WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1992-93 Neville Ovenden Football Combination
Manager: Paul Hilton
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Loftus Road
1 - 2 (Morley [pen])
14 August 1992
Banks
Breacker (White)
Marquis
Gale
Foster
Holland
Rush
Parris (Basham)
Morley
Martin D.
Clarke S.
Our second team opened their campaign with a sharp, competitive run‑out at Loftus Road on Friday, August 14. Queens Park Rangers struck first, edging ahead right on the stroke of half‑time, but we hit back almost immediately after the restart when Trevor Morley buried a penalty to level the contest.
From there, we were the side with purpose. Matthew Rush was electric down the flank, carving out chances and stretching QPR at every turn. Colin Foster came closest to turning pressure into reward, his towering header crashing against the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.
But for all our momentum, it was the West Londoners who stole the points ten minutes from time. Even so, reserve‑team manager Paul Hilton was adamant afterwards that the performance merited at least a draw - and on the balance of play, he wasn’t wrong.
WATFORD
Vicarage Road
2 - 3 (Foster 2)
18 August 1992
Banks
Brown
Marquis
Gale
Foster
Holland
Rush (White)
Thomas
Morley
Martin D.
Robson (Clarke S.)
The evening trip to Vicarage Road produced a tight, evenly fought first half, with neither side able to break through despite Trevor Morley twice threatening to tilt the balance our way. The interval arrived goalless, the contest finely poised.
But within four minutes of the restart the whole picture changed. A crisp strike from the edge of the box and a trademark finish from Luther Blissett left us suddenly two down and chasing the game.
To our credit, we refused to fold. For half an hour we pressed, probed, and carved out chances, and the pressure finally told as we struck twice in quick succession. After 85 minutes Mitchell Thomas floated a clever chip into the area, and Colin Foster powered home a header. Two minutes later Matt Holland tore down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross — Foster again arriving like a runaway train to nod in the equaliser.
A draw looked the least we had earned. But in the dying seconds the Hornets stole the points, their No. 10 allowed a free header that settled the match and left us empty‑handed for the second game running despite a performance full of resolve and ambition.
BRISTOL CITY
Upton Park
5 - 1 (Holland 2, Loram 2, Holmes)
26 August 1992
Banks
Brown
Thomas
Gale
Foster
Holland
Rush
Allen M.
Morley
Loram
Holmes
Our home campaign kicked off under the lights on Wednesday, August 26, with Bristol City arriving at the Boleyn. The Robins brought familiar faces - former Hammer Nicky Morgan and last season’s loanee Ray Atteveld - but all eyes were on our own new arrivals: debutant Matt Holmes, the returning Martin Allen, and trialist Mark Loram.
We tore into them from the start, three goals to the good inside twenty minutes. Holmes opened the scoring with a fierce 18‑yard drive, a statement finish on his first outing. Moments later Trevor Morley lifted a clever ball over the Bristol back line and Matt Holland guided his shot in off the post. Loram then added a third, meeting a loose ball on the angle and volleying home after neat work down the left.
Bristol City pulled one back on the stroke of half‑time, but the momentum never really shifted. Early in the second half Steven Banks launched a long clearance that again caught the visiting defence square, and Loram drilled a right‑footer into the far corner to restore the cushion.
The fifth arrived on 70 minutes, Holland pouncing when the goalkeeper made a mess of a routine touch, the ball spinning off his shin and invitingly into our midfielder’s path. Holland accepted the gift, sealing a resounding 5–1 victory.
Manager Paul Hilton was understandably delighted - not just with the scoreline, but with the sense of justice at last. After two narrow, unrewarded defeats, his side finally had something tangible to show for their endeavour and quality.
SWINDON TOWN
County Ground
1 - 1 (Whitmarsh)
2 September 1992
Peat
Brown
Marquis
Basham
Foster
Holland
Parris
Bishop
Whitmarsh (Williamson)
Loram
Clarke S.
With Steven Banks on first‑team duty at Upton Park, we handed a debut to 16‑year‑old Martin Peat for his first ever Combination appearance. The youngster rose to the occasion, dealing confidently with the only on‑target effort his defence allowed Swindon in a first half we controlled from the outset.
We carved out the better chances before the break. Paul Whitmarsh was denied early on, while George Parris twice threatened from distance - one audacious 40‑yard chip dropping just over, another effort well saved.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour. Paul Marquis surged down the left and whipped in a low cross that Whitmarsh, making his first appearance of the season, met at the near post to put us ahead. Thirteen minutes later Matt Holland burst down the right and delivered another inviting centre, Whitmarsh this time glancing his shot narrowly wide of the far upright.
We kept pressing. Simon Clarke went close with a crisp strike, and substitute Danny Williamson also forced the issue as Swindon began to tire. But the home side rallied in the final quarter of an hour, Peat producing a fine save to preserve the lead. With seven minutes remaining, though, the teenager could only parry a powerful drive and the rebound was tucked away, bringing the Wiltshire side level.
On a rain‑soaked night that made footing treacherous, the match ended with the points shared - a frustrating outcome after a performance that had promised more.
ARSENAL
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Whitmarsh)
8 September 1992
Banks
Brown
Dicks (Whitmarsh)
Gale
Foster
Holland
Rush
Parris
Clarke S.
Martin D.
Holmes
Simon Clarke went close after three minutes, just shooting over the bar, and Matt Holmes fired wide after 16 minutes from a Matthew Rush cross.
The game was then held up when one of the linesmen injured a knee and former youth player Tony Richards ran the line, until a Qualified linesman volunteered from the crowd to take over at half-time.
Julian Dicks (36 mins) and Matt Holmes (40 mins} were both booked and it was decided Paul Whitmarsh should substitute for the Hammers' skipper at the interval.
Within three minutes of the restart Holmes was again unlucky, this time with a lobbed shot, but after 55 minutes we took the lead. Dean Martin's left wing cross was headed down by Matthew Rush and Paul Whitmarsh pounced to tuck his shot away from eight yards past the keeper.
Matthew Holland, Martin, Rush, Holmes and Whitmarsh all had attempts at goal that went close or were saved. With our defence restricting the visitors, who included Alan Smith and Andy Linighan in their line-up, to a couple of shots the whole match, it proved to be another solid team effort.
OXFORD UNITED
Manor Ground
0 - 2
16 September 1992
Banks
Brown
Marquis
Gale
Basham
Holland
Rush (Clarke S.)
Parris
Small (Whitmarsh)
Martin D.
Holmes
Our reserves travelled to the Manor Ground carrying a three‑match unbeaten run, and with Oxford United also in good early‑season form, the stage was set for a proper test. The home side shaded the first half, twice going close before finally breaking through after 17 minutes with a move down their left, the finish tucked into the far corner.
We created little before the interval - Mike Small had our only real sight of goal - while Steven Banks was called upon to make two sharp saves in the five minutes leading up to the break to keep us in touch.
After half‑time we were a different side. A flowing move involving Matt Holmes and Small ended with Matt Holland forcing an excellent save from a fierce left‑foot volley. From the resulting corner Dean Martin rattled the underside of the bar, and Kenny Brown wasn’t far away with a long‑range effort as we pushed Oxford back.
But with twenty minutes remaining we were hit again, Matthew Keeble driving in a left‑foot shot to double the home side’s lead. Substitute Paul Whitmarsh then released Holland, who shot wide, and ten minutes from time Holmes saw a 20‑yard right‑footer saved - our final chance on a night when the goal simply wouldn’t come.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
0 - 0
30 September 1992
Banks
Brown
Marquis
Gale
Foster
Holland
Martin D.
Bishop
Small
Whitmarsh (Basham)
Clarke S.
Seven days later we were due in Suffolk for the away fixture at Ipswich Town, but two days of heavy rain left the pitch waterlogged and the match was called off - especially with a Premier League game scheduled for the following Saturday.
On Wednesday, September 30, we headed to the south coast for an evening kick‑off against Southampton. The Saints came out fast, dominating the opening twenty minutes and going agonisingly close when a shot struck the inside of the far post, rolled across the goalmouth, clipped the inside of the near post and finally fell into the grateful arms of Steven Banks.
Once we settled, though, we played the better football. We moved the ball well, created promising openings, and were unlucky not to make our superiority around the penalty area count. Southampton defended stubbornly, often in numbers, and we couldn’t quite find the final touch.
Matt Holland twice went close, driving us forward as we pushed for a winner. Afterwards, team manager Paul Hilton felt we looked the only likely side to take all three points — but on balance was satisfied to take a share of the spoils.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Park View Road
3 - 1 (Bishop, Foster, Parris)
5 October 1992
Banks
Brown
Marquis
Gale
Foster
Parris
Rush
Bishop
Martin D.
Clarke S.
Holmes (Whitmarsh)
Our reserves experienced a mixed run of fortune in their last two outings - both away fixtures, both against sides at opposite ends of the Combination table.
The trip to Welling to face Charlton Athletic on October 5 opened with a flat first half, though we still carved out moments: Tony Clarke forced a save after ten minutes, while Colin Foster and Matthew Rush both went close with headers. Charlton, fielding eight young players alongside joint‑manager Alan Curbishley, did well to reach the interval level.
Six minutes after the restart, however, we struck. A free‑kick was only half cleared and George Parris arrived at pace to lash a right‑footed drive from 22 yards into the top corner. Banks then preserved the lead with a sharp save on 55 minutes, denying the home side an immediate reply.
Ten minutes later we doubled our advantage. Parris, now running the right flank with purpose, delivered a teasing cross that Ian Bishop met to score his first goal of the season. Charlton pulled one back after 70 minutes when their centre‑forward embarked on a solo run from halfway, his first effort parried by Banks before he tucked away the rebound.
But within four minutes we restored the cushion. Bishop swung in a free‑kick and Foster launched himself into a superb diving header, powering the ball into the net. We created further chances but couldn’t extend the margin; even so, by the final whistle we were worthy winners.
ARSENAL
Highbury
1 - 2 (Martin)
13 October 1992
Banks
Brown
Thomas
Gale
Foster
Parris
Martin D.
Bishop
Whitmarsh (Canham)
Clarke S. (Holland)
Holmes
Our fourth consecutive away fixture took us to Highbury, where Arsenal reserves are never anything less than formidable. Even so, we travelled north with confidence after beating the Gunners in the previous meeting - and we started as though another upset was on the cards.
Inside three minutes Paul Whitmarsh forced a smart save with a low effort, and moments later George Parris saw a shot blocked by the keeper’s legs after being slipped through by Simon Clarke. From a Matt Holmes cross, Ian Bishop then drew another good stop from the home custodian. Arsenal barely threatened until the 25th minute, when Steven Banks was finally called into action.
Eight minutes later came the turning point. Banks was sent off for bringing down the Arsenal centre‑forward in the box. Clarke pulled on the green jersey but couldn’t keep out the penalty - and in a separate goalmouth scramble soon after, he broke a finger while making a brave save.
Despite being reduced to ten men, we refused to fold. On the stroke of half‑time Dean Martin cut in from the right and curled a superb 25‑yard shot into the far corner to level the match.
At the interval Clarke had to come off due to the pain, and Matt Holland took over in goal. He was tested early and responded with a fine save, settling the side. Even understrength, we prevented Arsenal from taking control, and the game remained evenly poised.
But with six minutes left the Gunners finally forced home a header at the far post to edge ahead. Two minutes from time Scott Canham almost rescued a point, only to be denied at the last.
Manager Paul Hilton felt his players deserved a draw — and on the balance of courage, organisation and sheer resilience, he had a strong case.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Holmes 2)
27 October 1992
Peat
Brown
Williamson
Gale
Basham
Rush (Holland)
Pecko
Bishop
Martin D.
Clarke S.
Holmes
After four straight away games we were set to return to Upton Park on October 20 for the first of five home fixtures, but the match against Swindon Town was washed out. Heavy overnight rain left the pitch waterlogged, and with the Robins’ senior side due four days later, the game was sensibly postponed.
A week on, we finally resumed at a rain‑swept Boleyn Ground against Charlton Athletic. Conditions were better than the previous week, and the match went ahead - with Czech international Ladislav Pecko making his first appearance on trial, fresh from Slovan Bratislava and a European Cup tie against AC Milan.
Charlton struck first after 15 minutes, a rebound tucked away after the initial shot hit the post. Stand‑in keeper Martin Peat then made a fine save, and we had a chance to level before the break when Matt Holmes was brought down, but Kenny Brown’s penalty was stopped.
Ten minutes into the second half the visitors doubled their lead, only for us to hit back within a minute: Ian Bishop released Holmes, whose first effort was blocked before he buried the rebound. Holmes then equalised on 68 minutes, cutting in from the left and beating two men before driving a cross‑shot into the net.
With momentum swinging our way, we might have taken the lead - Simon Clarke’s best chance coming from a clever Pecko pass - but twelve minutes from time Charlton struck again, securing a 3–2 win and avenging their defeat at Welling earlier in the month.
CHELSEA
Kingstonian FC
1 - 2 (Richards)
2 November 1992
Peat
Williamson
Brown
Basham (White)
Purdie
Canham
Rush
Bishop
Richards
Martin D.
Clarke S.
After a frustrating end to October, our second XI hoped November would bring a change of fortune. For the November 2 trip to Chelsea at Kingstonian FC, Paul Hilton had to field a youthful side: John Purdie and Tony Richards made their first appearances of the season, while Martin Peat again deputised in goal.
Peat produced two sharp early saves, and at the other end Simon Clarke and Scott Canham both went close. Chelsea struck first after 34 minutes, but we hit back almost immediately — Canham released Dean Martin down the right, and his first‑time cross was swept in from 12 yards by Richards.
We pushed hard after the interval and were unlucky not to take the lead before an injury to centre‑back Michael Basham forced a defensive reshuffle. More chances followed but went begging, and just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Chelsea snatched a winner in the dying seconds - a harsh end to a performance that merited far more.
IPSWICH TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 3 (Rush)
10 November 1992
Peat
Williamson
Marquis
Purdie
Foster
Canham
Rush
Holland
Richards
Martin D.
Clarke S.
Ipswich Town’s visit to Upton Park on Tuesday, November 10 brought several familiar faces back to their old ground, with John Lyall and Mick McGiven guiding a Suffolk side climbing steadily in the Premier League and in the Combination. We were without Ian Bishop after cartilage surgery, though Colin Foster returned following a two‑match absence.
The first half was evenly fought, each side creating chances. Our best came after ten minutes when Tony Richards lifted a shot over with only the keeper to beat. Five minutes before the break Ipswich struck, former Hammer Paul Goddard finishing neatly.
Within a minute of the restart the visitors doubled their lead and took control. Matthew Rush then pulled one back from 25 yards - a straight strike that somehow slipped through the keeper’s hands giving us a lifeline. But despite a couple of half‑chances, Ipswich remained the stronger side, and with five minutes left Goddard headed in his second from a right‑wing cross to seal their win.
SOUTHAMPTON
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Foster, Gale)
17 November 1992
Banks
Thomas
Dicks
Gale
Foster
Holland
Martin D.
Williamson
Small
Jones
Clarke S.
After four straight defeats, the visit of last season’s champions Southampton on November 17 promised a stern test - but also a chance to reset. Julian Dicks returned from suspension, new signing Steve Jones made his debut, and both Mitchell Thomas and Mike Small continued their comebacks. Steven Banks was also back in goal after three games out.
Southampton controlled the first half. After 18 minutes Nicky Banger broke down the right, cut inside and scored, and just before the interval he won a penalty when brought down by Dicks. The Saints converted for 0–2, and aside from efforts from Jones and Small, we struggled to respond.
The second half was a different story. Within five minutes a Simon Clarke corner was flicked on by Tony Gale and Colin Foster tapped in from close range. Another Clarke corner soon caused chaos, and on 66 minutes Jones made a superb run and forced a fine save, with Danny Williamson doing likewise moments later.
We kept pushing and were rewarded six minutes from time. Dean Martin swung in a cross from the right and Gale, venturing forward again, powered a header into the left corner to level the match. In the dying moments Matt Holland almost snatched a dramatic winner but was denied.
LUTON TOWN
Kenilworth Road
0 - 2
23 November 1992
Banks
Brown
Marquis
Gale
Foster
Williamson
Rush
Bishop
Jones
Small (Martin D.)
Clarke S.
REPORT:
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Gale, Jones)
1 December 1992
Banks
Brown
Marquis
Gale
Thomas
Allen M.
Williamson
Bishop
Small
Jones
Clarke S. (Currie)
REPORT:
WIMBLEDON
Selhurst Park
0 - 1
9 December 1992
Banks
Brown
Marquis
Gale
Foster
Williamson (Holland)
Martin D.
Bishop
Small (Whitmarsh)
Morley
Clarke S.
With Trevor Morley suspended from first‑team duty in the Anglo‑Italian Cup, he returned to the Reserves for the December 9 trip to Plough Lane. Wimbledon had climbed the Combination table in recent weeks, and both sides struggled to find rhythm in a scrappy first half. Our best moments fell to Morley - a 37th‑minute strike that skimmed just over, and a neat move with Mike Small that sent Simon Clarke through, only for Clarke to shoot straight at the keeper.
After the break the Dons enjoyed the better chances, one effort mirroring Morley’s by clearing the bar by inches. On 67 minutes we fell behind when a left‑wing cross was finished at the far post. A double substitution followed, with Matt Holland and Paul Whitmarsh introduced; Whitmarsh almost levelled from a half‑cleared corner but dragged his shot wide.
We pushed hard late on. Paul Marquis headed narrowly over from eight yards, and in stoppage time a corner broke to Ian Bishop, whose chip back into the box gave Morley another sight of goal. His shot was parried, and Clarke’s follow‑up was also saved in a frantic double stop.
Wimbledon held on for a 1–0 win - their third in a run of identical scorelines - moving them up to second, while we were left to rue missed chances on a night that could easily have swung our way.
IPSWICH TOWN
Portman Road
0 - 1
22 December 1992
Banks
Brown
Thomas
Gale
Foster
Butler
Rush
Parris
Smal
Bunbury
Jones
Three days before Christmas our Reserves travelled to Suffolk for the rearranged match against Ipswich Town. Peter Butler returned from injury, while new signing and Canadian international Alex Bunbury made his first appearance. The first half was evenly balanced: Bunbury couldn’t quite control a close‑range chance from a Matthew Rush cross, and Steven Banks twice saved well in one‑on‑one situations.
Ipswich broke through after 42 minutes when a long throw found international Bozinoski in space, lifting his finish over the advancing Banks. After the interval we dominated possession but couldn’t turn pressure into goals. Mike Small had the best opportunity, heading Rush’s centre straight at the keeper from eight yards. Bunbury created further openings and was unlucky not to score.
Ipswich held firm to stay third in the table. We were due to end the year at home to QPR, but a frost‑bound Upton Park forced a morning postponement.
MILLWALL
The Den
1 - 1 (Bunbury)
6 January 1993
Banks
Williamson
Brown
Gale
Foster
Holmes
Parris
Rush
Small
Jones
Bunbury
A frozen pitch wiped out our January 4 trip to Millwall, but two days later the rearranged match went ahead - and we struck immediately. After just two minutes Danny Williamson floated a long ball into the box and Alex Bunbury rounded the keeper to score his first goal in our colours from a tight angle.
Millwall, top of the table, responded strongly. Malcolm Allen hit the bar on 16 minutes, and in a lively first half we created chances of our own: Steve Jones beat two men to set up Mike Small for a close header, Williamson volleyed narrowly wide, and Matt Holmes struck the inside of the post from a George Parris free‑kick. Millwall then clipped the underside of Banks’ bar just before the break.
As we had done early on, the Lions equalised straight after the restart, Allen finishing from close range. A spell of pressure followed, with us breaking only sporadically - Bunbury going close and Holmes hitting the outside of the post from a Matthew Rush cross.
By full time the 1–1 scoreline felt about right. Against the league leaders, it was a committed, disciplined performance and a point well earned.
WATFORD
Upton Park
3 - 2 (Bunbury, Jones, Small [pen])
12 January 1993
Banks
Hemmings
Thomas
Gale
Marquis
Holmes
Parris
Brown
Jones
Bunbury
Small
Watford’s visit to Upton Park on January 12 produced an open, entertaining contest. Trialist Tony Hemmings made an immediate impression, breaking down the left after 12 minutes and crossing for Alex Bunbury to side‑foot us ahead. Bunbury then helped create a chance for Steve Jones before Watford levelled on the break when a Hammers attack broke down.
In the final quarter‑hour of the half Holmes, Bunbury and Mike Small all forced good saves, and just before the interval Small headed across goal for Bunbury, who was pushed as he closed in. Small converted the resulting penalty to give us a 2–1 lead at the break.
Six minutes into the second half Bunbury lobbed the keeper but saw his effort drift just over, and on 69 minutes he was denied again after fine work from Holmes. Tony Gale also went close before Banks was called upon to make a sharp save at the other end. With five minutes remaining Small’s header was kept out, but from a Holmes free‑kick Steve Jones rose to head home our third.
Watford, who had contributed to an open game without seriously stretching our defence, grabbed a late consolation a minute from time - but the points were already secure.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Bunbury)
18 January 1993
Banks
Basham (Clarke)
Brown
Gale
Marquis (Whitmarsh)
Williamson
Rush
Parris
Jones
Bunbury
Currie
The rearranged visit of QPR to Upton Park six days later produced a very different contest from the Watford game - tight, cautious, and short on chances. The first half was evenly balanced, our best moment coming when Alex Bunbury burst down the left and crossed for Steve Jones, who fired wide. Rangers’ only opening was calmly dealt with by Steven Banks after 21 minutes.
After the interval Darren Currie, making his first full appearance, created a fine chance for Matthew Rush, whose powerful header from a free‑kick cleared the bar. The breakthrough arrived on 67 minutes: substitute Simon Clarke bent in a free‑kick from the left and Bunbury, diving full‑length, headed in from six yards - a brave finish low to the keeper’s right.
Banks made another strong save from a Rangers free‑kick on 78 minutes, and with four minutes remaining Paul Marquis had to be withdrawn after a clash of heads that required stitches. Former Hammer Roger Cross, now on QPR’s coaching staff, watched on as we saw out a hard‑earned 1–0 win.
FULHAM
Craven Cottage
2 - 0 (Currie, Dicks)
20 January 1993
Knight G.
Basham
Dicks
Gale
Marquis
Williamson
Rush
Parris
Jones
Currie
Whitmarsh (Richards)
After back‑to‑back home wins, our second XI extended their good run with a confident performance at Fulham on January 20. Young goalkeeper Glen Knight, on loan from Millwall, kept his place after debuting in the South‑East Counties League the previous weekend.
We might have been two up inside five minutes: Steve Jones broke through after two minutes but saw his shot blocked by the keeper’s legs, and moments later headed straight at him from a Danny Williamson cross. Darren Currie then slipped Jones through again on 23 minutes, only for the striker to be denied once more. We were completely on top, and Julian Dicks released Matthew Rush with a superb pass, the winger’s fierce drive coming back off the upright.
The breakthrough finally arrived on 36 minutes. Dicks collected the ball in his own half, powered past three challenges, cut inside and drove a right‑footed shot into the bottom corner - a superb solo goal. Just before the interval he again surged forward, crossing for Rush to volley over.
We created fewer chances after the break but remained in control. With fifteen minutes left Williamson fed Rush down the right, and his run to the byline ended with a perfect centre for Currie, who headed home from eight yards - his first goal at Reserve level and deserved reward for his recent form. Fulham saw more of the ball late on but never threatened to break through a disciplined defence.
PORTSMOUTH
Fratton Park
3 - 0 (Bunbury, Dicks, Jones)
2 February 1993
Banks
Parris
Dicks
Williamson
Basham
Canham
Rush
Bishop
Jones
Bunbury
Currie
Riding the momentum of two straight home wins, our Reserves opened February in the same vein with a commanding 3–0 victory at Portsmouth on January 20. The hosts fielded a strong side with several first‑teamers, while Ian Bishop returned after injury.
Both teams had early chances, ours falling to Matthew Rush - whose 25‑yard effort was tipped over - Scott Canham, whose shot was deflected wide, and Alex Bunbury, who headed a Bishop cross at the keeper. After 29 minutes we broke through: Darren Currie released Steve Jones down the flank, and his left‑footed cross was nodded in at the far post by Bunbury.
We played some excellent football during this spell and were rewarded again ten minutes later. George Parris surged down the right and found Jones unmarked; the striker cut inside and drove a superb left‑foot shot inside the far post from the edge of the box.
Pompey saw more of the ball after the interval, but our defence held firm and Steve Banks remained largely untroubled. At the other end Jones twice went close, and Bunbury had a second goal ruled out. With ten minutes left Currie’s corner found Julian Dicks on the edge of the area, and the full‑back lashed a stunning left‑foot strike into the top of the net - a finish the keeper had no chance of stopping. A convincing, confident win that extended our excellent run into the new month.
MILLWALL
Upton Park
0 - 2
11 February 1993
Banks
Parris
Bates
Basham
Purdie
Canham
Rush (Richards)
Bishop
Bunbury
Holmes
Currie
Table‑topping Millwall arrived at Upton Park on February 11 fresh from beating third‑placed Wimbledon, but found a confident young Hammers side waiting for them. Jonathan Bates made his Combination debut and John Purdie returned after three months out. We had the better of the first half, testing the Lions’ defence repeatedly without reward.
Then, on the stroke of half‑time, Millwall won a corner on the left. The near‑post flick‑on found the experienced Malcolm Allen, who headed in to put us behind against the run of play.
We continued to create chances after the break, the best falling to Matthew Rush after Darren Currie beat two men and slipped him in, though the winger’s left‑foot shot lacked power. Millwall then enjoyed a spell of pressure, but our clearest opening came ten minutes from time: Ian Bishop broke down the right, fed Tony Richards, and his cut‑back found Scott Canham six yards out — only for him to lift his shot over.
In the final minute the visitors sealed it with another header, a harsh blow that ended our five‑match unbeaten run. As Paul Hilton put it, the result felt more than a little unjust.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Upton Park
0 - 3
16 February 1993
Knight G.
Parris
Brown
Basham (Whitmarsh)
Purdie
Holmes
Rush
Bishop
Richards (Canham)
Bunbury
Currie
Crystal Palace, sitting third, arrived at Upton Park on February 16 for the second of three straight home fixtures against London opposition - and proved too quick and too strong for our young side. They dominated the first half, taking the lead after 18 minutes despite our appeals for offside, then doubling it on 34 minutes with a well‑struck free‑kick from the edge of the box.
Our best moment before the break came on 28 minutes when John Purdie lofted a clever ball over the defence for Alex Bunbury. The striker rounded the keeper but was forced wide and shot over from a tight angle.
Scott Canham came on at half‑time and helped us see more of the ball, though we still struggled to test the Palace goalkeeper. A hamstring injury to Michael Basham on 68 minutes forced a defensive reshuffle, and in the final quarter‑hour the visitors pressed home their superiority, firing in a third from the edge of the area after we failed to clear.
A tough evening against a strong, athletic Palace side who controlled the key moments.
WIMBLEDON
Upton Park
2 - 4 (Bunbury, Jones)
23 February 1993
Banks
Parris
Bates
Waters
Marquis
Holmes
Rush
Canham
Bunbury
Jones
Currie
Seven days later Wimbledon returned to Upton Park and again left with the points. Gary Waters made his first appearance in our defence, but unfortunately it was his early mistake that gifted the Dons their opener. We responded well: Steve Jones set up Alex Bunbury, who volleyed home from 22 yards to level before the interval.
After 66 minutes Jonathan Bates was caught in possession and Wimbledon regained the lead, only for us to equalise eight minutes later when Matthew Rush burst down the right and crossed for Jones to volley in. But within a minute we were behind again as the visitors broke from deep and scored, and three minutes later Waters conceded a penalty that put the game beyond reach.
It was a disappointing afternoon, especially as the side had battled back to 2–2, and Paul Hilton made no secret of his frustration with the defensive sloppiness that undermined the performance.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Goldstone Ground
3 - 1 (Bushay, Small, Whitmarsh)
27 February 1993
Banks
Purdie
White
Basham
Foster
Canham
Rush
Taylor
Small
Bushay
Whitmarsh
After two disappointing home results, the Reserves travelled to the Goldstone Ground on February 27 and finally returned to winning ways against a young, inexperienced Brighton side. Colin Foster was back from injury, while trialists Ansil Bushay and Robin Taylor were both included.
A fierce wind made conditions awkward, and Brighton - fielding eight apprentices — snatched a 13th‑minute lead. We struggled to create much beyond long‑range efforts until the game turned on 66 minutes: Steve Banks released Taylor, whose pass down the line found Paul Whitmarsh. His cross‑field ball sent Scott Canham through, and Bushay lifted his finish over the keeper to level.
Nine minutes later Matthew Rush struck the bar from 20 yards and Mike Small buried the rebound to put us ahead. Ten minutes from time we broke from a Brighton corner, driving down the right until a hurried back‑pass was under‑hit. In the scramble that followed the ball fell kindly to Whitmarsh, who ran on to score and seal a deserved 3–1 victory.
OXFORD UNITED
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Jones)
2 March 1993
Banks
Basham
Marquis
Foster
Marin A.
Holmes
Rush
Parris
Small
Allen C. (Whitmarsh)
Jones
Three days after the Brighton win we hosted Oxford United at Upton Park, welcoming back Alvin Martin and Clive Allen for their first appearances in nearly two months. In a highly competitive first half both sides had chances. Mike Small saw one effort blocked on the line and headed another just wide, while Allen, clean through, could only shoot straight at the keeper. Oxford threatened with a free‑kick and later struck the bar.
On 56 minutes the visitors took the lead with a headed goal, but our response was immediate. Three minutes later Colin Foster pushed into the box and nodded the ball down for Steve Jones, whose ten‑yard shot crept in despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it - Jones’ fifth goal in eleven Combination outings.
We continued to press, playing some excellent football and carving out further openings. The best came five minutes from time when Matthew Rush delivered a superb cross from the right; Jones met it perfectly, only for his header to crash against the bar and bounce to safety.
A strong performance, full of intent and invention, but one that deserved more than a single point.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Plough Lane
0 - 1
8 March 1993
Banks
Basham
Marquis
Foster (Whitmarsh)
Martin A. (Purdie)
Parris
Rush
Taylor
Jones
Bushay
Martin D
REPORT:
PORTSMOUTH
Upton Park
2 - 0 (Bushay, Jones)
16 March 1993
Banks
Holland
Thomas
Basham (Currie)
Foster
Bishop
Williamson
Jones
Bushay
Holmes
Martin D
Portsmouth arrived at Upton Park on March 16 and found the opening half hard going as we dominated the play. Mitchell Thomas returned after nine games out, while trialist Ansil Bushay continued his spell with us. Danny Williamson went close early on from a Dean Martin pass, and after 18 minutes Martin created the breakthrough: his left‑wing cross was headed down by Steve Jones, the keeper half‑saved, and Williamson recycled the ball to the far post where Bushay nodded in - his second goal in three outings.
Within minutes Steve Banks made two sharp saves, and on 37 minutes Thomas’ cross found Williamson, whose 12‑yard strike was well kept out. Just before the interval Thomas again delivered to the far post, Jones headed back, and Ian Bishop hooked narrowly over.
A muscle tear forced Michael Basham off at half‑time, prompting a defensive reshuffle, but it didn’t blunt our attacking intent. Martin had a volley saved, Jones just failed to reach a Matt Holmes centre, and Matt Holland crossed for another close Bushay header. Pompey then enjoyed their best spell, Banks twice saving in quick succession, and on 72 minutes they shot wide from a promising opening.
A minute later Bishop clipped in a centre from the left and Jones, arriving at pace, flicked his finish into the corner from the penalty spot area. It proved enough to secure the points, though Jones and Thomas both went close again before the end.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
White Hart Lane
1 - 2 (Jones)
25 March 1993
Banks
Breacker
Thomas
Basham (Purdie)
Foster
Holland
Williamson
Bishop
Small
Jones
Martin D.
The trip to White Hart Lane on March 25 produced a match full of incident and no small measure of misfortune. In the end we left empty‑handed when a draw would have been the fairer outcome. After 12 minutes Michael Basham conceded a penalty and Terry Fenwick converted, but despite Spurs later hitting the bar and Steven Banks pushing one effort onto a post, we stayed firmly in the contest.
Our equaliser arrived on 34 minutes. Danny Williamson crossed from the right and Steve Jones beat the keeper in a one‑on‑one. Williamson then supplied another centre that Jones headed just over, before setting up Dean Martin, who volleyed wide from 12 yards.
We dominated the second half, enjoying long spells of possession but unable to find the finish. Jones twice went close - heading over from a Matt Holland cross and forcing a good save after an Ian Bishop pass - while Basham almost made amends for his early slip with a left‑foot shot that was also well saved.
Then came the cruel ending. With two minutes left Basham, already carrying an injury, tried to play the ball across the back line. His mis‑hit pass was seized upon and Spurs scored, snatching the points in a match we had largely controlled.
SWINDON TOWN
Upton Park
4 - 2 (Holland, Jones, Martin, [og])
30 March 1993
Hitchcock
Holland
Bates
Purdie
Foster
Williamson
Martin D.
Holmes
Richards (Clarke S.)
Jones
Whitmarsh (Currie)
Swindon Town arrived at Upton Park on March 30, five days after the trip to Spurs, and the match marked the Hammers debut of on‑loan Chelsea goalkeeper Kevin Hitchcock. The first half was evenly contested. Steve Jones and Paul Whitmarsh had our best openings, while Hitchcock made a smart save before being beaten by Micky Hazard’s superb 25‑yard strike that gave the visitors a half‑time lead.
Within five minutes of the restart Swindon were reduced to ten men after a rash swing at Dean Martin. Jones soon struck a post, and Matt Holland levelled with a crisp 25‑yard drive. On 70 minutes we moved ahead when Martin crossed from the right and Jones headed home. Two minutes later Jones returned the favour, slipping the ball inside for Martin, who turned and curled a left‑foot shot into the far corner.
Swindon pulled one back from the penalty spot after 81 minutes, but the game’s final twist came two minutes from time. Hitchcock launched a long kick downfield, and as the visiting keeper rushed out, a Swindon defender, attempting to clear, headed past his own man to restore our two‑goal cushion and secure the points.
NORWICH CITY
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Small)
6 April 1993
Hitchcock
Browne
Oakley
Williamson
Richardson (Ellis)
Holland
Martin D.
Joscelyn
Small
Maeer (Moore)
Clarke S.
With injuries, suspensions and a group of players away in America for the Dallas International Tournament, we asked for the April 6 home fixture with Norwich City to be postponed. The Canaries refused, leaving us to field what was almost certainly the youngest Reserve side ever to wear our colours. Five associated schoolboys started, with two more on the bench; at one stage it seemed Billy Bonds and Paul Hilton might have been pressed into service.
Despite their inexperience the youngsters rose to the occasion and were unfortunate to lose by the odd goal in three. In the first half Kevin Hitchcock had virtually nothing to do, Norwich’s only genuine effort drifting wide. At the other end we might easily have been three up: Dean Martin twice shot over, Mike Small was denied by the keeper’s legs, and the best chance came on 40 minutes when Martin broke down the left, squared to Small, who drew the keeper and rolled the ball to debutant Wayne Joscelyne - only for a bobble off a divot to send his shot over.
Within a minute of the restart Norwich struck, a ball over the top releasing recent signing Efan Ekoku to score. Hitchcock then made a good save, while Joscelyne and fellow debutant Darren Maeer forced stops from the visiting keeper. Twenty minutes from time teenager Stuart Richardson departed with a broken nose, and two minutes later Maeer also had to leave the field, bringing on our seventh under‑16 of the night.
Norwich added a second with ten minutes left, but we responded well. Simon Clarke crossed from the left and Joscelyne headed narrowly wide, before Small struck a superb 25‑yard volley two minutes from time - a goal that, as Paul Hilton said, was scant reward for the superb way his young charges had performed against a vastly more experienced side featuring Ian Butterworth and Rob Newman. A remarkable effort from a team of boys who played with courage, composure and no little quality.
NORWICH CITY
Carrow Road
1 - 1 (Jones)
15 April 1993
Hitchcock
Holland
Brown
Basham
Foster
Williamson
Martin D.
Holmes
Small
Jones
Currie
For the return trip to Norwich on April 15 we agreed to bring the match forward by 24 hours, and unlike the previous week’s injury‑ravaged selection we were able to field a far more experienced side. The result was an excellent, evenly balanced game in which both teams enjoyed spells of dominance.
Norwich had the better of the early exchanges, putting us under pressure and striking the post after seven minutes. We still carved out two good chances before the interval, both created by Mattie Holmes: Dean Martin volleyed over from the first, and Steve Jones, after beating two defenders, drove a left‑foot shot just wide from the second. The hosts then created two more openings before the break, but it was not until three minutes into the second half that Kevin Hitchcock was finally beaten, a header from a corner giving Norwich the lead.
Our response was swift. Holmes took a quick free‑kick on the left, Mike Small moved the ball inside, and Jones slid home the equaliser. For the next quarter of an hour we were the superior side, creating three excellent chances - Martin supplying crosses for Jones and Holmes, and Jones forcing another save with a solo effort.
We continued to press throughout the half, and should have had a penalty when Holmes, put through by Matt Holland, was clearly pulled back after trying to regain his footing in the box. The referee waved play on, to the disbelief of those around. In the end the draw was a fair reflection of a fast, well‑matched contest, with both sides contributing to a high‑quality game.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
3 - 5 (Jones 2, Whitmarsh)
20 April 1993
Hitchcock
Bates
Brown
Basham
Foster
Williamson
Martin D.
Bishop
Jones
Whitmarsh Currie)
Holmes
Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Upton Park on April 20 produced a feast of goals for the spectators and a few nightmares for the managers, with defensive errors on both sides shaping a wild contest. Spurs struck first after ten minutes, but seven minutes later Steve Jones levelled, beating two defenders and the goalkeeper after good work from Matt Holmes.
Within two minutes the visitors were ahead again, only for Paul Whitmarsh to restore parity on 37 minutes when Dean Martin cut the ball back from the byline for him to finish. Just before the interval both Martin and Colin Foster forced good saves as we pressed for a third.
Two minutes into the second half Spurs surged 4–2 ahead. The first came from a defensive mix‑up, the second from a solo run that saw three Hammers defenders beaten before the ball was tucked away. A reshuffle followed, with Foster pushed up front, and it paid off when he flicked on a free‑kick for Jones to lift his finish over the keeper and reduce the arrears.
Jones then went close again with a well‑struck effort that the goalkeeper saved, but Spurs sealed the match late on when a corner was returned from the far post and finished for their fifth.
FULHAM
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Jones 2, Allen)
27 April 1993
Hitchcock
Brown K.
Bates
Marquis
Foster
Bishop
Williamson
Holmes
Allen C.
Jones
Richards
Fulham arrived at Upton Park on April 27, rooted to the foot of the Combination table, and the match marked Clive Allen’s first appearance in our colours for three months - a useful workout that helped him earn a place in the first‑team squad for Swindon five days later.
We dominated the first half and created three clear chances. Jones was sent through by Allen but saw his shot saved, then met a Kenny Brown cross with a header that struck the bar, and moments later rounded the keeper only for a defender to block on the line. At the other end Kevin Hitchcock remained untested.
After 67 minutes Jones finally got his reward. Jonathan Bates swung in a cross from the left, and at the far post Tony Richards and a Fulham defender challenged; when the ball dropped loose, Jones reacted first and steered it home. Nine minutes later Colin Foster fed Matt Holmes, who slipped the ball inside for Jones to drive into the top corner for his second.
The third arrived on 82 minutes. Ian Bishop’s free‑kick was headed back across goal by Foster and Allen, from a tight angle, swept a left‑foot shot into the net. Bishop then had a 25‑yarder tipped over, and in the closing moments Danny Williamson struck the bar with a fine effort.
CHELSEA
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Jones, Richards)
4 May 1993
Hitchcock
Brown K.
Bates
Foster
Marquis
Holland
Williamson
Holmes
Richards
Jones
Currie
REPORT:
BRISTOL CITY
Ashton Gate
0 - 3
5 May 1993
Peat
Johnson
Morgan
Victory
Marquis
Williamson
Geraghty
Holland
Richards
Richardson (Underwood)
Currie (Bates)
REPORT:
LUTON TOWN
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Richards)
10 May 1993
Peat
Brown K.
Bates
Foster
Marquis
Holmes
Williamson
Holland
Richards
Jones
Martin D. (Basham)
REPORT:
