West Ham United

1923-24

The opening game in the First Division saw the Hammers gain a creditable 0-0 draw at Sunderland. Two days later there were 25,000 inside the Boleyn Ground to see Arsenal beaten 1-0 with a goal from Albert Fletcher. Goals were hard to come by, with only five being scored in the first eleven games. In November Birmingham City were beaten 4-1 at home but this was followed up with a 5–1 defeat at Burnley. The Christmas and New Year period brought three home wins against Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

In the FA Cup Third Division side Aberdare Athletic were the visitors and, with Billy Brown scoring twice, the Welsh side were beaten 5-0. Cup hopes were ended in the next round with a 1-0 replay defeat at Leeds United, which followed a 1–1 draw at home.

The defence were playing well, with full-backs Henderson and Young behind half-backs Bishop, Kay and Cadwell. It was the forwards who were struggling, hence the five draws in the next six games. The season ended with home and away defeats to Manchester City, which resulted in a mid-table position of 13th.

3 August 1923

EDDIE CHAPMAN (1948) Born this day East Ham, London

One time goalscorer and former West Ham United Chief Executive Eddie Chapman was born on this day in 1923. In a career that spanned an astonishing 49 years, Chapman became the third longest serving employee of the club - exceeded only by legends Charlie Paynter and Ernie Gregory. At schoolboy level, Chapman won honours with Ilford and London Boys and was a prolific goalscorer for his school team Loxford, notching 128 goals in the 1935-36 season. The youngster drew the attention of Hammers scouts and joined West Ham in August 1937 as an office junior. He also trained with the ground staff boys on two or three afternoons each week. On the 8 March 1939 he was invited to play in a Reserve friendly against London University at the Boleyn Ground, the match resulted with a 4-0 win for the home side. Prior to the onset of the Second World War he was loaned out to Romford to gain experience, he came back and was blooded in war-time soccer by Charlie Paynter making his unofficial first team debut for the Irons at home in the war-time South ‘A’ Division fixture against Clapton Orient in a 4-1 victory on 22 February 1940. Shortly after signing professional forms for West Ham United in September 1942, he enlisted with the Royal Engineers and was stationed at Chatham. As well as turning out for the Royal Engineers' he guested for Gillingham in the Kent League and also recorded 26 games for the Hammers in the Football League South, scoring 8 goals. With the ending of hostilities, he returned to east London on a full-time basis, both working as an administrator and playing for the reserves. Chapman finally made his senior bow on 13 September 1948, scoring in the Second Division 2-2 home draw with Coventry City. Sadly, he made just six further first team appearances that season. Although a regular for the second-string in the Football Combination, London Mid-Week and Metropolitan League sides over the following seven seasons, an unrelenting back injury forcing him to cut short his playing days. After taking on the mantle of Club Secretary when he retired from playing in 1956, and such was his service to the Hammers he was the recipient of the Football League long-service award in 1978, he added the title of Chief Executive to the club in June 1979. An exceptional servant to West Ham United over 49 years, he retired from club duties in June 1986 and was awarded a testimonial match, one that saw West Ham take on a Terry Venables XI on 9 August 1987.

SUNDERLAND : Football League First Division

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Roker Park 0 - 0 25 August 1923 Att: 32,000

Hufton Henderson Hodgson Bishop Kay Tresadern Richards Brown Watson Moore Ruffell

West Ham United contested their first-ever First Division fixture when they travelled north to Sunderland's Roker Park. The Hammers had finished second to Notts County in the Second Division and reached the FA Cup final the previous season, 1922-23, under manager Syd King. King named ten of his FA Cup final starting XI for the trip to Wearside and was rewarded with a determined performance, a clean sheet for goalkeeper Ted Hufton, and a point from a goalless draw played out in front of 32,000 fans.

2 : Football League First Division

Upton Park 1 - 0 (Fletcher) 27 August 1923 Att: 25,000

Hampson Henderson Hodgson Bishop Kay Tresadern Richards Brown Fletcher Moore Ruffell

The first-ever top flight game at the Boleyn Ground was played when the Hammers hosted London rivals Arsenal. West Ham needed only four years of Division Two Football before rising to join the game's elite for the first time, and they turned up at the Boleyn Ground having drawn 0-0 with Sunderland in the opening fixture of the campaign. Their meeting with Arsenal would go even better as Albert Fletcher notched the only goal of the 90 minutes to give the 25,000 home crowd a happy afternoon. Fletcher would only play another six games for the Club, but will always have his place in the history books as the Hammers' first Division One goalscorer.

SUNDERLAND : Football League First Division

Upton Park 0 - 1 1 September 1923 Att: 25,000

Hampson Henderson Hodgson Bishop Kay Tresadern Richards Brown Fletcher Moore Ruffell

The Hammers' entertained Sunderland on Saturday 1st September at Upton Park. It is interesting to note that during this period of English football; and for a number of seasons afterwards; clubs often played each other on a home and away basis on consecutive Saturdays or over a bank holiday period such as Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Before a crowd of some 25,000 the wear siders inflicted a 0-1 defeat on the Hammers' emphasising the points that consistency in form and strength in depth were needed for continuing success -Sunderland were to finish in third place in the standings at the end of the campaign.

CARDIFF CITY : Football League First Division

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Upton Park 0 - 0 8 September 1923 Att: 30,000

Hufton Henderson Hodgson Bishop Kay Tresadern Richards Brown Fletcher Moore Ruffell

Still finding goals hard to come by, the Irons held Cardiff City to a scoreless draw at the Boleyn Ground, before one of the largest attendances at home that season - some 30,000 fans. The return of Ted Hufton between the posts obviously must have had a steadying effect on his fellow defenders

ARSENAL : Football League First Division

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Highbury 1 - 4 (Hodges) 10 September 1923 Att: 40,000

Hampson Henderson Hodgson Bishop Kay Tresadern Richards Hodges Fletcher Moore Ruffell

At Highbury the Gunners notched four goals against Ted Hufton's deputy Tommy Hampson. Harry Hodges, who was deputising for Watson, got his name in the record books by scoring on his debut in the match and had the added distinction -like Albert Fletcher who had done the same feat three matches previously also against The Arsenal - of never scoring again in our colours; a similar fate also shared by Fletcher.

HARRY HODGES makes his Hammers debut against ARSENAL at Highbury

CARDIFF CITY : Football League First Division

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Ninian Park 0 - 1 15 September 1923 Att: 37,000

Hufton Henderson Hebden Bishop Kay Tresadern Yews Brown Fletcher Richards Ruffell

The Hammers' made the long trip to Wales for the return fixture against Cardiff. Although Hufton returned to the side his fellow defender Tommy Hodgson was missing from the left-back position and with the forwards failing to score once again Cardiff City recorded a 1-0 victory before 33,000 of their fans.

The Welshmen were to enjoy a highly successful season that year and only lost out on the narrowest of margins in taking the title at the conclusion of the season. Finishing with 57 points, the same as Huddersfield Town, the Welsh team had to settle for the runners-up spot with goal average (60-33 as against 61-34) taking the Trophy to the Northern club for the first time. It was to be the closest that Cardiff City were ever to get to the senior honour in domestic competition although they did gain some consolation three seasons later when they lifted the F.A. Cup after finishing runners-up in 1925.

TOMMY YEWS makes his Hammers debut against CARDIFF CITY at Ninian Park

MIDDLESBROUGH : Football League First Division

Upton Park 1 - 1 (Brown) 22 September 1923 Att: 20,000

Hufton Young Henderson Bishop Kay Tresadern Yews Proctor Fletcher Brown Ruffell

Middlesbrough journeyed south for the first league meeting between the sides. Heavy rain was falling, as the two teams walked out on the pitch, limiting the crowd to 20,000. The Hammers fielded eight of the losing Cup-Final side, against a strong Middlesbrough forward-line, the crowd was anticipating a keen struggle for the two points at stake. Against the run of play, West Ham’s Fletcher evaded a tackle from Maurice Webster and passed the ball to William Brown. The big number 10 beat Jack Clough in the 'Boro' goal after 13 minutes to put the Londoners 1-0 up. On the stroke of half-time a long through-pass by the ‘Boro’ defence sent Tommy Urwin racing down the wing who in turn passed to the unmarked Scottish international Andy Wilson, who calmly took the ball between the advancing backs to beat Edward Hufton in the Hammers’ goal to level matters. Each side deserving a point for their sterling efforts in the muddy conditions.

NORMAN PROCTER makes his Hammers debut against MIDDLESBROUGH at Upton Park

MIDDLESBROUGH : Football League First Division

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Ayresome Park 1 - 0 (Yews) 29 September 1923 Att: 20,000

Hufton Henderson Young Bishop Kay Tresadern Yews Brown Watson Proctor Ruffell

29 September 1923

BERT HAWKINS (1951-1953) Born this day Bristol, Gloucestershire

Hawkins played rugby as a schoolboy, but turned to soccer when serving in the Far East with the Royal Navy. After being de-mobilised, he had three seasons with Bristol Rovers, who were in the Division Three (South), before transferring to local and divisional rivals Bristol City - where he made eight league appearances, In turn, the Robins loaned him to non-league Bath City, with whom he won a Southern League Cup-winners medal. Making his Division Two debut for West Ham United the day after his arrival, in an away match against Hull City at Boothferry Park, Hawkins scored in a 1-1 draw in front of a crowd of 33,444. By the end of the 1951/52 campaign, he had played another 31 times and netted a further 14 goals, as well as making three appearances in the FA Cup. Only once did Hawkins net a hat-trick - in the home game against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday 15 December 1951. However, that was far from a bad record for a player who had been plucked from the obscurity of non-league football. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury in a practice match before the start of the 1952/53 season and, by the time he had recovered, the centre-forward spot had been taken over by two Irishmen - firstly Tom Moroney, then Fred Kearns. Interestingly, both had been converted to play up front by then-manager, Ted Fenton, as Moroney had previously been a wing-half and Kearns a full-back. After Kearns was injured in October 1952, Hawkins was recalled and scored on his return to the side in a 3-1 home win against Brentford on the first day of November. Seven days later, he played in the 1-1 draw at Doncaster Rovers, but when Kearns was fit again for the visit of Swansea Town a week later, Hawkins was dropped. Playing in the reserves, he scored ten goals in 23 Football Combination games that season before moving across London to Queens Park Rangers At Loftus Road, he scored three times in eight appearances, but only remained with them for the one season.

NEWCASTLE UNITED : Football League First Division

Image courtesy of Simon Lord

Upton Park 1 - 0 (Brown) 6 October 1923 Att: 30,000

Hufton Henderson Young Carter Kay Bishop Yews Brown Watson Proctor Ruffell

Middlesbrough:

Clough, Freeman, Maitland, Harris, Webster, Slade, Carr J., Birrell, Wilson, Carr G., Urwin.

Jack Tresadem, who had begun his career at Boleyn Ground in the club's Southern League days, returned to the side after injury with George Carter dropping out of the starting line-up. In another finely balanced contest the Hammers edged home via a Billy Brown goal.

These three vital points gained from the Tynesiders helped the Hammers consolidated their position in the top flight and proved their ability in being able to "live" with the more famous names of English football. By the end of the season the "Magpies" had lifted the F.A. Cup after a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa and were laying the foundations that saw lem take the Division One title back home at the end of the 1926-27 season.

NEWCASTLE UNITED : Football League First Division

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St James' Park 0 - 0 13 October 1923 Att: 30,000

Hufton Henderson Young Bishop Kay Tresadern Yews Brown Watson Moore Ruffell

West Ham returned to the North-East - this time to Tyneside and St James' Park. Originally formed in 1881, domestic success had eluded Newcastle United for the past fifteen years or so since they won three Division One championships and on F.A. Cup Final trophy in the first decade of the 20th century.

Nevertheless it was still a formidable task for the newly promoted visitors with a patriotic 25.000 attendance cheering the "Magpies" on. George Carter was drafted into the Hammers' defence for his first game of the campaign. With Ted Hufton in goal and full backs Billy Henderson and Jack Young; as well as centre-half and captain George Kay; the former West Ham Boys team player Carter succeeded in denying the home side any goal scoring opportunities and the Hammers returned home with a creditable scoreless draw.

CHELSEA : Football League First Division

Stamford Bridge 0 - 0 20 October 1923 Att: 45,000

Hufton Henderson Young Carter Kay Cadwell Yews Brown Watson Moore Ruffell

The third Saturday of the month saw the Hammers' journey to Stamford Bridge for a league encounter with today's visitors Chelsea. A crowd of 51,000 (the highest that was to watch the Hammers home or away during the season) was drawn to the match which was all the more significant as it was the first league meeting between the two London clubs. Stamford Bridge to the Hammers' side of 1923 was not such a formidable venue as many people might have thought it would have been to a newly promoted side. Eight months earlier the Irons had defeated Derby County at the Bridge in an exciting F.A. Cup Semi-Rnal tie by 5-2 with eight of the current team being on duty that day before a similar sized audience. Another defensive shut-out extended West-Ham's unbeaten run to five games although the "Pensioners" themselves also restricted the visitors to a blank score-sheet.

ALBERT CADWELL makes his Hammers debut against CHELSEA at Stamford Bridge

NUNHEAD : London Challenge Cup (First Round)

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Upton Park 7 - 1 (Moore 3, Fletcher 2, Brown, Ruffell) 22 October 1923 Att:

Hufton Henderson Young Carter Bishop Cadwell Yews Fletcher Brown Moore Ruffell

CHELSEA : Football League First Division

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Upton Park 2 - 0 (Brown, Kay) 27 October 1923 Att: 25,000

Hufton Henderson Young Carter Kay Bishop Yews Brown Richardson Moore Ruffell

The third Saturday of the month saw the Hammers' journey to Stamford Bridge for a league encounter with today's visitors Chelsea. A crowd of 51,000 (the highest that was to watch the Hammers home or away during the season) was drawn to the match which was all the more significant as it was the first league meeting between the two London clubs. Stamford Bridge to the Hammers' side of 1923 was not such a formidable venue as many people might have thought it would have been to a newly promoted side. Eight months earlier the Irons had defeated Derby County at the Bridge in an exciting F.A. Cup Semi-Rnal tie by 5-2 with eight of the current team being on duty that day before a similar sized audience. Another defensive shut-out extended West-Ham's unbeaten run to five games although the "Pensioners" themselves also restricted the visitors to a blank score-sheet.

FRANK RICHARDSON makes his Hammers debut against CHELSEA at Upton Park

30 October 1923

ALBERT FOAN (1950-1956) Born this day Rotherhithe, London

A Londoner who escaped the attention of the Capital's clubs until Hammers signed him from Norwich City on 28 June 1950. Albert Thomas Foan made his debut for West Ham along with Eric Betts in the opening fixture of the 1950-51 season against Hull City in a 3-3 draw on the 19 August at the Boleyn Ground. Equally at home on the wing or at inside-forward, his early honours were with London Boys. His finest hour at Upton Park came during the great Cup run of 1955-56, when he scored a hat-trick against Preston North End. The significance of that event can be gauged by glancing at his total League goals. On the 5 February 1957 West Ham agreed to the transfer without fee of Albert to Kent League side Margate who is managed by former Hammer Almer Hall.

1 November 1923

EDWARD HUFTON and WILLIAM BROWN equal 5th Hammers’ to make there ENGLAND debut

Belgium International Friendly Bosuil Stadion, Antwerp 2-2

BIRMINGHAM CITY : Football League First Division

Upton Park 4 - 1 (Brown, Kay, Moore, Richardson) 3 November 1923 Att: 20,000

Hufton Henderson Young Bishop Kay Carter Yews Brown Richardson Moore Thirlaway

The visit of Birmingham City to Upton Park two days before "Bonfire Night" culminated in the Hammers' creating fireworks on the pitch and a 4-1 victory which was to prove to be their biggest League success of the season. A crowd of 22,000 saw Billy Brown, Frank Richardson, captain George Kay and Billy Moore share the quartet of goals. For Richardson and Moore it was their first goals of the new campaign and the greatest success they were to achieve as a "striking" partnership.

Frank Richardson deputising for Watson had come to Upton Park from Stoke City earlier that year but in ten appearances for the Irons only scored twice and moved to Swindon Town later on in the season.

For Billy Moore it was an entirely different story as he had moved to Upton Park from Sunderland in 1922 and spent a total of 38 years at the Club as a player, assistant trainer and trainer before his retirement.

MILLWALL : London Challenge Cup (Second Round)

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The Den 1 - 2 (Fletcher) 5 November 1923 Att:

Hufton Henderson Young Carter Kay Bishop Richards Brown Fletcher Moore Thirlaway

9 November 1923

ERIC PARSONS (1946-1950) Born this day Worthing, Sussex

A winger blessed with blistering pace that earned him the nickname 'The Rabbit', Eric Parsons is most famous for being part of the Chelsea side that won the League championship in 1955. Parsons was spotted while playing for his hometown Boys’ XI against West Ham Boys at the Boleyn Ground in the early 1940s. Following the end of the Second World War, during which he served in Montgomery’s Eight Army, Parsons made his senior Hammers debut against Leicester City in January 1947. Three months later, on 26 April of the same year, Parsons netted netted two goals in a match for the first time as the Hammers defeated Barnsley 4-0 in a Division Two fixture at the Boleyn Ground. After scoring 35 goals in 151 appearances over three-and-a-half seasons with the Hammers, Parsons joined Chelsea in November 1950 for a then club-record fee of £23,000. He would hit even greater heights at Stamford Bridge, netting 37 times in 158 league matches, including eleven a an ever-present in the Blues' title-winning side of 1954-55. After making more than 100 appearances for Brentford, injuries forced Parsons to retire in 1961, when he returned to living his hometown on the south coast.

BIRMINGHAM CITY : Football League First Division

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St Andrews 0 - 2 10 November 1923 Att: 30,000

Hufton Henderson Young Carter Kay Bishop Yews Brown Richardson Moore Ruffell

The Hammers opposed by a much-improved Birmingham team than the side which went under so meekly at Upton Park a week ago. This transformation in the St. Andrew's team was due to Islip, who made his debut in the Birmingham side. He and Bradford made an irresistible combination, which time and again had the stalwart West Ham defence in a tangle. Quite appropriately, these two forwards scored the goals which won Birmingham a sorely needed brace of points. The home side started off in spirited fashion, and, energetically led by Bradford, the Birmingham forwards were livelier than they had been for some time, The visitors took some time to settle down, and Richardson found Cringan a difficult man to beat. Twenty-one minutes from the kick-off Birmingham's perseverance was rewarded by a fine goal. Harvey got away on the right. From his centre Bradford literally flung himself at the ball, which went off his head past Hufton at a terrific rate, Encouraged by this success, the home team returned to the attack in fine style, but Henderson and Young were a powerful pair of backs. West Ham made strenuous efforts to get the equalising goal. First Brown and then Richardson sent in drives which seemed certain to score, but the home defence refused to give way. The Londoners returned to the attack after the resumption, and they were so determined in their assaults that a goal seemed imminent, especially when Moore sent in a rasping shot, which Tremelling only just held. Birmingham, however, would not be denied, and Islip put his side further ahead by converting a delightful pass from Bradford.

Birmingham City:

Tremelling; Ashurst, Womack; Daws, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Crosbie, Bradford, Islip, C!ark.

10 November 1923

TOMMY MORONEY (1947-1953) Born this day Cork, Republic of Ireland

Another member of the considerable Irish contingent assembled at Upton Park in the immediate post-World War Two period. Together with Frank O'Farrell, Moroney was a member of the successful Cork United team of the 1940s, helping them win several League of Ireland titles. A brilliant all-round sportsman, Moroney had also played rugby union for Presentation Brothers College and Cork Constitution, helping the latter to win the Munster Senior Cup three times. He also represented Munster. In May 1947, West Ham manager Charlie Paynter, accompanied by scout Ben Ives, travelled to Ireland to negotiate against keen competition for the transfer of Moroney and Johnny McGowan. Moroney’s chief concern before signing was for the welfare of his widowed mother during his absence, his mother, however, after consultation, felt fully assured, so the amateur Cork United player put pen to paper and signed on 7 May 1947. Made his Hammers debut in a 1-1 draw against Millwall at the Den on the 1 September 1947. Although an established wing-half, he also played in the forward-line occasionally before injury problems began to erode his First Team outings. Moved back to Eire with Evergreen United, later becoming manager of the other major club of his native city - Cork Hibs. Won 12 Eire caps between 1948 and 1953. The last as an Evergreen player against France at Dalymount Park in October 1953.

BURNLEY : Football League First Division

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Turf Moor 1 - 5 (Moore) 17 November 1923 Att: 9,000

Hufton Henderson Young Bishop Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Richardson Moore Ruffell

Another away trip on the third weekend in the month took the Hammers' to Turf Moor for their next match. Before a crowd of only 5,000 - the lowest to watch the Hammers' home or away during the whole of the campaign - Burnley inflicted a 1-5 thrashing on their London rivals. It was the biggest defeat sustained by the Irons since they had been beaten by Barnsley (0-7) four years previously in only their second game after winning election to the Second Division. Billy Moore got the Hammers' consolation goal whilst goalkeeper Ted Hufton again received an injury which caused him to miss the return seven days later.

BURNLEY : Football League First Division

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Upton Park 0 - 0 24 November 1923 Att: 20,000

Hampson Henderson Young Bishop Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Richardson Moore Ruffell

The final Saturday of the month. 24th November, saw Tommy Harnpson deputising for Hufton as he was to do on 27 League occasions that season. Once again a paucity of goals from the forwards meant that a great burden fell on the defence to keep a clean sheet. Fortunately, they held out with some sterling work and the Hammers' gained a certain degree of renewed pride as well as another valuable point with their fifth goalless drawn in 16 matches.

BOLTON WANDERERS : Football League First Division

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Burnden Park 1 - 1 (Brown) 1 December 1923 Att: 22,592

Hufton Henderson Young Bishop Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Richardson Moore Ruffell

On the first day of December, West Ham United travelled northwards to Burnden Park for a league fixture with Bolton Wanderers. It was the first time that the clubs had met in a League match since their foundations in the previous century. The fact that "The Trotters" had defeated "The Irons" some seven months previously in the now legendary "White Horse Final" at Wembley added an extra dimension to the encounter. Before a crowd of some 20,000 honours and points were shared equally with Billy Brown scoring his fifth goal of the season in a 1-1 draw.

BOLTON WANDERERS : Football League First Division

Upton Park 0 - 1 8 December 1923 Att: 30,000

Hufton Henderson Young Bishop Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Richardson Moore Ruffell

Seven days later, the two teams met again, this time at Upton Park, before an attendance of 28,000 spectators. The Cup holders did just enough; coupled with the Hammers' failure to score for the ninth time this season; to gain a solitary goal victory.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST : Football League First Division

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City Ground 1 - 2 (Edwards) 15 December 1923 Att: 10,000

Hufton Henderson Young Tresadern Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Gibbins Moore Ruffell

VIVIAN GIBBINS makes his Hammers debut against NOTTINGHAM FORST at the City Ground

NOTTINGHAM FOREST : Football League First Division

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Upton Park 3 - 2 (Moore 2, Kay) 22 December 1923 Att: 15,000

Hampson Henderson Young Carter Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Richardson Moore Richards

When Nottingham Forest made the return journey to Upton Park on Saturday 22nd December 1923, a crowd of 15,000 were present. This attendance was the lowest (together with that for the Huddersfield Town match some three months later) that was to watch a first team match at the Boleyn Ground that campaign. The ground was muddy from rain after the snow, and with Ted Hufton once again missing through injury as well as Vic Watson with a long term foot injury, it fell upon the experience of captain George Kay and inside forward Billy Moore to inspire the Hammers'. Martin ran clear and beat Hampson after eight minutes. Kay headed the equaliser for West Ham from a corner 15 minutes later, and Moore headed through Richardson's pass to give the home side the lead three minutes from the interval. Early in the second half Hardly saved a penalty taken by Henderson for a foul on Moore. Moore however, incresed West Ham's advantage soon after, but a blunder in defence let in Walker to score in a scramble for the Forest. West Ham deserved their 3-2 victory.

Hufton's absence from the team proved to be the longest he was destined to suffer in the whole of his career with West Ham. It was 15 months before he, once again, donned a goalkeeper's jersey for a first team game.

ASTON VILLA : Football League First Division

Image courtesy of Andrew Conway

Villa Park 1 - 1 (Richardson) 25 December 1923 Att: 40,000

Hampson Henderson Hebden Carter Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Richardson Moore Richards

ASTON VILLA : Football League First Division

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Upton Park 1 - 0 (Moore) 26 December 1923 Att: 30,000

Hampson Henderson Young Carter Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Gibbins Moore Ruffell

Aston Villa provided the opposition in another "close encounter" - this time Billy Moore proved to be the "cracker" in the West Ham Boxing Day package scoring the only goal in front of 26,000 fans.

Later on that season, Villa were to reach the F.A. Cup Final for the eighth time in their history, but were narrowly beaten 0-2 by Newcastle United. Four years previously, they had lifted the Trophy for the sixth time after an extra time success against Huddersfield Town. Five of their players from that era appeared in both finals.

LIVERPOOL : Football League First Division

Image courtesy of Andrew Conway

Anfield 0 - 2 29 December 1923 Att: 20,000

Hampson Henderson Young Carter Kay Cadwell Edwards Brown Richardson Moore Ruffell

The calendar year ended on a low note for the Hammers' as they sustained a two goals to nothing reverse at Anfieid. Liverpool were the current League champions at that time having also won the title in the previous season (1921-22) as well, during which time they had turned their "midden" into a virtual fortress. It was perhaps no surprise that "the Reds" should emerge victorious with such a pedigree, coupled with the fact that the Hammers' had only managed to score a total of 19 goals in 23 games before the New Year. In ten of those fixtures they had failed to score at all.

The fact that the defence had only conceded 24 goals in the same period meant that West Ham's opening spell in the higher grade had not been too traumatic. At the end of the "old year", their record read Won 7 Drawn 8 Lost 8.

SECOND-HALF