand to net the rebound for his first goal of the season.
Then it was the visitors' turn to dominate proceedings, and goals in the 60th, 75th and 80th minutes put them in the lead with ten minutes to go. At that stage it appeared we had missed our chance, but five minutes from the end Kevin Horlock side-footed the ball to Mick Macari for the equaliser (the striker's 19th goal of this season). Macari then nearly made it a score as his shot shaved the upright. Three-all, a fair result, and both sides' honour was satisfied. We retained our place at the top.
OXFORD UNITED : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Third Round)
Manor Ground
1 - 1 (Macari)
2 January 1991
Small
Padington (Basham)
Harriott
Marquis
Horlock
Lowe
Reed
Williamson
Comerford
Richards
Macari
REPORT:
SOUTHEND UNITED : FA Youth Cup (Third Round)
Roots Hall
5 - 1 (Comerford 2, Basham, Horlock, Macari)
19 January 1991
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Williamson (Holland)
Lowe
Reed
Macari
Basham
Comerford
After various re-arrangements our Third Round tie versus Southend United was fixed for Roots Hall. The home side showed some phases of good football, but were tour goals down at hall-time against a Hammers' loam that created and look its opportunities to score.
The first goal came in the eleventh minute as Mick Macari latched on to a pass from John Padington and went on lo outwit the home 'keeper. The second counter began with a move when John Lowe set Peter Heed on an overlap run; his excellent centre to the far post was volleyed home by Tony Comerford. Lowe was involved in the third goal, making the pass from which Michael Basham and the opposing goalkeeper clashed; ihe ball spun into the goalmouth and was adjudged to have crossed the line.
Lowe was again a thorn in the Shrimpers' side as he crossed the ball Cor Heed to shoot; the effort was blocked, but Comerford followed up to net his second. Southend made a rousing effort at the start of the second half and reduced the arrears in the 68th minute. However, our team came back into the reckoning as Comer ford made ground on the right; the centre was cleared and the ball went out to about 30 yards from goal, where Kevin Horlock let fly a drive to make it 5-1.
That concluded the scoring, and qualified us for a Fourth Hound home tie against Birmingham City.
PORTSMOUTH
Chadwell Heath
3 - 0 (Hancock, Horlock, Macari)
19 January 1991
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson (Beard), Lowe, Reed, Macari, Hancock (Richards), Comerford
After a three-week break in League fixtures, our squad resumed their schedule with a home match versus Portsmouth. The change of our respective fortunes in this competition are reflected by current positions in the table, with the Hammers top of the standings and Pompey among the tail-enders. Portsmouth had only three wins to their credit prior to the kick-off, but one was against us in the match on their ground last September; that 0-2 had been our only loss in the League when the teams clashed for the return.
The Blues had prospects of completing the double as they put us under pressure during the opening quarter-hour; overall they had an adequate share of play up to the interval. However, a five-mi mile spell between the 55th and 60ih minutes stalled the eventual issue in our favour.
Mick Macari put us in Ihe lead with a fine shot after a sharp turn in the box; four minutes later Kevin Horlock hit home from John Padington's pass; and almost immediately afterwards Darren Hancock slid the ball past the 'keeper from Macari's opening. Portsmouth held out from thence onwards, but the damage was done and we had continued our winning ways.
OXFORD UNITED : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Third Round Replay)
Upton Park
4 - 2 (Hancock, Macari, Reed, Richards)
21 January 1991
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Beard (Williamson)
Lowe
Reed
Macari
Hancock
Comerford (Richards)
Overall the visitors had the better of the first half, and after surviving a near-miss five minutes prior lo the interval look the lead somewhat fortuitously as a partially-cleared centre rebounded into our net.
Team manager Paul Hilton made a double substitution prior to the start of the second half, and we gained more conlrol of the exchanges. This led to an equaliser after a quarter-hour of pressure, an overhead pass by Mick Macari providing Tony Richards with space to run on and score.
However. Oxford's left-winger Chris Allen was always a threat to our defence, and in the 69th minute he cut in and planted the ball inside the far post.
The game had now become fiercely though fairly contested, but the U's conceded a free-kick in the following minute ten yards outside the penalty-area. Kevin Horlock side-footed the ball lo Darren Hancock whose shot pierced the defence for our second equaliser.
With a quarter-hour to go Allen again beat his man, and a dive after the ball by goalkeeper Keith Small ended with the Oxford man "on the deck." The penalty-award which followed could well have settled the issue, but our 'keeper made the save of the match to keep the count at two-all.
It obviously unsettled the opposition, who then nearly conceded an "own goal." the ball somehow rebounding for a corner. The opposing defence was still in a tangle as the kick was taken, and the half-clearance went to Peter Reed whose shot from close in put us ahead for the first time. That left Oxford with eleven minutes to save the day, but only three had elapsed when Macari was put in with a clear run to net our fourth.
It set the seal on a fine recovery, but the visitors earned full commendation for the, part they played in a match that merited a larger audience.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Sparrows Lane
1 - 1 (Padington [pen])
26 January 1991
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson, Lowe (Comerford), Reed, Macari, Richards (Beard), Hancock
We met Charlton Athletic's under-18 team for the third time this season when we visited their Sparrows Lane Ground at Eltham on Saturday 26th January. We had met them on successive Saturdays last September, winning away by 6-3 in the League Cup and 6-1 at home in a League game. By that reckoning we had every opportunity of collecting another couple of points, particularly so because on this occasion they had six schoolboys in their line-up.
However, 'football form' is never a true criterion, and the South Londoners showed considerably improved standards against a Hammers XI that lacked any true cohesion. A goalless first half was followed by a Charlton counter from a second minute corner after the interval. It was a justifiable lead, as Keith Small had done well to keep a blank sheet in the opening spell. Then, just on the hour, Mick Macari was brought down during one of our sporadic attacks, John Padington converted the penalty kick.
The rest of the game was again mostly to Charlton's advantage, as we never created sufficient opportunities to get behind their defence. Indeed, the home side might well have collected full spoils, especially as they missed a good chance near the end.
IPSWICH TOWN
Whitton
4 - 2 (Horlock, Macari, Padington [pen], Williamson)
2 February 1991)
Small, Padington, Horlock, Basham, Marquis (Hancock), Williamson, Reed, Lowe, Macari, Richards, Comerford
The fixture against Ipswich Town at Whitton was a hard struggle for over an hour, although our team had to be alert in the closing stages to hold on to their lead.
The Hammers scored in the fourth minute when Kevin Horlock curled a free-kick round the defensive wall; but the Town drew level in the following minute and made it 2-1 in their favour in the 19th after a corner-kick. It would not have been surprising if the home side had increased their advantage before half-time. A discussion during the interval had an almost immediate effect, as Hammers again got on terms five minutes after the restart. Danny Williamson put Mick Macari in with a chance and the striker netted his 24th goal of the season so far.
Then we had a 'golden quarter-hour'. A repeat of the Williamson-Macari move produced a penalty-kick; John Padington converted again. Then a cross by Tony Comerford from the other wing was chested down by John Lowe for Williamson to make it 4-2. That ended the scoring and we collected both points.
BIRMINGHAM CITY : FA Youth Cup (Fourth Round)
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Horlock, Padington [pen])
20 February 1991
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Williamson
Lowe (Hancock)
Reed
Macari
Richards
Beard
After a couple of deferments enforced by the weather, we were finally able to stage our Fourth Round tie against Birmingham City at Upton Park on Wednesday 20th February.
The Brummies compete in the Midland Purity League and hold a high position at the present lime. They had previously eliminated Spurs and Leyton Orient and on that basis we correctly anticipated a difficult task. Extra spice was added to the tussle insofar that a few days prior to the game Lou Macari had been appointed as manager of the Birmingham club; he returned to Upton Park to watch his new youngsters oppose a Hammers* XI which included his son Michael, the leading scorer in our youth squad.
The visitors produced some excellent soccer, and the teams were evenly balanced. They nearly went ahead, but were foiled when John Padington cleared the ball over his own goal as a score seemed certain. Our team quickly retaliated and City escaped when John Lowe's header from Simon Beard's centre bounced off their bar.
As the spectators prepared for the tea-break the Hammers broke away; Danny Williamson made a piercing run, then passed lo Macari and across came the ball for Kevin Horlock to net via the underside of the bar. That reverse obviously disappointed the Midlanders, and they conceded another goal shortly after the hour.
Williamson gathered a long upfield pass from Horlock, moved into the opposing area and tumbled after a mistimed tackle. John Padington netted the spot-kick.
The opposition made a determined rally, but left themselves open to counter attacks, and Macari twice went close to adding to our total. Our lads tired towards the end, but held out well to qualify for a quarter-final home tie against Notts County. However, congratulations and commiserations were freely awarded to the Birmingham team on their contribution to a fine evening's entertainment.
CHELSEA
Imperial College Grounds, Harlington
2 - 1 (Beard 2)
23 February 1991
Small, Padington, Horlock,Harriott, Marquis (Hancock), Williamson (Reed), Warden, Heffer, Macari, Richards, Beard
Our away fixture against Chelsea on Saturday 23rd February was played at the Imperial College grounds in Harlington, Middlesex. The Hammers* team included a newcomer- Danny Warden, who has previously played for Arsenal's juniors. A gusty wind was in our favour during the first half, but it made ball-control difficult for both sides.
We were two up after 20 minutes. The opening goal came in the eighth; it began with a good move on the right, involving Richards, Macari and Warden, before Simon Beard hit the ball home from the corner of the 18-yard area. A downfield volley by Harriott bounced over the heads of two defenders, and Beard was again on the mark for his second success.
Both 'keepers played well during the second half, but the home team pulled back one goal with 20 minutes left on the clock. However, the Hammers maintained their advantage and extended their unbeaten run lo 21 games by the 2-1 score.
WATFORD
Chadwell Heath
0 - 5
2 March 1991
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Heffer (Reed), Hancock, Williamson (Holland), Macari, Richards, Beard
Our Under-18s went into the leading position in the SECL, during mid-November, and held top place until the first week of this month, when Watford produced the 'sensation of the season' by winning the match at Chadwell Heath 5-0.
Obviously that was an occasion when nothing went right for our team in an encounter that involved three penalty-kicks and a disallowed goal. The Hammers missed the first spot-kick and were deprived of a 'goal' which would have reduced the 0-2 interval deficit. The Hornets' conversions of their unexpected 'pair of pens' added lo our woes and underlined that 'life at the top' is not all honey as Spurs took over at the head of the table on goal difference with a game in hand.
LEYTON ORIENT
Coppermill Lane
6 - 4 (Heffer 2, Marquis 2, Horlock, Williamson)
9 March 1991
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson, Hancock, Heffer, Macari, Beard, Lowe (Basham 45) (Holland 78)
So it was back to the hard graft at Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, to take on sixth-placed Leyton Orient who have similarly produced some excellent performances against leading contenders for honours.
It turned out to be a game of ten goals, during which the attackers obviously made the most of their changes. Our team faced a strong wind during the first half, and long drop-kicks by the Orient 'keeper created problems for our rear-guard.
However, the Hammers broke away in the ninth minute for Mick Macari lo put us one up. The lead did not last long, as the O's scored in the twelfth and seventeenth minutes when their long-ball tactics paid off. They appeared likely lo maintain that advantage at the interval, but almost on half-lime Danny Williamson netted our equaliser.
Prior to the start of the second half, Michael Basham substituted for John Lowe, who has recently missed a couple of matches through ill-health. And unfortunately, Basham also went 'out of action' in the 78th minute with a suspected hamstring problem, so Paul Hilton had to make a second reshuffle of his line-up, bringing Matthew Holland on as deputy for the closing stages.
By then the Hammers had gone ahead 4-3. Steven Heffer (50 mins) and Kevin Horlock (61 mins, from a corner kick) kept our score-rate going, but Orient then pulled one back in the 65th minute.
Holland's entry produced a fifth goal for the Hammers, as a minute after he came on his corner kick was converted by Macari (his 26th goal this season). Two minutes afterwards Heffer scored his second of the match to make il 6-3, but the opposition persevered to the bitter end and wilh five minutes to go they set the final count at 6-4. So two very hard-earned points kept us in contention with Spurs and Arsenal - who both won their away games.
MILLWALL
Chadwell Heath
2 - 1 (Miller, Richards)
16 March 1991
Small, Padington, Beard, Harriott, Basham, Holland, Lowe (Williamson), Heffer, Macari, Richards, Miller
Our opponents at Chadwell Heath were Millwall, who three days earlier had drawn their FA Youth Cup Quarter-Final 1-1 against Wimbledon at The Den. The Young Lions are also in the Final of the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup; they defeated Spurs two-nil in the Semi-Final and will now meet the winners of our Semi-Final v Arsenal (which takes place next Monday).
Our line-up excluded some who had played for the Reserves on the previous day, and included Michael Basham and Simon Beard who were not completely recovered from recent knocks. Beard took over at left-back; it was somewhat different from his normal attacking role but he did well.
The visitors were on top for most of the game, and they must have fancied their chances of victory when they changed over one up. The margin might have been doubled, but Keith Small particularly distinguished himself by tipping a fierce shot on to the bar on one occasion, and making several other vital saves after the Lions' 25th minute goal.
The South Londoners held on to their advantage until seven minutes from time. Our youngsters had persevered in their uphill struggle, and appeared to be foiled when their 'keeper saved from Mick Macari after he had combined with Steve Heffer in the penalty area; but Tony Richards was on the spot to meet the rebound and we were back in contention.
It then looked odds-on a draw, but with just a minute left on the rofs timepiece Richards gained control and provided the pass to let in Simon Miller for the winning goal. This was Miller's first appearance since the early part of the season, when he netted twice in one game against Ipswich.
So we more-or-less snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and completed another "double." having won the away game against Millwall by the only goal last November. It was our third home-and-away pair of victories so far this season.
NOTTS COUNTY : FA Youth Cup (Fifth Round)
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Basham, Heffer, Padington [pen])
18 March 1991
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Williamson
Hancock
Heffer
Macari
Beard
Basham
Shrugging off the shock of a first minute deficit and refusing to be intimidated by physically stronger opposition's bully-boy tactics, Hammers reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals at Upton Park on Monday with a display which was a triumph for football. County, all-but unbeaten but also widely unloved, took their almost immediate lead when Patterson's fiercely driven free-kick from the left was superbly headed home by Harmon, the visitors' richly talented but temperamentally suspect star man.
Against wind-driven rain. Hammers had to survive numerous corners and could rarely get their passing game going against rugged tackling. Simon Beard had a 1Oth minute drive blocked on die line, but that was the nearest West Ham got to an equaliser in a half that thoroughly tested character and discipline.
But with the elements in their favour, they stormed back in the second period and were twice close before levelling with only three minutes played. Micky Macari played Beard in to lob an exposed goalkeeper. The ball dropped just wide...but Beard was flattened by goalkeeper Walker's challenge. Skipper John Padington rocketed the penalty home.
Eight minutes later centre-back Michael Basham made a late decision to go forward as Darren Hancock hurled a long dirow into the goal mouth. A knot of players contested, including Walker, but the ball dropped for Basham to hammer in at close range.
County promptly forsook the blatant time-wasting which had enraged the crowd, and home goalkeeper Keith Small did well to turn over a feasting Brough header. West Ham called the tune, however, widi Heffer, Padington and Hurlock all going near. But in the closing minutes Small made another important save from a powerful Slawson shot. Hammers went away to make sure of a place in die last four with a gloriously engineered third goal. Macari and Beard exchanged deft passes down the middle to find Hurlock speeding into space on die left. An early, accurate cross saw die fast-arriving Steve Heffer leap above a bemused defence to rocket in a classic header.
SOUTHEND UNITED
Chadwell Heath
2 - 1 (Beard, Richards)
23 March 1991
Small, Padington, Horlock, Basham, Marquis, Williamson (Holland), Harriott, Heffer, Macari, Richards (Miller), Beard
Our youngsters held on to their lead at the top of the table last Saturday week but had a certain amount of difficulty on overcoming lowly placed Southend United at Chadwell Heath.
The Seasiders took the lead in the 14th minute, but we soon drew level after a breakaway a couple of minutes later; a cross from the right wing was headed in as Tony Richards timed his run into the penalty area. The decider came during the second half; a corner on the left flank was headed on by Paul Marquis and Simon Beard smashed the ball home from close range.
ARSENAL : Southern Junior Floodlight Cup (Semi-Final)
Upton Park
0 - 2
25 March 1991
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Williamson (Holland)
Hancock
Heffer (Basham)
Macari
Richards
Beard
Our Semi-Final against Arsenal was played in fine weather at Upton Park.
Table-topping Hammers and third-placed Gunners in the South East Counties League presaged a close contest, and the score might well have been three apiece at half-time.
In the event, Arsenal went in two up at the interval, through goals by Gooden and Clements. The first was in the fifth minute following a slip-up on the right side of Hammers' defence and the second in the 24th minute through Clements who ran in to net in the same spot despite Small getting a hand to his shot. Between these Hammers hit the inside of a post as Heffer broke through, and Marquis saw his header blocked on the line after a corner-kick.
Both sides had their chances in the closing stages, but at the end the visitors bad earned their place in the Final against Millwall.
MILLWALL : FA Youth Cup (Semi-Final ~ 1st leg)
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Padington [pen])
2 April 1991
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott (Comerford)
Marquis
Williamson
Hancock
Heffer (Holland)
Macari
Beard
Basham
There was an attendance in excess of 1,000 for the first-Ieg of our FA Youth Cup Semi-Final against Millwall at Upton Park; but that was poor in comparison with the days when such matches attracted far bigger attendances on our ground.
Our South East Counties League matches against the Young Lions this season both ended in our favour; but the one-nil score away and the 2-1 home success (due to a late winner) presaged a none-too-easy-task for our youngsters.
As anticipated, the teams proved to be equally balanced during the opening stages; but Millwall had a slight edge, and just on the half-hour mark Sean Devine sent in a hard drive from around 15 yards to put his side ahead.
The Hammers responded with a couple of spirited attacks as Michael Basham fed the flanks with 50-yard passes; but our team did not reach the standard displayed in previous rounds, and the visitors capitalised on a major mistake to go further ahead.
A lofted back-pass failed to reach the penalty-area; Keith Small advanced and got a hand to the ball; it appeared to be outside the 18-yard line, but as the ball fell to the feet of Devine, referee Peter Don played the advantage rule and the Millwall player put it into the empty net.
Two down at the interval called for a change of tactics, so Matt Holland came on as sub for the second half. The effect was quickly apparent, when Kevin Horlock moved upfield and forced the visiting 'keeper into his first difficult save so far. Emberson again came to the rescue of his colleagues, when Holland's header at the far post from Horlock's centre was pushed away for a corner.
Twenty minutes from time Marvin Harriott jarred his foot in an edge-of-the-box tackle, and that was the signal for both managers to put on a substitute.
Hammers continued to press, and Danny Williamson had a couple of drives at goal; but Millwall retaliated, and almost put possible recovery out of reach, the ball just grazing our upright after a breakaway attack.
Heartened by the let-off, our XI finally made its mark, albeit that it was from the penalty-spot. Skipper John Padington took the kick and beat the 'keeper by a combination of speed and direction. It was the signal for a last-gasp effort, but a good chance was blazed over the bar and the score remained at 2-1.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Mill Hill Ground
1 - 3 (Marquis)
13 April 1991
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott, Marquis, Williamson, Hancock, Holland, Macari, Richards, Beard
We resumed the hunt for SECL honours by visiting Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 13lh April at their Mill Hill Ground. This was a "four point" clash between the two sides at the top of the table, both of whom have also had successful runs in youth cups this season.
The Hammers had a good opening spell and had a couple of opportunities to score: but rather against the run of the play Spurs went ahead in the 31st minute following a corner-kick.
Although in arrears at the interval our team continued to give an encouraging display, but 20 minutes after the resumption the home side notched their second with a breakaway that followed increasing pressure at their end.
with less than half-an-hour to go we had to throw more players forward, and literally paid the penalty by conceding a spot-kick. A successful conversion left the North Londoners in a commanding situation, but we persisted in our endeavours and eventually reaped the reward of a consolation goal 17 minutes from time. It followed a corner-kick, as Danny Williamson brought the ball down in the area for Paul Marquis to score his third of the season. From thence onwards Spurs played out time, and the 3-1 final score consolidated their first-place position.
MILLWALL : FA Youth Cup (Semi-Final ~ 2nd leg)
The Den
0 - 2
15 April 1991
Small
Padington
Horlock
Harriott
Marquis
Williamson
Hancock
Holland
Macari
Richards (Lowe)
Beard
REPORT:
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Loftus Road
1 - 2 (Marcari)
20 April 1991
Small, Johnson, Comerford, Harriott (Clarke A.), Holland, Williamson (Knight), Lowe, Canham, Macari, Whitmarsh, Beard
We played a re-arranged away engagement versus Queens Park Rangers at somewhat short notice at Loftus Road. The team we fielded differed in many respects from what would be termed a regular line-up, as it was decided to give some players a break from their recent heavy commitments, although making possible use of their services in Combination fixtures during the subsequent week.
Several schoolboys were in the squad against Rangers, and three were making their SECL debut - Tony Clarke, Roy Johnson and Jason Knight. In addition Scott Canham and Paul Whitmarsh had not appeared for the under-18's since September. It was not exactly surprising that QPR eventually collected the points, but overall the team did well and team manager Paul Hilton was pleased with the general events of the morning.
During a goalless first half Rangers hit the woodwork once and Keith Small made a couple of well-timed saves, but at the other end Whitmarsh was likewise unfortunate not to score.
As events turned out the Hammers were the first to find the net, Mick Macari scoring from the edge of the penalty-area about ten minutes after the interval. Some ten minutes or so later the home side equalised following a free-kick, and they went on to prove the stronger combination in the later stages. A 77th minute goal made the final count 2-1 in Rangers' favour.
GILLINGHAM
Priestfield Stadium
4 - 1 (Basham 2, Comerford 2)
27 April 1991
Small, Johnson, White, Harriott, Basham, Canham, Lowe, Holland, Whitmarsh (Williamson), Clarke A. (Miller), Comerford
Although Spurs also dropped a point that same morning to Gillingham, a 4-1 win by Arsenal against Ipswich Town widened the gap at the head of the table, making it unlikely that we would finish in the first two places.
So our last away game of the season -against Gillingham - was not an easy task in search of points. We did much better than Spurs against the Gills, winning convincingly by 4-1. The match was played on the Kent club's main ground at Priestfield Stadium. That was particularly pleasing, insofar that we again included several newcomers, partly because of a couple of departures and a few injuries.
Our first goal was netted three minutes after the kick-off, Michael Basham putting the finishing touch to a one-two move. It was two-nil in our favour midway through the second half when Tony Comerford slotted the rebound after the 'keeper parried Scott Canham's shot. Gilllingham responded five minutes later by bringing down Comerford; Tony promptly "dusted himself off and started all over again" to make the conversion.
Five minutes from time Basham got his second with a header from Roy Johnson's free-kick. Keith Small again did well as our last line of defence.
ARSENAL
Chadwell Heath
1 - 4 (Whitmarsh)
4 May 1991
Small, Johnson, White, Holland, Basham, Williamson, Lowe, Canham, Whitmarsh, Clarke A., Comerford
REPORT:
NORWICH CITY
Chadwell Heath
2 - 1 (Comerford, Holland)
11 May 1991
Small, Johnson, Horlock, Harriott (Marquis), Basham, Williamson (Padington), Lowe, Holland, Macari, Miller, Comerford
REPORT:
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
Chadwell Heath
6 - 0 (Comerford 2, Marquis 2, Basham, Horlock)
18 May 1991
Small, Padington, Horlock, Harriott (White), Basham, Williamson, Lowe, Holland, Richards (Marquis), Miller, Comerford
REPORT:
