WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1991-92 South East Counties League (Div 1)
Manager: Paul Hilton
ARSENAL
Chadwell Heath
2 - 2 (Clark, Comerford)
17 August 1991
Small, Johnson, White, Harriott, Basham, Williamson, Lowe, Holland, Richards (Miller), Clarke T. (Whitmarsh), Comerford
Our opening fixture on August 17th was the same as last season, versus Arsenal at Chadwell Heath. Gunners' team manager Pat Race had the early satisfaction of seeing his side take the lead after only four minutes' play; Paul Hilton's squad quickly got back on level terms just five minutes afterwards. The Hammers' lead-up was via a move from the right wing; the centre was headed on by Michael Basham, but the opposing 'keeper failed to hold the ball and Tony Comerford nipped in on the blind side to put it past the despairing defence. Our team took a 2-1 lead on the half-hour. A clearance to the halfway line was headed forward by David White to Tony Clarke, who lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper to give us an interval advantage.
Arsenal came back to equalise during the second half, but were reduced to 10 men when the referee displayed a red card for dissent. From thence onwards the North Londoners held out to force a 2-2 draw, thus repeating the score from last season's game. Altogether a fair result, and pleasing to our manager and coaching staff who were impressed by the persistence of our team against last season's SECL champions.
GILLINGHAM
Chadwell Heath
1 - 2 (Miller)
24 August 1991
Small, Johnson, White, Harriott, Basham, Williamson, Lowe, Holland, Miller, Clarke T. (Whitmarsh), Comerford
The match at Chadwell Heath was an anti-climax after the previous week's 2-2 draw against Arsenal, because we lost a game that could reasonably have ended in victory for the Hammers. The Gillingham team had won their opening match of the season by 3-2 at Ipswich, but on this occasion it was our side that exerted the pressure almost from start to finish.
The Kent club produced the first surprise by opening the score in the tenth minute, and they maintained the advantage until after the change of ends. We made one change during the interval, Paul Whitmarsh replacing Tony Clarke. Within two minutes of the restart we were level, Simon Miller finishing a good move.
Despite having the run of the ball for most of the remainder of the game it appeared we were having to be content with a draw - only for the visitors to snatch a last-minute winner. A disappointing end to an interesting match.
PORTSMOUTH
Chadwell Heath
4 - 1 (Miller 2, Canham, Clark)
31 August 1991
Small, Johnson, White (Whitmarsh), Harriott, Basham, Canham, Lowe, Holland, Miller, Clarke T. (Whitmarsh), Comerford
REPORT:
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Sparrows Lane
2 - 2 (Brunning, Miller)
7 September 1991
Small, Johnson, White (Clarke S.), Harriott, Basham, Canham, Lowe, Holland, Miller, Richards (Whitmarsh), Brunning
The South Londoners had opened this season's schedule with three victories to top the table, scoring 12 goals and conceding only one. The Athletic management had also acquired the services of ex-Hammer John Cartwright as youth team manager, following his resignation as Technical Director of the Football Association's School of Excellence at Lilleshall.
Hammers' manager Billy Bonds also took the opportunity to see our youngsters in action whilst en route to the First Team fixture at Upton Park, so both XTs were under keen scrutiny. By the end of the 90 minutes' play the respective coaches had seen each team meet with varying fortunes, eventually ending in a sharing of points through a 2-2 draw.
The Hammers opened the scoring, following a free-kick on the left flank; the ball was headed on by Roy Johnson, and Simon Miller scrambled it in for his fourth goal this season. Miller also participated in the move leading to our second counter, his pass to John Lowe creating the opening for John Brunning to be unmarked with the Charlton net unguarded. It was Bmnning's first SECL appearance this Charlton's opener was scored five minutes prior to the interval, and they drew level midway through the second half with a penalty awarded for what we considered to be a controversial hand-ball, which subsequently led to a dismissal of our player for dissent.
Nevertheless, our remaining 10 men (including two subs) were able to match the opposition, and the home goalkeeper made two good saves in the closing stages from Scott Canham and Paul Whitmarsh following corner-kicks.
A most interesting morning for all concerned, summarised by Billy Bonds' opinion that Charlton appear to have one of the best youth sides he has seen in recent years, with half-a-dozen players of particularly good potential.
IPSWICH TOWN
Portman Road
0 - 1
14 September 1991
Small
Kent
Fleming
Victory
Waters
Canham
Geraghty
Knight
Brunning
Clarke T. (Reeve)
Currie (Whitmarsh)
There were eight debutantes were Darren Currie, Shaun Fleming, Jason Geraghty, Stuart Kent, Jason Knight, Mark Reeve, Jamie Victory and Gary Waters.
The overall performance drew considerable praise from the team manager, despite a defeat sustained by a single goal netted around nine minutes from time. The home side's goalkeeper was a star of the match, making several excellent saves, including a couple in the closing stages after his side had gone ahead. He also stopped a penalty-kick midway in the second half to prevent the Hammers opening the score.
In contrast, the Town strikers were usually off target at the end of their attacks, and it was all the more disappointing that they were partially "presented" with the decider through a misplaced goal-kick which went directly to one of their players; the chance was accepted with alacrity, the ball being chipped over Keith Small and into an empty net.
BRISTOL ROVERS : SECL Cup (First Round)
Cadbury Schweppes Sports Ground
6 - 1 (Richards 2, Geraghty, Holland, Miller, Whitmarsh)
21 September 1991
Small
Harriott (Holland)
Fleming
Victory
Waters
Williamson
Geraghty
Canham
Miller
Richards
Currie (Whitmarsh)
As the kick-off was set for 11am the squad transport left Upton Park at 7.30, arriving in the West Country about half-an-hour before deadline time.
Although the surrounding countryside is exceedingly pretty the pitch was of rather less than top-quality, and following the somewhat tiring journey it was not exactly surprising that the Hammers took some time to settle down.
Furthermore, we had an enforced team-change when Marvin Harriott retired hurt after only 17 minutes' play, Matt Holland taking over as sub. The first 45 minutes proved goalless, and at half-time Paul Whitmarsh replaced David Currie.
From thence onwards it literally became "a game of two halves." Within seven minutes of the re-start we were three up; schoolboy Jason Geraghty opened our account (48 minutes) and Tony Richards netted twice in a couple of minutes. The score remained that way until 10 minutes from the end, but the next five minutes produced a further four goals in what was truly an astonishing finale.
BRENTFORD : SJFC (First Round)
Upton Park
4 - 4 aet (Brunning, Canham, Richards [pen], Whitmarsh)
30 September 1991
Small
Holland
White
Victory (Johnson)
Waters
Williamson
Geraghty
Canham
Brunning
Richards
Miller (Whitmarsh)
Our first round tie against Brentford at Upton Park produced a match of eight goals that went into extra-time. The young Bees are in the other division of the South East Counties League, and have won all their opening six games, mostly due to conceding only two goals. They are physically strong.
They began this cup-tie with a goal in the 14th minute and one shortly afterwards. We fought back to reduce the arrears in the 23rd minute, but the West Londoners netted again to be 3-1 ahead at the interval.
However, within 10 minutes of the restart the Hammers were back on level terms. Paul Whitmarsh made it 2-3 and then Tony Richards converted a penalty-kick to set the score at three apiece. The scores were still level after 90 minutes, so it went into an extra half-hour.
Nine minutes into the extended period Scott Canham put us in the lead for the first time, and it appeared likely that we would make progress to round two at the first attempt.
However, with just one minute to go Brentford struck back to gain a late equaliser and set the stage for a replay at Griffin Park
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
Chadwell Heath
1 - 1 (Sigurdsson)
5 October 1991
Small, Johnson, Comerford, Basham (Canham), Waters, Sigmundsson, Geraghty, Holland, Brunning (Richards), Sigurdsson, Larusson
Our team for the home match against Cambridge United on Saturday, October 5th included three players from Iceland: Kristin Larusson, Ruhan Sigmundsson and Helgi Sigurdsson.
They have been training with our squads at Chadwell Heath, and also made second half appearances in the Reserve team friendly against Gillingham the previous afternoon. Cambridge provided us with a hard game and early on hit a post and the crossbar. They held us to only one worthwhile shot, but eventually succumbed to a goal 10 minutes before half-time. Larusson centred the ball and Sigurdsson beat his man before netting in the far comer. Two minutes later Michael Basham had to be given stitches following a collision of heads. Scott Canham took his place and went near to adding to our score. Cambridge equalised five minutes into the second half and it became very competitive, with two of the Icelanders nearly breaking the deadlock. In the end both teams had to settle for 1-1.
BRENTFORD : SJFC (First Round Replay)
Griffin Park
3 - 1 aet (Richardson, Whitmarsh, [og])
7 October 1991
Small
Johnson
Comerford
Waters
Basham
Canham
Geraghty (Richards)
Holland
Brunning (Williamson)
Whitmarsh
Miller
The first round replay against Brentford at Griffin Park proved to be as difficult a task as that encountered in the 4-4 draw at Upton Park. The teams had previously participated in an extra half-hour in the first clash; as events turned out it was to be a repeat situation on Monday, October 7th.
It was a somewhat dour contest, and did not produce as high a standard as anticipated. However, our team's performance was generally competent, and such that we might well have earned victory during the normal 90 minutes.
We scored the first goal of the match in the 35th minute, when Scott Canham's shot was diverted into the Bees' net by a defender. It spurred the Brentford lads to equalise a minute before half-time, thanks to a good move after a throw-in.
The homesters pressured us at times after the interval, but Keith Small foiled them with some creditable saves. Nevertheless, the Hammers had their fair share of the exchanges; and when Paul Whitmarsh put the ball between the uprights three minutes from time we thought we had won, only for the "goal" to be disallowed. Small continued his good work in the opening quarter-hour of extra time; then the East Londoners asserted their authority at the other end when a move down the left flank and a centre from Michael Basham
concluded with Whitmarsh's shot curling into the top corner of the net. Brentford attempted a final rally, but five minutes from time Whitmarsh crossed the ball and Tony Richards dived to head it home for a final 3-1 count in our favour. It was Richards' fourth goal in three cup appearances this season.
CHELSEA
Imperial College Ground, Harlington
Small, White, Comerford, Waters, Basham, Geraghty (Williamson), Miller, Holland, Brunning, Richards (Johnson), Whitmarsh
A journey through West London took our youth squad to the Imperial College Ground at Harlington, Middlesex for the match against Chelsea. With five wins out of seven games, the Blues held third place in the table, so we anticipated a difficult task. In that respect our expectations were fulfilled, but overall the Hammers performed creditably, though on occasions erratically. The squad is improving, but requires to become more consistent if a succession of victories are to be strung together.
It was not until the 32nd minute that Chelsea opened the score, and we did well enough to cause them problems during the remainder of the first half. An equaliser was always possible, although we again commend goalkeeper Keith Small for his work and anticipation.
Our attackers were eventually rewarded for persistence when, almost on the hour, Tony Richards' centre from the right flank was powerfully headed home by Paul Whitmarsh; Paul has been "super sub" so far this season, with four goals in nine games (five of which he has begun on the bench).
It took another 10 minutes for Chelsea to reassert themselves; they regained their lead and eventually ended as 2-1 winners, being further denied any addition to their score by good goalkeeping.
WATFORD
Chadwell Heath
2 -2 (Brunning, Comerford)
19 October 1991
Small, White, Comerford, Harriott, Basham, Williamson, Miller, Holland, Richards (Lowe), Whitmarsh, Brunning
The visitors had the wind at their backs during the first half, but the Hammers got away to a good start by netting in the tenth minute. A run by Danny Williamson, a pass to Simon Miller that was followed by a good centre into the area, left John Brunning to add the completion.
We continued to do well, but although having the better of the play eventually conceded a goal with only five minutes to go before the interval. 1-1, but Brunning had nearly added his personal second -only to be foiled by the goalkeeper's excellent save from this headed attempt.
Strangely, we did not take advantage of the wind-assistance, and Watford played as well against it as we had prior to half-time. Nevertheless, they conceded another goal when Tony Comerford beat two men and placed a good shot into the corner of the net. 2-1 to the Hammers after 54 minutes.
With 85 minutes gone on the clock it appeared that the outcome had been settled in our favour; but the Hornets had made several threats during the preceding half-hour, and they deserved to share the points - although their second equaliser was a semi-gift due to a poorly-executed back-pass which left Keith Small on a one-to-one situation against the eventual scorer.
The point was sufficient to advance us two places up the table.
OXFORD UNITED : SECL Cup (Second Round)
Chadwell Heath
2 - 1 (Comerford, Richards)
26 October 1991
Small, White, Comerford, Harriott (Knight), Waters, Williamson, Miller, Holland, Richards, Brunning (Lowe), Whitmarsh
Our second round tie against Oxford United was played at Chadwell Heath. The visitors are mid-table in their division of the youth league, and were more impressive on the day than statistics indicate. They gave us a hard game, and took the lead on the half-hour.
However, the Hammers made a speedy response, aided by a misplaced back-pass that let in Tony Comerford. He made ground along the bye-line and put the ball past the 'keeper from a narrow angle. In some respects the visitors were the better side during the second 45 minutes. Nevertheless, we produced the best move of the match with some 20 minutes to go, six players participating in a downfield sweep that left John Lowe to put Tony Richards into open space with the ball at his feet. The advancing goalkeeper was successfully eluded, and a clinical finish took the Hammers into a 2-1 lead. There remained exciting moments to come in the closing stages, but our team held on to qualify for the quarter-finals.
LEYTON ORIENT
Douglas Eyre Sports Centre
5 - 4 (Richards 2 [1 pen], Holland, Miller, Reeves)
2 November 1991
Small, White, Comerford (Waters), Harriott, Basham, Williamson, Miller, Holland, Richards, Whitmarsh, Lowe (Reeve)
Leyton Orient are using a new ground for youth matches this season, so our fixture took place at the Douglas Eyre Sports Centre, Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow. Occupying a mid-table position, our near-neighbours have a useful set of youngsters and gave us a good game. In fact, they were in the lead midway through the second half, but eventually conceded the points in a nine-goal contest. The final 5-4 count in our favour made it a close duel on paper, but the margin was not adequately reflected in the difference between the sides, because the Hammers gave a performance generally better than of late.
It was obviously an entertaining 90 minutes for the spectators, and both teams were in an attacking mood. We opened the scoring when Michael Basham's free-kick was laid back by Paul Whitmarsh for Matt Holland to net from 20 yards. It was followed by a Tony Richards' goal from a pass by Simon Miller in the 38th minute.
There were three further scores prior to the interval. A free-kick led to Orient reducing our lead in the 42nd minute, shortly followed by Richards' conversion of a penalty. Medical attention to the home 'keeper necessitated five minutes of injury time to be added to the opening half, and during that spell the O's got their second counter. Orient levelled it at 3-3 six minutes into the second half and went ahead on 68, following which Paul Hilton sent on Mark Reeve. The 16 year-old striker soon made his mark, scoring within a minute of taking the field. That set the scene for an inspired finish, and a move between Holland and Danny Williamson set up Simon Miller for his sixth goal of the season.
MILLWALL
Chadwell Heath
1 - 1 Richards)
9 November 1991
Small, Harriott, White, Waters, Basham, Williamson, Miller (Brunning), Holland, Richards, Whitmarsh (Reeves), Lowe
A recent analysis of statistics reveals that around 20% of matches in the SECL result in draws, and our team drew five of its first 10 fixtures this season. The match against Millwall at Chadwell Heath on November 9th produced one of those draws.
The young Lions were the first to score, following a solo run from the half-way line and a good 20-yard shot. They had rather more of the play in the opening 45 minutes, but conceded an equaliser in the 28th following a defensive mix-up, from which the ball went to Tony Richards. Our striker moved on and cleverly lobbed the visitors' 'keeper from long-range to make it 1-1 at the interval. The teams remained evenly-balanced for the remainder of the game, although there was a fair amount of excitement in the closing quarter-hour.
ASTON VILLA : SJFC (Second Round)
Villa Park
1 - 4 (Lowe)
13 November 1991
Small
White
Comerford
Harriott
Basham
Williamson
Miller
Holland
Brunning
Whitmarsh (Canham)
Lowe (Waters)
The so-far undefeated Aston Villa youth continued its successful run with a 4-1 victory over the Hammers in the second round of the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup.
Villa got away to a speedy start by scoring in the second minute, and generally had the better of the play until half-time. Their defence competently dealt with our few attacks and we had no goal attempts of any consequence.
However, we caught them napping a couple of minutes after the re-start and equalised from the resultant corner. Danny Williamson gained possession, but although the goalkeeper parried his shot, the ball rebounded for John Lowe to score. Our hopes were dashed some 10 minutes afterwards when a comer was flicked on to give Villa a chance that was effectively accepted. Four minutes later one of their attackers slid on to the ball and put it past the advancing Keith Small. The eventual "killer" came with a quarter-hour to go.
The better team on the night deserved their reward of a home game against Chelsea in the quarter-final.
SOUTHEND UNITED
Chadwell Heath
2 - 2 (Holland 2)
16 November 1991
Small, White, Comerford, Harriott, Waters, Williamson, Canham, Holland, Whitmarsh (Reeves), Miller, Currie (Knight)
The game against Southend United ended with yet another draw in our results column, with four goals being fairly shared in an even contest. The first two were netted in the opening minutes. In the fifth, a good move and a cut-back ball left Matt Holland to net from 10 yards, but two minutes later a bad back-pass led to the equaliser.
In the 18th minute Southend gained a deserved interval lead. The Hammers improved in the second half and Scott Canham hit the post with a free-kick. Other near misses followed but it was not until three minutes from time that we drew level. Canham and Danny Williamson combined, the ball went over to the far post for Jason Knight to return it to the danger zone, and Holland was again on the mark from around the penalty spot.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Loftus Road
4 - 3 (Whitmarsh 2, Canham, Richards)
23 November 1991
Small, White, Currie (Knight), Harriott, Waters, Williamson, Miller (Reeve), Holland, Richards, Whitmarsh, Canham
REPORT:
CHELSEA : SECL Cup (Third Round)
Imperial College Ground, Harlington
1 - 2 (Canham)
30 November 1991
Small, Harriott, White, Williamson, Holland, Canham, Miller, Knight, Whitmarsh (Geraghty), Reeve, Currie
The third round (quarter-final) match v Chelsea was played at the Imperial College Ground at Harlington, Middlesex on Saturday, November 30th. It was our second visit to there this season, as we were involved in a league fixture in mid-October, losing by 2-1 against a team which is in the top three of the table and including some with Football League experience.
On this latest occasion we sustained an early reverse, the Blues going one up through a free-kick after only three minutes. We took some time to recover from the shock start, but got more into the game, only to go further in arrears five minutes before the interval It was a good goal, but nevertheless rather hard to bear.
Matters were not going our way luck-wise, and. when Paul Whitniarsh's shot hit the bar and bounced clear there were further grounds for disappointment. However, our youngsters persevered and with 20 minutes left Scott Canham scored for the second game in succession with a good shot into the bottom comer that gave the 'keeper no chance.
Five minutes later we had a good opportunity to level the count - and the likelihood of a replay - but the chance went begging, and Chelsea survived to earn a visit to Southend in the semi-final. The other semi-final will be Arsenal v Spurs.
KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS : FAYC (Second Round)
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Knight, Reeve, Whitmarsh)
4 December 1991
Small
Harriott
White
Williamson
Holland
Canham
Miller (Lowe)
Knight
Whitmarsh
Reeve
Currie
Having reached the semi-final stage last season we were exempt until the second round. We played Kidderminster Harriers for the second time in the FA Youth Cup when they visited Upton Park on Wednesday, December 4th. The previous occasion was two years ago, when we won a second round tie at Aggborough Ground by 2-1. This occasion was at the same stage of the competition; having reached the semi-final last season we had exemption until the second round against other Midland clubs. The Harriers played some good football against us, but we more-or-less ensured a passage to the next round by scoring twice in the first half.
A good move between Darren Currie and Mark Reeve led to the first goal, the pass to Paul Whitmarsh producing the opportunity for the striker to net his seventh goal of the season. Reeve scored the second by volleying David White's pass over the Kidderminster 'Keeper, following which the opposition rallied and created half-chances, but without success.
The Northants side did better after the interval, and it was apparent that some of the first-year members of our XI were tiring. Nevertheless we nearly scored again when we hit an upright, and eventually made certain of victory with what was really the best move of the match. Half-a-dozen players participated in the move that was finished off by Jason Knight -his first goal this season.
The final score was 3-0, the concluding counter being registered 10 minutes from time. It may well be that the person responsible for telephoning the result to national press had gone home by then, because the morning papers only credited us with a 2-0 score-line!
In general it had been a satisfactory week for our youth squad, particularly so as we were lacking the services of some second-year players due to injury.
FULHAM
London Fire Brigade Sports Ground, Ewell
2 - 0 (Currie, Whitmarsh)
7 December 1991
Small, Harriott, White, Williamson, Holland, Canham, Miller (Lowe), Knight, Whitmarsh, Reeve (Clarke A.), Currie
Although we were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the SECL Cup by Chelsea (and somewhat unfortunately), the under-18 squad lias shown good League form in recent weeks.
The 2-0 away win over Fulham on December 7th completed a six-match undefeated run, taking us near the middle of the table with a game or two in hand. The Cottagers play their SECL matches at the London Fire Brigade Sports Ground at Ewell in Surrey. The pitch slopes a little end-to-end and also tilts somewhat side-to-side, and we had to play "up the hill" for the first 45 minutes. However, we were able to combat the terrain and actually had a net-finding effort by Paul Whitmarsh disallowed. The homesters found the going more difficult after the goalless opening half, and eventually conceded a goal in the 70th minute; Keith Small's clearance was knocked on by Whitmarsh, and Darren Currie nipped in to register his first goal in the SECL.
The Hammers were putting on a good performance, and once in the lead appeared to be in no danger of conceding a point to the higher-placed opposition. We made certain of the two at stake with a last minute clincher; a comer on the right found John Lowe in the goal area, and his onward header spreadeagled the defenders, leaving Whitmarsh to score his seventh in youth games to date. Several players have been absent of late with minor injuries, but their deputies have proved themselves capable of holding regular spots. Currie and Mark Reeve have done well up front and in midfield, and we have discovered a useful pairing of central defenders in Matt Holland and Danny Williamson.
ARSENAL
London Colney
1 - 4 (Reeve)
21 December 1991
Small, Harriott, White, Williamson, Holland, Canham, Miller, Knight, Whitmarsh (Clarke A.), Reeve (Richards), Currie
Our concluding SECL fixture of 1991 was played at the University College Sports Ground, London Colney against Arsenal on December 21st (the 28th was a free day for all teams in the league). The young Gunners are inveterate contestants for junior as well as senior honours, and are at present the only likely outfit to possibly prevent the Spurs finishing top of the final table.
Therefore it must have been disconcerting for the Arsenal officials to see their team go In one down at the interval. The Hammers had taken the lead through Mark Reeve in the 12th minute, and subsequently had a fair share of the remainder of the half. The homesters threatened to equalise on several occasions, but Keith Small continued to show good form with three excellent saves. We maintained pressure at the other end, and another goal for our team was always a possibility.
A second counter could have been the means of bringing about a surprise result, but Arsenal recovered their poise and netted twice soon after the resumption (51 and 56 mins). This was almost immediately followed by our putting on two substitutes for the closing 28 minutes, and the score continued to remain at 2-1 as the game went into the final stages.
Unfortunately a following wind and extra stamina made a vital difference, with Arsenal breaking away to score further goals in the 86th and 87th minutes. The concluding count of 4-1 in their favour was an unbalanced reflection of the overall proceedings; our lads deserved a better fate than that score! Thus ended our run of six league games without defeat (three wins and three draws).
GILLINGHAM
Garrison Ground
4 - 1 (Whitmarsh 2, Currie, Lowe)
4 January 1992
Small, Harriott, Comferford, Williamson, White, Canham, Lowe, Holland, Whitmarsh, Richards, Currie
After the Christmas break our under-18 team started off the New Year with an excellent 4-1 win over Gillingham at the Garrison Ground. We opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Scott Canham played an excellent ball into the penalty area and Paul Whitmarsh scored.
John Lowe added a second goal six minutes later when he pinched the ball off the opposing defence to score his first league goal of the season. Paul Whitmarsh added a third in the 32nd minute after a short comer was helped on by Lowe and Tony Richards dummied to set up the opportunity. It was a good all round performance from the team in the first-half and when Darren Currie scored our fourth goal with a header after 56 minutes, it looked like we would add several more.
However, we were not able to convert any more opportunities- Gillingham scored their solo counter after a free kick in the 57th minute but the final result meant that we avenged our early season home defeat against the Gills.
PORTSMOUTH
Purbrook Park Schools Ground
4 - 3 (Holland 2, Richards 2)
11 January 1992
Small, Harriott, Comerford, Williamson, White, Canham (Johnson), Lowe, Holland, Miller (Browning), Richards, Currie
Our under-18s continued their current good form with an excellent 4-3 win against Portsmouth at the Purbrook Park Schools Ground. We opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Matt Holland netted, but the home side equalised six minutes later and it remained 1-1 until half-time.
The Pompey youngsters then scored twice, in the 56th and 61st minutes, to edge ahead, but Paul Hilton's lads stuck to their task and got their reward.
Hammers scored three times in the last 11 minutes - through Tony Richards (twice) and Matt Holland again, to secure the points.
READING : FAYC (Third Round)
Elm Park
6 - 2 (Currie 2, Comerford, Holland, Richards [pen], Whitmarsh)
13 January 1992
Small
Harriott
Comerford
Williamson
White
Canham
Lowe
Holland
Whitmarsh
Richards
Currie
The under-18's travelled to the Elm Park and played some excellent football both in attack and defence. Darren Currie scored in the 28th minute after Tony Comerford played the ball in at the near post, adding a second 11 minutes later from a pass by John Lowe. This gave us a 2-1 half-time lead.
After the re-start Comerford once again centred for Paul Whitmarsh to volley home at the near post. Reading fought back and reduced the arrears when they converted a free kick after 50 minutes. Goalkeeper Keith Small was then called upon to make some excellent saves in order that we maintained our advantage. Lowe, after rounding the 'keeper, had his shot saved on the line, but almost straight away Small had to save once again.
Tony Richards converted a penalty after being fouled in the 85th minute and as the home side gradually tired, we added two further goals in the last minutes of the game, through Matt Holland and Comerford, to give us a convincing 6-2 victory and progress to the fourth round, where we will face Southend United.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Chadwell Heath
1 - 1 (Whitmarsh)
18 January 1992
Small, Lowe, Comerford, Harriott, White, Canham, Miller, Knight, Whitmarsh, Richards (Brunning), Currie
For the visit of Charlton Athletic to our Chadwell Heath ground on January 18th, Youth team manager Paul Hilton had to make some changes to our normal starting lineup, as several players had travelled to Norwich the previous evening for the Reserve team fixture.
Although the visitors had most of the possession during the opening 45 minutes, it was not until just before half-time that they scored. Paul Whitmarsh and Jason Knight had our only two shots of the first half saved whilst John Brunning had substituted for Tony Richards.
After the interval our under-18's came more into the game with John Lowe just failing to score. Central defender David White cleared up field and in a one-on-one situation Paul Whitmarsh scored his twelfth goal of the season to give us a share of the points. Scott Canham had gone close with a header just over the bar whilst Brunning thought he had won the game for us when he netted near the end, only to have his goal disallowed for offside.
Our youngsters have made an excellent start to the New Year, remaining undefeated in four outings.
NORWICH CITY
Trowse Training Ground
2 - 5 (Richards 2 [1 pen])
1 February 1992
Small
Johnson
Comerford
Basham
White
Canham
Lowe
Knight
Richards
Clarke A. (Waters)
Currie (Miller)
After a run of four undefeated games we travelled to East Anglia for a visit
to Norwich City at their Trowse Training Ground on Saturday, February 1st.
Within 20 minutes of the kick-off we found ourselves training by two goals, but Tony Richards brought us back into contention after 40 minutes when he headed home an assisted comer from the right.
The Canaries regained their two goal lead just after half-time. Scott Canham was fouled after 77 mins and Richards converted the resulting penalty to once again reduce our arrears. Jason Knight then hit the post with a lob over the goalkeeper but the home side scored two further goals in the final nine minutes to complete a 5-2 win.
SOUTHEND UNITED : FAYC (Fourth Round)
Roots Hall
3 - 3 (Whitmarsh 2, Lowe)
3 February 1993
Small
Harriott
White (Johnson)
Williamson
Basham
Canham
Lowe
Holland
Whitmarsh
Richards (Miller)
Comerford
Our fourth round tie against Southend United lived up to all the exciting and nerve-tingling thrills associated with cup football. The final result to decide who would progress to the next round was not decided until the referee, Mr Wiseman, finally blew his whistle after five hours of end-to-end incidents.
Manager Paul Hilton and his team travelled to Roots Hall on Monday, February 3rd and made an excellent start to the game with Paul Whitmarsh heading home after 15 minutes. We increased our lead after half-an-hour when John Lowe volleyed home after a five-man move which started in our own penalty area.
Just after the interval Lowe cut in from the right wing, found Whitmarsh who beat the advancing keeper to give us a convincing three goal margin.
However, the young Shrimpers reduced arrears five minutes later when Keith Small, under pressure following a corner, punched the ball into his own net. Although we had a couple of other chances to increase our lead, the opposing keeper made two good saves to deny us.
Michael Basham then unfortunately put past his own keeper to further reduce the arrears and when the home side levelled the scores eight minutes from the end, we found ourselves hanging on to earn a replay.
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
Abbey Stadium
3 - 3 (Rose, Waters, Whitmarsh)
8 February 1992
Small, Johnson, Bates, Basham (White), Waters, Currie, Miller, Knight, Whitmarsh (Victory), Rose, Clarke
For our visit to Cambridge United we included John Bates and Chris Rose in our side. Rose marked his first appearance in our colours with an excellent right-foot shot to give us a ninth minute lead. Gary Waters then conceded a penalty (17 mins), which allowed Cambridge to draw level, but 10 minutes later Paul Whitmarsh restored our lead when he ran 40 yards with the ball and hammered home a shot into the top right-hand comer of the net.
Five minutes before the interval the home side equalised with a disputed goal and went in front after an hour's play when a throw-in was flicked on.
Keith Small was then called upon to make some good saves before we deservedly gained a share of the points when Darren Currie's comer (76 mins) found Waters on the penalty spot and he headed home for his first goal of the season.
SOUTHEND UNITED : FAYC (Fourth Round Replay)
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Basham)
10 February 1992
Small
Harriott
White
Williamson
Basham
Canham
Lowe (Johnson)
Holland
Whitmarsh
Miller (Currie)
Comerford
A week after their 3-3 draw at Roots Hall, it was Southend's turn to prove the stronger side in the opening half, taking the lead after 20 minutes with a header from a cross. After the break the Hammers greatly improved and Paul Whitmarsh and Matt Holland both had good efforts saved.
Michael Basham was pushed up front, from defence, in the final quarter-of-an-hour and finally tucked away the egualiser which necessitated extra time. We maintained our advantage in being the superior side during the 30 minutes of extra time but could not breach the visitors' defence, although going close on a couple of occasions.
We gained ground advantage for the second replay when the Southend manager called wrong after Hilts had tossed the coin and so the saga continued on Saturday, February 15th.
SOUTHEND UNITED : FAYC (Fourth Round 2nd Replay)
Upton Park
3 - 2 (Comerford 2, Whitmarsh)
15 February 1992
Small
Harriott
White
Williamson
Basham
Canham
Lowe (Miller)
Holland (Currie)
Whitmarsh
Richards
Comerford
The opening 20 minutes was once again evenly contested with both sides having opportunities. The visitors finally opened their account when their centre forward, Steve Brown, broke through the middle and scored via the inside of a post. We pushed forward and gained an equaliser when a cross from Danny Williamson was only half cleared at the far post and Tony Cornerford shot home from just inside the penalty area.
After 50 minutes Lowe was instrumental in finding Comerford on the left wing. He cut back inside the opposing full back and hit a curling right-foot shot from 25 yards over the opposing 'keeper.
With eight minutes to go the visitors reduced their arrears when their strong, powerful full back Craig Davidson broke into our penalty area and found the back of the net with a shot from 12 yards.
Some good defensive work in the final few minutes ensured that we moved into the fifth round for the second year running where we shall meet Crystal Palace at Plough Lane.
WATFORD
Woodside Stadium
1 - 4 (Basham)
22 February 1992
Peat, Harriott, White, Basham, Waters, Knight, Miller (Lowe), Currie, Rose, Brunning, Comerford
REPORT:
LEYTON ORIENT
Chadwell Heath
1 - 2 (Whitmarsh)
29 February 1992
Peat, Harriott, White, Williamson, Basham, Knight, Lowe, Currie, Whitmarsh, Rose (Miller), Comerford
A rather disappointing first half performance against Leyton Orient at Chadwell Heath saw us trailing at half-time after the visitors scored in the 39th minute. After 65 minutes we went further in arrears and this spurred our youngsters into action and they raised their game.
With five minutes left we reduced the deficit when Danny Williamson's pass inside the opposing full-back was collected by Tony Comerford whose low, left-foot cross was swept home by Paul Whitmarsh.
CRYSTAL PALACE : FAYC (Fifth Round)
Plough Lane
0 - 2
4 March 1992
Peat
Harriott
White
Williamson
Basham
Knight (Whitmarsh)
Lowe (Johnson)
Currie
Canham
Miller
Comerford
As expected the visit to Plough Lane for our quarter-final tie v Crystal Palace proved to be as tough an encounter as we have had to face all season. The Young Eagles lead Division Two of the South East Counties League, having lost only three of their 21 matches all season with a goals tally of 60-18 in their favour.
They are a strong, physical side and by the end of the evening this proved to be the deciding factor that saw them through to the semi-final stage of the competition.
We were forced to make a number of changes from our regular line-up, notably the omission of Paul Whitmarsh from our starting eleven as he had been playing, the previous evening, for England Schoolboys against Holland at Leicester, featuring in a 2-1 victory. Others missing included Keith Small, Matt Holland and Tony Richards.
Our only half-chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to Tony Comerford and so we found ourselves one goal in arrears at the break. Scott Canham had our best opportunity of the second half, only to see his shot touched on to the post by the home goalkeeper, and although Whitmarsh and Roy Johnson came on as substitutes for the final 30 minutes or so, we finally succumbed to the better side on the night by two clear goals.
MILLWALL
Langley Park
0 - 1
7 March 1992
Peat, Harriott (Johnson), White, Williamson, Basham, Canham, Knight, Currie, Whitmarsh, Miller, Comerford (Lowe)
We travelled to South-East London for our second meeting of the season against Millwall. The Young Lions proved to be the stronger side over the 90 minutes, taking the lead in the 27th minute. Some sloppy defensive work in our penalty area left the home side with the simplest of chances to convert via an open goal.
Simon Miller was unlucky with a header that went just wide of the upright and Paul Whitmarsh had a very good shot well saved by the 'keeper. After the interval Jason Knight had two chances to reduce the arrears but both of his efforts were knocked wide.
SOUTHEND UNITED
Gloucester Park, Basildon
3 - 4 (Miller 2, Comerford)
14 March 1992
Peat, Harriott, White, Williamson, Basham, Canham, Lowe (Currie), Knight, Clarke A., Miller, Comerford (Whitemarsh)
REPORT:
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Chadwell Heath
2 - 0 (Canham, Whitmarsh)
21 March 1992
Peat, Waters, White, Williamson, Basham, Canham, Knight (Brunning), Holland, Whitmarsh, Clarke A., Currie
REPORT:
FULHAM
Chadwell Heath
3 - 0 (Knight 2, Canham)
28 March 1992
Panayi, White, Bates, Williamson, Waters, Canham, Knight, Holland, Richards, Clarke A., Currie
REPORT:
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Chadwell Heath
2 - 2 (Clarke 2)
4 April 1992
Peat, White, Bates, Williamson, Waters, Canham, Knight (Richards), Holland, Whitmarsh, Clarke A., Currie (Brunning)
Table-topping Tottenham Hotspur came to Chadwell Heath with an enviable pedigree, having suffered only one defeat all season in their 24 league fixtures.
The North Londoners proved to be very strong opposition and took the lead after 30 minutes. Goalkeeper Martin Peat was called upon to make a couple of good saves in order to deny the visitors further success. After 39 minutes we got back on equal terms with our first real chance of the match, when Paul Whitmarsh turned a pass on to Tony Clarke who just managed to touch the ball past the Spurs 'keeper. Four minutes later we took a surprise lead when Clarke, looking to be in an offside position, cut the ball back on to his right-foot and curled a shot into the visitors' net.
Following the half-time break Tottenham, who were fielding their strongest team, increased the pressure on our defence and equalised with 20 minutes remaining. A corner from the left eluded our defenders and the young Lillywhites scored with a header almost from under our crossbar. In the last 10 minutes we were unlucky with a couple of half-chances, John Brunning coming closest when he shot into the side-netting.
NORWICH CITY
Chadwell Heath
0 - 1
11 April 1992
Panayi, Ryan, Bates, Underwood, Victory, Geraghty, Rayfield, Johnson, Rose (Richards), Reeve, Brunning
With the majority of our normal regular players making the trip to Dallas for the International Under-19's Tournament, we were forced into fielding a young, inexperienced side for the visit of Norwich City to Chadwell Heath.
Our team included six schoolboys, three of whom - Garrett Ryan, Paul Underwood and Joe Rayfield - made their senior debuts. Gary Waters was also ruled out, suffering from a broken thumb. The Canaries also fielded a young side, giving several of their less experienced youngsters an outing, and both teams acquitted themselves with honour. In a good game of entertaining football the East Anglian side scored the only goal of the match after 13 minutes and thereby consolidated their position in fourth place in the table.
Youth team coach Jimmy Frith was not displeased with the team's performance and thought that with a little more luck and perseverance we might have got a share of the spoils.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Chase Lodge
1 - 4 (Reeve)
18 April 1992
Peat, Moka (Rose), Bates, Waters, Underwood, Victory, Lowe, Johnson, Ajayi (Geraghty), Reeve,Comerford
The continuing absence of many of our regulars to the Dallas International Tournament once again resulted in our fielding a young side for our visit to table-topping Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, April 18th. Included in our side were triallists Robert Moka and Tunde Ajayi making their debuts in our colours while John Lowe and Tony Comerford returned after an absence of four games.
We turned round at the interval all square after a goalless first half, but within a minute were in arrears. Mark Reeve levelled the scores when he turned on a ball played into the penalty area and fired home a right foot shot in the 68th minute.
Within 60 seconds the young Lilywhites were once again in front but our youngsters fought well and were unlucky on several occasions not to gain a further share of the honours. Two goals in the last six minutes gave the home side a somewhat flattering margin, enabling them to clinch the league title for the sixth time in the last seven years.
For the second week running our youngsters turned in a good performance overall with only tiredness and inexperience in the final minutes of the match proving the deciding factor between the two sides.
IPSWICH TOWN
Chadwell Heath
1 - 2 (Knight)
25 April 1992
Peat, Johnson, Bates, Waters, White, Canham, Lowe, Knight, Reeve, Rose (Richards), Clark A. (Miller)
We entertained East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town for our penultimate match of the current campaign at Chadwell Heath. With both teams playing some good football it proved to be a very tight and evenly contested match. We opened the scoring after 17 minutes when John Lowe slipped the ball to Jason Knight who hit a left foot shot into the right hand comer of the visitors' net.
Mark Reeve was then unlucky not to put us further ahead when his shot hit the 'keeper and the ball was scrambled away. After 58 minutes Simon Miller came on as substitute for Tony Clarke but two minutes later Town equalised following some scrappy play in our penalty area. Miller then had a couple of chances to edge us in front once again but was denied the opportunity of adding to the seven league goals he has already scored this season.
As the game progressed it looked more and likely that we would gain a share of the spoils. However, with 10 minutes to go we conceded a comer and from the resulting centre the visitors headed home from around the penalty spot.
CHELSEA
Chadwell Heath
1 - 0 (Richards)
2 May 1992
Peat, Johnson, Bates, Basham (Canham), Waters, Knight, Miller, Holland, Rose (Richards), Reeve, Clarke A.
REPORT:
