WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1991-92 Neville Ovenden Football Combination
Manager: ?
OXFORD UNITED
Manor ground
0 - 2
14 August 1990
Parks
White
Horlock
Holland
Basham
Thomas
Rush
Livett (Clarke A.)
Clarke S.
Martin D.
Keen
The Reserves' competitive schedule opened three days prior to the full league fixtures, because of a request by several clubs to possibly ease a crowded end-of-season list due to postponements, etc.
We commenced with a visit to the Manor Ground on the evening of Wednesday, August 14th, facing Oxford United's second-string.
The Hammers' XI comprised a mixture of young pros, youth squad members and new faces, plus Kevin Keen testing out for possible first team action following ankle ligament damage. The "new boys" were Mitchell Thomas (ex-Spurs), goalkeeper Tony Parks (ex-Southend) and Dean Martin (ex-Fisher Athletic).
As a group the team worked hard, generally combined well and played throughout the full 90 minutes unchanged. The first half ended scoreless, and as the game progressed it appeared likely that a goal either way would settle the destination of the points.
The belief was proven when the home side took the lead, and further confirmed when they added a second goal as we pressed to force an equaliser. However, the 0-2 result was disappointing and somewhat harsh from our viewpoint.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
0 - 1
21 August 1990
Banks
Livett
Horlock
Basham
Marquis
Rush
Martin D. (Holland)
Keen
McAvennie
Morley
Clarke (Harriott)
We had hopes of collecting some return from the visit to The Dell, but fortune and a solitary goal by the Southampton second-string combined to leave us still awaiting an initial point in the competition for 1991-92.
The Hammers' starting line-up was mainly composed of younger professionals, but was leavened by three with considerable league experience. The Saints' squad was similar in texture, so the 90 minutes of play was pretty well evenly balanced.
The home side goal netted during the first half was a case of "he who hesitates is lost". The lead-up move appeared to involve a handling offence, and our defence momentarily hesitated - expecting play to be halted. However, the old adage of "play to the whistle" was forgotten, and in the absence of the referee's decision in our favour the opposition cashed in to take the lead.
Our team continued to have their fair share of the exchanges and created a couple of particularly good opportunities. Unfortunately they went unaccepted, and the chance of even one point to show for our efforts was lost.
Defensively, our youngsters did well, and in general there are prospects of a higher placing in this season's final table.
SWINDON TOWN
Upton park
1 - 5 ([og])
3 September 1990
Banks
Harriott
Horlock
Holland
Potts
Marquis
Miller
Livett
Clarke S.
Williamson
Brunning
The early stages were pretty even and Hammers just about held the edge until the18th minute. Then Dave Bennett took out three defenders before driving the ball inside the far post. Hammers were unlucky in the following minute, but gained a completely unexpected equaliser when a Swindon defender lobbed a back-pass over his goalkeeper's head. It was poetic justice, as Simon Clarke's header had merited a goal - but had rebounded the wrong way off an upright.
The closing ten minutes before the interval were disastrous for the Hammers, as the visitors scored three times to gain a 4-1 half-time advantage. The first goal came from a "tree header", and the defence was again at sixes-and-sevens as Shaun Close was on the mark twice in four minutes; but a three-goal advantage was rather more than the Robins deserved, as Clarke had again come near to scoring with a 20-yard drive.
Basham had a fine 50-yard run and ended with a shot that tested the goalkeeper; but from the resultant clearance Hunt ran through to net Swindon's fifth, counter. Most of the remaining half-hour was played out on level terms, although Clarke nearly caught the opposition napping with a back-heeled shot. However, all Hammers' attempts were in vain, and the final whistle came with us still seeking our first point.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
0 - 2
11 September 1990
Parks
White (Brunning)
Horlock
Gale
Waters
Marquis (Miller)
Rush
Livett
Rosenior
McAvennie
Clarke S.
The Hammers' XI included two players making their first appearance in our colours this season: Gary Waters, who will be 17 in November, is from our youth squad; slightly older(!) Tony Gale, was making a return after lengthy absence through injury.
The opening half was goalless, and play continued on a fairly easy basis until the Seagulls were awarded a penalty-kick; the linesman's decision mystified us, but apparently was based on alleged shirt-tugging, during a fifty-fifty duel.
The spot-kick conversion put us one down, but several chances of equalising, were created, resulting in narrow escapes for the home side as the ball flew across the face of the goal. Both Leroy Rosenior and Frank McAvennie carne near to making the vital connection, but to no avail, and the outcome was more-or-less settled when Brighton netted a second some ten minutes from the end. The time ran out with the score at 2-0 in favour of the seasiders.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
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WATFORD
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LUTON TOWN
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SWINDON TOWN
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READING
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IPSWICH TOWN
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READING
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OXFORD UNITED
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LUTON TOWN
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WATFORD
Upton Park
19 November 1991
Postponed : Torrential Rain
IPSWICH TOWN
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ARSENAL
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WIMBLEDON
Terence McMillan Stadium
10 December 1991
Postponed : Heavy Frost
SOUTHAMPTON
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WIMBLEDON
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NORWICH CITY
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CHARLTON ATHLETIC
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ARSENAL
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WATFORD
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NORWICH CITY
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QUEENS PARK RANGERS
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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
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CRYSTAL PALACE
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PORTSMOUTH
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MILLWALL
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FULHAM
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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
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FULHAM
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PORTSMOUTH
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REPORT:
CRYSTAL PALACE
Plough Lane
30 March 1992
Postponed: Reason ?
WIMBLEDON
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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
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CHELSEA
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CRYSTAL PALACE
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REPORT:
MILLWALL
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CHARLTON ATHLETIC
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