WEST HAM UNITED
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FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES
A Pictorial History
Steve Marsh & Stuart Allen
1895-96 Thames Ironworks
BIRTH OF A DYNASTY
Although Dave Taylor, a foreman in the shipbuilding department, undertook the task of forming a football club within Thames Ironworks in the summer of 1895, the idea was not his alone nor was it a 'spur of the moment' decision. With the demise of the Old Castle Swifts there were a number of its former players who were employed at the Ironworks and now found themselves without a club.
Arnold Hills, who had been involved in a bitter industrial dispute with his employees that year, thought that the formation of a football club might help improve the mood of his workforce. On 29 June, 1895, Dave Taylor announced in Hills Thames Iron Works Quarterly Gazette, that he intended to establish a football club.
The information appeared under the headline: "The importance of co-operation between workers and management". He referred to the dispute that had just taken place and insisted he wanted to "wipe away the bitterness left by the recent strike". Hills added: "Thank God this midsummer madness is passed and gone; inequities and anomalies have been done away with and now, under the Good Fellowship system and Profit Sharing Scheme, every worker knows that his individual and social rights are absolutely secured."
The article asked workers interested in joining the Thames Iron Works Football Club to contact Francis Payne, a senior clerk at the company.
In their first season of 1895/96 the Ironworks' did not enter a league but played friendly fixtures instead. They did, however, enter the West Ham Charity Cup and the FA Cup.
Arnold Hills
Arnold Hills
Charlie Dove, an apprentice riveter with the Thames Iron Works, was one of those who paid an annual subscription of 2/6 (12.5p) to join the club. He was joined by about fifty other colleagues in this new venture. Training took place on Tuesday and Thursday nights in a gas-lit schoolroom at Trinity Church School in Barking Road. Training mainly consisted of Army physical training exercises. They also went for runs along the Turnpike Road (Beckton Road).
Other employees who played in the team included Thomas Freeman (ship's fireman), Johnny Stewart (boilermaker), Walter Parks (clerk), Walter Tranter (boilermaker) James Lindsay (boilermaker), William Chapman (mechanical engineer), George Sage, (boilermaker), George Gresham (ship's plater) and Fred Chamberlain (foreman blacksmith).
The club was financed by members' subscriptions and a generous contribution from the Thames Iron Works. It was run by a club committee made up of "clerks, foreman or supervisors at the Iron works". As over 50 men had joined the club, it was necessary to find enough matches for two teams.
Home games took place at Hermit Road, Canning Town. It had previously been used by Old Castle Swifts, a company club sponsored by Donald Currie, the owner of the Castle Shipping Line. Old Castle Swifts had been the first professional football club in Essex but it went out of business at the end of the 1894-1895 season.
Francis Payne was appointed as club secretary. The local newspaper praised Arnold Hills for forming a football team: "If this example were only followed by other large employers, it would lead to much good feeling."
Robert Stevenson became captain of the team. He was the Thames Ironworks most experienced footballer and had previously played for Woolwich Arsenal. Other players included John Woods, who also played cricket for Essex and George Gresham, who had been a regular scorer with Gainsborough Trinity. However, the star player was the 17 year old William Barnes.
Thames Ironworks Committee
Chairman: Mr F. Payne
Treasurer: Mr G. Johnson
Secretary: Mr A.T. Harsent
Committee:
C. Hill, A. Dance, Cameron Firth, Selby, W. Proctor, G. Patterson, T. Dearl, T. Robinson, D. Large, D. Taylor, E. Smith, E. Bickford and J. Cearns.
The following were selected to form an emergency committee:
F. Payne, G. Johnson, A.T. Harsent, C. Hill, E. Smith
IRONS KICK-OFF
The newly formed Thames Ironworks FC played their very first match on 7 September, 1895 against the Royal Ordnance Reserves at their Hermit Road Ground in Canning Town.
ROYAL ORDNANCE 'A' : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 1 (Darby)
7 September 1895
Full Line-up unknown
McCulloch, Woods, Stewart, Parks, Sage, Darby
The Ordnance reserves journeyed to Hermit Road, Canning Town to meet the Thames Ironworks club which is now composed to a large extent of players from Old Castle Swifts, St Lukes and Anchor, among them being Stewart, Parks, Sage, Wood, McCulloch and other well know players. They have entered the English Cup and are drawn to meet Chatham at Canning Town in the Qualifying competition.
The home team won the toss and elected to play with the sun and the wind at their backs. Despite this advantage however it was not until about 30 minutes from the start when their outside left (Darby of Plumstead) received the ball just upon the 12 yard line and promptly sent it passed Henshall who had no chance whatever of saving the shot.
After this play became warmer but half-time arrived without any addition to the score. About 25 minutes after the recommencement a combined run by the Ordnance forwards took the ball down to their opponents goal where a bully took place. At length the ball came out to Hart who scored the only goal of the second half. The remainder of the game was full of excitement but the pace slackened in the last ten minutes and the result was a draw.
Royal Ordnance 'A'
Henshall, Trigg, Ransom, Ritchie, Crawford, Hogben, Cossar, Gray, Hart, Benn, Berry
Tuesday 10 September 1895
At a meeting of the London Football Association held at 61 Chancery Lane, 30 new clubs were admitted to membership. Among them was Tottenham Hotspur and Thames Ironworks F.C.
DARTFORD "A" : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
4 - 0
14 September 1895
Line-up unknown
Dartford:
Houghton, French, Remington, Crane, Walden, Hamilton, Bass, Exeter, Watson, Dabner, Bradley
MANOR PARK : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
7 - 1
28 September 1895
STREATHAM : Friendly
Away
3 - 0
5 October 1895
CHATHAM : F.A. Cup (First Qualifying Round)
Chatham
0 - 5
12 October 1895
Att: 3,000
Watson, Tull, Williams, Stewart, French, Parks, Woods, Sage, Lindsay, Freeman, Darby
After the Ironworks were initially drawn at home, Chatham suggested that the Hermit Road enclosure, with its cinder-based pitch, was 'unsuitable' and requested that the tie be played on their ground. The Ironwork's committee may have been swayed by the prospect of a much bigger gate and extra revenue and they agreed to the change. After all, they had no real support at this early stage. As it turned out, the attendance of 3,000 justified their decision from a financial viewpoint but it was no surprise that Chatham went through to the next round. As for the match itself, the visitors played fairly well in the middle of the park, but they were generally lost when near to goal. With Chatham 2-0 up at half-time, the home side wore the inexperienced Ironworkers down in the second half. Watson, in goal, misjudged the ball for the third goal, although he played well overall, whilst the rest of the defence had a torrid time keeping the score down. The only forward who did well for Thames was their most experienced player, Jamie Lindsay.
Chatham:
Jones, Robertson, Brockwell, Fletcher, Humphrey, Lewis, Enfield, Lawrence, Millar, Dickenson, Stanford.
ERITH UNITED : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 2
19 October 1895
OLD ST. STEPHEN'S : Friendly
Wormholt Farm, Uxbridge Road
4 - 0
26 October 1895
READING "A" : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
2 - 3
2 November 1895
Gibson, Taylor, Stevenson, Gillies, Williams, Woods, Gresham, Chapman, Lindsay, McArthur, Barnes
The original fixture between Reading Reserves against Ilford was cancelled and instead the Berkshire club arranged to meet the Thames Ironworks at Canning Town.
Bartlett the Reading captain loss the toss and Hatton kicked off for the away side. Play was moderately fast from the start, the teams being evenly matched. Reading pressed through Gray, Hatton and Rossiter. Twenty minutes from the start the home team scored with a fine shot by Chapman. Half-time: Thames 1 Reading 0. On the resumption Reading had all the play, making rings round the homesters, each of the visiting forwards distinguishing himself and they were rewarded, Hatton doing the needful, a fast shot of his entering the net off the backs' toe. This success encouraged Reading to redouble their efforts, and Dandridge sent in a fine shot, which Rossiter helped into the net. Soon afterwards McArthur and Barnes indulged in a capital run on the wing, and Lindsay equalised the score, amid cheers from the partisans. For the rest of the game the away side penned their opponents, but although the goal had some narrow mistakes they were only able to score on one occasion. Dandridge put on the winning goal with a fine shot. Time arrived with the score 3 to 2 in favour of Reading.
Reading:
Cooper J., George J., Watts E., White A., Dandridge F., Davie P., Gray T., Bartlett, Hatton E., Rossiter B., Warburton C.
2nd BATTALION GRENADIER GUARDS : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
4 - 0
9 November 1895
CHARLTON UNITED : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
4 - 0
16 November 1895
Gibson, Taylor J., French, Gillies, Williams, Woods, Chapman, Gresham, Stevenson, Barnes, Sage
WEST CROYDON : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
2 - 1
23 November 1895
Gibson, Gillies, Williams, Collins, Freeman, Barnes, (5 players untraced)
1st BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
3 - 1
30 November 1895
Gibson, Stevenson, Taylor J., Gillies, Williams, Woods, Chapman, Gresham, Dove, Barnes, Sage
DARTFORD : Friendly
Away
0 - 2
7 December 1895
Gibson, Stevenson, Taylor, Gillies, Williams, Collins, Woods, Sage, Dove, Chapman, Gresham
MILLWALL ATHLETIC "A" : Friendly
The Athletics Ground
0 - 6
14 December 1895
Gibson, Stevenson, Taylor, Morton, Collins, Gillies, Woods, Sage, Dove, Chapman, Gresham
Gibson, Taylor J., French, Gillies, Williams, Woods, Chapman, Gresham, Stevenson, Barnes, Sage
OLD ST. STEPHENS : Friendly (Electric light)
Hermit Road Ground
3 - 1 (Dove 2, Collins)
16 December 1895
Graham, Taylor J., Stevenson, Gillies, Williams, Collins, Sage, Dove, McArthur, Chapman, Gresham
In the presence of a large crowd an attempt was made to carry out a match by the aid of electric light at Canning Town but it was not altogether a success. Twelve lights each of 2,000 candle power had been fitted up by the Thames Ironworks Shipbuilding Co Ltd but the engine was not powerful enough to keep these going and as the light varied a great deal little or nothing could be seen at times. Rain fell during the contest and recent downpours made the turf very heavy and slippery. The Ironworks scored first after seven minutes through Dove. The same player was also successful in notching a second goal and at the interval taken after 30 minutes play the Thames Ironworks led by 2-0. In the concluding half Collins added further to Thames account whilst Josey kicked the only point obtained for St Stephens.
Old St Stephens:
Heapy E.H., Donaldson F.H., Dennington, Faulkner, Skeggs, Brown, Josey, Slade, Morris, Cattell, Murray.
2nd BATTALION GRENADIER GUARDS : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 4
21 December 1895
SOUTH WEST HAM : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
4 - 1
25 December 1895
WANDSWORTH : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
5 - 1
26 December 1895
LEWISHAM ST. MARY : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
7 - 0
28 December 1895
NOVOCASTRIANS : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
5 - 1 (Scorers Unknown)
4 January 1896
Graham, Stevenson, Taylor J., French, Collins, Morton, Chapman,Gresham, Dove, Woods, Sage
UPTON PARK : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
2 - 1 (Scorers Unknown)
18 January 1896
Graham, Stevenson, Taylor J., French, Collins, Morton, Chapman, Gresham, Dove, Nichols, Woods
BARKING WOODVILLE : Friendly (Electric light)
Hermit Road Ground
6 - 2 (Dove 3, Stevenson 2, Nichols)
20 January 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Hurst, Morton, Collins, Woods, Stevenson, Sage, Dove, Chapman, Nichols
Before a large gathering the 10 lights each of 200 candle power were a success. The company have been hard at work for some time experimenting and have spared no expense. The lighting gave a very good view. Woodvale kicked off and at once were forced to defend. Davies the visiting captain and goalkeeper was twice called upon to make good saves early on. Nichols put the home side ahead but Lanford soon equalised. Before half-time Dove place Irons ahead again and added two more soon after the break to record a true hat-trick. Stevenson made it 5-1 before Lanford reduced the gap but Stevenson restored 'Thames' four goal margin just before the end.
Barking Woodvale:
Davies, Bows, Christie, Campbell, Joslin, Hearn, Dixon, Glenny, Dean, Somerville, Lanford.
CIVIL SERVICE : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
5 - 0
25 January 1896
MANOR PARK : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
7 - 2
1 February 1896
ROYAL ORDNANCE : Friendly (Electric Light)
Hermit Road Ground
2 - 1 (Dove, Sage)
6 February 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Hurst, Morton, Collins, Woods, Stevenson, Sage, Dove, Gresham, Chapman
HORNSEY UNITED : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
4 - 0 (Goalscorers unknown)
8 February 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Hurst, Morton, Collins, Woods, Stevenson, Sage, Dove, Gresham, Chapman
PARK GROVE : West Ham Charity Cup
Plaistow
1 - 0
15 February 1896
(Result annulled after protest over ineligible players)
VAMPIRES : Friendly (Electric Light)
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 3 (Gresham)
17 February 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Hurst, Hilton, Dove, Gresham, Stevenson, Chapman, Morton, Woods, Farrell
The idea of the Thames Ironworks Shipping Co. Ltd to consider those who are prevented through their daily avocation from attending afternoon matches by carrying out by aid of Electric Light matches on their ground at Canning Town has certainly taken root judging by the big crowd that paid gate to witness the contest. To enable a better view of the game the ball was whitened. The match was delayed until 7:50pm by the late arrival of the visitors. Once on the field Vampires showed good combination and were deservedly ahead at half time through a goal by Ward. Mid-way through the second period Irons' experienced a doubtful decision which would have brought the scores level when Waller cleared a shot that looked as if it might already have crossed the line. Vampires went two-ahead when Ward scored again and still further in front when Dodd hit a third. Near the end Gresham got one back for the homesters.
Vampires:
Waller, Ward A., Wieland, Francis, Mordin, Marshall, Simpson, Cruise, Ward H., Dodd, Gladwell
ST LUKE'S : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 0 (Stevenson)
22 February 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Hurst, Morton, Collins, Woods, Stevenson, Sage, Dove, Gresham, Chapman
READING : Friendly
Away
2 - 4 (Gresham, Woods)
29 February 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Hurst, Morton, Collins, Hilton, Woods, Lindsay, Dove, Gresham, Chapman.
The Ironworks team meet at Canning Town Station at mid-day and took the 1:33pm train from Paddington for the 3pm kick-off at Reading. Gresham gave the Irons an early lead but the home side scored the next four goals. Woods for visitors completed the scoring.
Reading:
Cooper, White C., Neighbour, White A., Davie, Holmes, Hadley, Hatton, Reid, Mills, Rossitter.
PARK GROVE : West Ham Charity Cup
St Luke's, Becton
3 - 0 (Stevenson 2, [og])
7 March 1896
Graham, Tull, French, Woods, Williams, Hickman, Chamberlain, Sage, Stevenson, Stewart, Chapman.
The supporters of both clubs were there in strong force. Owing to the heavy rain in the morning the ground was in a very greasy condition, and there were little pools of water nearly all over the ground. Park Grove were the first to arrive, in full strength; the Ironworkers arrived a few minutes later, but owing to residential qualification and their club having only been formed this season, seven out of their first eleven were disqualified; consequently the team were chiefly reserves.
Park Grove having won the toss, the Ironworks kicked off, and before long it was evident the latter had the best of the game. Stephenson missed one or two chances in front of goal, one being a penalty kick, which everybody expected would be a sure goal; but no doubt the greasy nature of the weather accounted for many of the mistakes on both sides.
The first half of the game was stubbornly contested, and when the whistle was blown the game was even. The second half was certainly a more exciting game; short passing became the order of the day. The superiority of the Ironworks combination thoroughly disorganised the Park Grove, Literally running them off their legs. The brilliant play of Johnny Stewart, of the Old Castle Swifts, was strikingly prominent, and contributed much to the success of the Ironworks.
Robert Stevenson seemed to recover his dash and skill, repeatedly sending in unerring shots for goal, and although the goal-keeper did good service, he succeeded in netting two out of the three goals scored. The third goal was scored by Cooper, the opposing full back who headed in from a centre by Chapman. Park Grove seemed altogether fagged out when the whistle was blown, leaving the Thames winners by 3 goals to nil.
Park Grove:
Cable, Cooper, Chalkley, Harris, Warren, Earle, Price, Horswill, Wood, Alward, Stafford
WEST CROYDON : Friendly (Electric Light)
Hermit Road Ground
5 - 0 (Chapman 2, Gresham 2, Stevenson)
9 March 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Hurst, Morton, Collins, Woods, Stevenson, Sage, Dove, Gresham, Chapman.
The game was very interesting, both teams being well matched. Gresham was the first to score for the home team, then Chapman netted the second goal. Corners were very frequent at this time, Stephenson scoring another goal. This made matters rather warm for the visiting team, who tried hard, but the home defence was too much for them. At half time the score was 4 goals to nil in favour of Thames Iron Works. The second half had not commenced long before Chapman scored the fifth goal, the home team being satisfied, apparently, and contented themselves with preventing their opponents scoring.
West Croydon:
Elliott, Woodland H., Mitchell, Adey, Toogood, Peters, Bellamy, Farrell, Mulford, Kettel, Woodland C.
ST LUKE'S : Friendly
Becton Road
1 - 3
14 March 1896
WOOLWICH ARSENAL : Friendly (Electric Light)
Hermit Road Ground
3 - 5 (Gresham 2, Fitzjohn)
16 March 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Hurst, Morton, Collins, Woods, Stevenson, Stares, Fitzjohn, Gresham, Chapman
A mixture of first-teamers and reserves represented the Arsenal at Hermit Road, The Woolwich club were placed 7th in the Football League Second Division at the time of this encounter.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION : Friendly (Electric Light)
Hermit Road Ground
2 - 4 (Chapman 2)
20 March 1896
Graham, Taylor J., Neil, Morton, Collins, Stares, Fitzjohn, Sage, Stevenson, Gresham, Chapman
About 1,500 people were present at Hermit Road, Canning Town, to see West Bromwich Albion and Thames Ironworks play football by electric light. This match was the third in a series of four which made up the Midlanders four day tour of the London area.
The game during the first quarter of an hour was dull, neither side appearing to upset themselves. Banks scored a couple of goals, Morton worked hard for his side, and once robbed one of the Richardson’s with great cleverness, The Thames, after a bit, began to infuse a little life into the game, their left wing making an ugly rush, which ended in Reader being fairly and squarely beaten. As time wore on the game was brisker, the crowd vigorously applauding Graham for a clever save.
The play during the second half was more interesting. The Thames forwards were decidedly eager, and once Reader had to kick away a likely shot from the inside left. However, the Albion got dangerously near Graham, who, after clearing several attempts, was eventually beaten. Richards again scored for the Albion, and towards the finish Chapman got home again for the Thames, the final score being 4 to 2 in favour of West Bromwich.
West Bromwich Albion:
Reader, Cave, Williams, Perry, Higgins, Taggart, Hutchinson, Richardson, Flewitt, Richardson W., Banks
BARKING WOODVILLE : West Ham Charity Cup (Final)
Spotted Dog
2 - 2 (Stevenson, Stewart)
21 March 1896
Att: 3,000
Graham, Lindsay, French, Woods, Williams, Hickman, Barnes, Sage, Stevenson, Stewart, Chapman
Barking:
McCappin, Emberson, French, Holland, Wilson, Fletcher, Baverstock, Lucas, Shipton, Middleton, Inglis
LEYTON ORIENT : Friendly (Electric Light)
Hermit Road Ground
3 - 0
28 March 1896
Spotted Dog
0 - 0
28 March 1896
Graham, Lindsay, French, Woods, Williams, Hickman, Barnes, Sage, Stevenson, Stewart, Chapman
After playing a drawn game of two all on the previous Saturday, Thames Ironworks and Barking met again at the Spotted Dog, Upton. Barking kicked off before a small attendance, and play was at once brisk. The Thames were the first to attack, Stephenson and Barnes being very conspicuous. A foul against Williams temporarily relieved the pressure, but French returning, and the Barking defence was again troubled. The Barking woke up and transferred play to the opposite end, but French was very strong at back, and kept them at bay. Inglis made some beautiful individual runs, but was not well supported at centre. Stewart and Chapman got away, and the latter had hard luck in the final shot, which just went over. Hands against the Works well up in goal looked dangerous, but Inglis muffed the ball and was robbed. McCappin saved a very swift shot from Stewart, and shortly after had to negotiate a second from Stephenson, which he did in marvelous style. Thames obtained two corners in quick succession, but both were futile, yet they kept up a hot attack, and Emberson had a very busy time. Barnes got away at a fast rate, and made repeated efforts to score, but the interval arrived with the score sheet a blank.
Re-starting, the Works pressed, but Emberson returned, and Graham’s charge was in danger, but Inglis shot behind. Play right up to the finish was of a give and take character, although the Ironworks were the chief aggressors. Neither side scored.
Barking:
McCappin, Emberson, French, Holland, Wilson, Fletcher, Baverstock, Langford, Lucas, Middleton, Inglis
BARKING WOODVILLE : West Ham Charity Cup (Final Replay)
ROYAL ORDNANCE : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
0 - 3
30 March 1896
Graham, Catling, Hurst, Morton, Collins, Stares, Woods, Fitzjohn, Stevenson, Gresham, Chapman
The Royalists arrived on the scene a man short, so the vacancy was filled by French, one of the Thames Reserves. Fitzjohn and Catling were two new men “on trial.” The visitors lost the toss, when the referee gave the signal for starting Jones kicked off with the sun in his face. The visitors attacked on the right, and a corner was forced off ‘Curley’ Hurst, but the kick sent the leather behind. Hands against Gresham came to nought, and this same player put in some exceedingly tricky business. Chapman ran up, but erratic shooting spoiled his effort. Soon after this a brief but sharp struggle occurred in front to the home citadel – a goal looked positively certain, when Collins relieved in grand style. The sphere was rushed to the other end; Buist returned, and Catling missing, a score appeared imminent, Jones sent to McIntosh, but the latter was neatly robbed by Stares. Hands against barker looked serious for the Royals, but Buist kicked out, and then play was transferred to the opposite half, and Grham promptly punched one shot away, a second, from the toe of Greig, sailing just over. Gresham broke away, but got his leg hurt, and play was suspended for a few moments in consequence. The visitors reached close up, when Stares got the ball away just in the nick of time. Almost immediately afterwards Graham saved two hot shots. Then for some time the Ironworkers managed to keep play in their opponents’ half, but failed to get past the backs, Barker being especially noted for a brilliant display. Later on Greig put the ball in, but was off-side. A corner which the visitors forced off Collins was quickly cleared by Morton. The men from Greenwich continued to attack, and Graham kept out several shots in first-class fashion. The interval came along with the Royalists leading by one goal to nil. Early in the second half Fitzjohn became prominent, but was not well supported. Hands against Morton close to his own goal followed a little later, and Buist put between, but no one touched the ball on its journey. Another try by Fitzjohn sent the leather over. Stephenson got possession from Hurst, ran up and tried with a long shot, but sent wide, a like result following an effort by Flowers. The Ironworks were playing much better just now, but correct shooting was right off. The Royals broke away, and getting up, Greig shot; Graham might have saved it, but was right behind the bar when he caught the ball, so that goal No. 2 was the result. The homesters now appeared “pumped” – or the majority of them did – and had it not been for Graham’s really fine exhibition of goal keeping, the Ordnance would have scored heavily. A few seconds before “time” McIntosh put on a third point, and so the game ended with a win for the visitors.
Royal Ordnance:
Flowers, Barker, Buist, Innes, McKenzie, Ireland, French, Waddell, Jones, McIntosh, Greig
ST LUKE'S : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 1 (Chapman)
3 April 1896
Graham, Neil, Hurst, Morton, Collins, Woods, Dove, Sage, Stevenson, Gresham, Chapman
St. Luke's:
Fenn, Wright, Humphreys, Parkes, Parkinson, Jones E., McCulloch, Jones T., Burton, Butterworth, Reid
LIVERPOOL CASUALS : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
3 - 1 (Chapman, Rossiter, Stevenson)
4 April 1896
Graham, Williams, Hurst, Morton, Collins, French, Rossiter, Dove, Stevenson, Gresham, Chapman
The homesters kicked off, and at once attacked, Stevenson heading past George in the first minute, but the point was disallowed for off-side. Liverpool then got away, and after a series of shots Graham was beaten, one of the home backs making a mistake in front of goal. Griffiths and Hancock were again dangerous on the left. Graham having to save repeatedly. Gresham relieved the pressure by an individual run, and with an apparent easy opening shot wide. Not to be denied the homesters again attacked. Stevenson being very prominent, but the shooting was rather erratic. A foul against Hurst transferred play, but Williams relieved with a long kick. The play was now of a give and take description, either goal being in turn visited, though the visitors had rather the best of the exchanges. Rossiter and Dove tried hard to equalise, and after several attempts the former beat George with a low shot. The Casuals from the kick-off attacked, but Williams cleared and giving to Stevenson. the latter had little difficulty in placing his side once more ahead. Chapman immediately after added a third goal. The visitors were now completely confined to their quarters, Jackson and Woodruff being very busy, but both defended grandly. Crompton and Hancock made a combined run down, and Graham had to clear, but the ball was returned and the Thames obtained a corner which was fruitless. The interval now arrived with Thames leading by 3 to 1. In the second half, although the Ironworkers had the best of matters, nothing further was added on either side, so the final result was: Thames Ironworks 3; Liverpool Casuals 1.
VAMPIRES : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
6 - 2 (Untraced)
6 April 1896
Graham, Hurst, Catling, Stares, Collins, Morton, Rossiter, Rossiter, Fitzjohn, Sage, Chapman
The game was not an interesting one, although rather amusing from the spectators point of view, the fun being created by the tricky ways in which the Thames baffled their weaker opponents. The result was a 6 to 2 victory for the homesters.
COMMERCIAL ATHLETIC : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
3 - 1
11 April 1896
This event at Hermit Road ground did not produce a game of extraordinary interest. This was rather contrary to expectations, for a really smart contest had been anticipated. In the first portion of Way the homesters had the wind and scored twice, whilst their opponents failed to defeat the Thames custodian. In the latter half both sides notched a point, and the final figures therefore recorded a win for the Ironworkers by 3 goals to 1.
SOUTH WEST HAM : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
3 - 0 (Gresham 2, [og])
18 April 1896
Graham, Catling, Hurst, Morton, Collins, Stares, Dove, Rossiter, Fitzjohn, Patterson, Gresham
Thames started short, but their complement was soon made up. Ridges kicked off for South West Ham, and play was immediately confined to the Thames’ quarters. Three minutes from start George Edwards placed a capital judgement, and Ridges succeeded in beating Graham. Thames pressed, Chidley being called on to fist out a hot ‘un. Shaw had a splendid run up the wing, but Hurst succeeded in transferring play to the other end, where Gresham scored. South seemed disorganised, with the Ironworkers did all the pressing, at times exhibiting pretty passing. At length South worked the leather up the field, and a sensational melee occurred in front of the homesters’ citadel. Shot after shot was sent in – but Graham’s charge remained intact. Chidley was again afford an opportunity of displaying his abilities as a custodian, and he responded in a capital manner. Play once more in Thames’ half, Armit got the ball, had a clear goal, when he was badly fouled. Just on half-time Gresham notched number two for the Thames. The second half was not remarkable for clever football – Dove and Gresham were always en evidence for Thames, while Collins worked like a demon at centre half. Barnes netted the sphere for South, but the referee declared it off-side. A free kick against South resulted in a scrimmage in front of Chidley – Oxspring, in attempting to clear, kicking through his own goal, and Thames retired victors by three goals to one.
South West Ham:
Chidley, Oxspring, McDougall, Tann, Peddle, Edwards, Shaw, Armit, Ridges, Barnes, Munro
BARKING WOODVILLE : West Ham Charity Cup (Final 2nd Replay)
St Luke's, Beckton
1 - 0 (Barnes)
20 April 1896
Graham, Stevenson, French, Woods, Chapman, Hickman, Chamberlain, Sage, Freeman, Barnes, Stewart
The third match took place at the St. Lukes ground at Beckton. Watched by a crowd of 3,000 people, Thomas Freeman and George Sage missed some good opportunities to open the scoring. After 20 minutes, Langford, one of Barking's forwards was forced to go off with a bad injury.
In the second-half Johnny Stewart with his "mazy runs" continued to cause Barking problems. Thomas Freeman was injured and both sides were now down to 10 men. Near the end of the game, Fred Chamberlain had a shot deflected for a corner. George Sage took the corner and the teenage William Barnes, fired in a low, fast shot, scoring the only goal in the game.
Although directly after the match the cup was formally handed to Captain Stevenson (Ironworks) it was decided to have a public ceremony with a concert thrown in, one object of the concert being to enhance the financial position of the club. This auspicious event came off on Tuesday evening at the Canning Town Public Hall, Mr. Arnold F. Hills (president of the club) presiding. The Chairman in an opening speech. said be thought they had some reason to be proud of the winners. He congratulated the team, which was almost a scratch team last October, on having won so many matches, and finally on carrying off the West Ham Charity Cup. (Applause.) Mrs. A. F. Hills then distributed the medals to the following members of the team :—Messrs. R. Stevenson, J. Woods, G. Sage, W. Chapman, Barnes, Stewart, French, Hickman, Chamberlain, and Freeman. She also presented prizes to the winners of the events at the Thames Ironworks Sports.
Evening Standard
27 April 1896
Barking:
McCappin, Emberson, French, Holland, Wilson, Fletcher, Tovery, Langford, Inglis, Middleton, Baverstock
THAMES IRONWORKS 1896
West Ham Charity Cup Winners
Back row: Arnold Hills, Barnbas French, Hugh Graham, Francis Payne, John Woods, William Hickman, Tom Robinson (trainer).
Middle row: (Unknown player), Fred Chamberlain, Robert Stevenson, George Sage, William Barnes.
Front row: Johnny Stewart, Thomas Freeman.
MILLWALL ATHLETIC : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 1 (Rossiter)
24 April 1896
Graham, Stevenson, Hurst, Woods, Collins, Stares, Sage, Dove, Rossiter, Chapman, Gresham
The visitors scored in the first half, when they had the aid of the wind, as also the best of the game. In the latter half Thames scored, the left wing coming away and Rossiter shooting from a scrimmage in front of goal. This was only a few seconds before the finish, when the score indicated a draw of one goal each. Both sides would have registered more points but for the gallant defence of the respective goalkeepers.
Millwall Athletic 'A':
Moore, Philips, McSpadden, Overton, Johnston, Aitken, Jones, Dale, Townsend, Westwood, Hollands
Second Eleven
CRAYFORD UNITED : Friendly
Away
3 - 0
28 September 1895
WALTHAMSTOW TOWN : London Junior Cup (First Round)
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 2
12 October 1895
Graham H., Compton W., Bailey W., Watts, Chamberlain F., Spruce C., Patterson F., Dearl H., Collier E., Gomm F., Brunton F.
WEST HAM GARFIELD :
Essex Junior Cup (First Round)
Hermit Road Ground
1 - 1
26 October 1895
Thames Ironworks withdrew from the competition - replay not played
BOSTAL ROVERS : Friendly
Forest Gate
5 - 0
19 October 1895
ST LUKES : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
5 - 1
14 December 1895
ETON ROVERS : Friendly
Away
2 - 0
21 December 1895
ORIENT : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
4 - 0
5 October 1895
H.M. CUSTOMS 2nd : Essex Junior Cup (Preliminary Round)
Forest Gate
5 - 0
19 October 1895
COMMERCIAL ATHLETIC : Friendly
Prince Regent Lane
0 - 7
2 November 1895
BARKING WOODVILLE : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
2 - 0
7 December 1895
Graham, Williams, Bailey, Watts, Hickman, Parks, French, Freeman, McArthur, Stewart, Gomm F.
BARKING WOODVILLE : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
5 - 1
14 December 1895
Graham, Tull, French, Hickman, Chamberlain, Watts, Paterson F., Spruce C., McArthur W., Lawson W., Stewart
ST LUKE'S : Friendly
Becton Road
0 - 1
4 January 1896
Woodford, Hurst, Tull, Hickman, Chamberlain, Watts, Gomm F., Paterson, McCulloch F., Stewart, Spruce C.
1st SUFFOLK REGIMENT : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
0 - 0
11 January 1896
BARKING RESERVES : Friendly
Away
6 - 1
25 January 1896
WOODFORD RESERVES : Friendly
Away
4 - 0
25 February 1896
ROB ROY : Friendly
Away
2 - 1
18 January 1896
CITY RAMBLERS : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
7 - 0
15 February 1896
SEVEN SISTERS ROVERS : Friendly
Away
6 - 0
29 February 1896
FULHAM : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
5 - 1 (Farrell 2, Gresham, [Unknown 2]
7 March 1896
Woodford, Taylor J., Hurst, Morton, Collins, Hilton, Farrell, Hickman,Dove, Gresham, Freeman.
The Ironworkers, though not playing their full team, attacked the visitors' goal with determination, and before 10 minutes had passed, Farrell netted the first goal. Gresham followed soon after with goal number two. Fulham played a good game, but the men of iron were too strong and came off winners by five goals to one.
Fulham:
May, Shrimpton T., Shrimpton H., Charrett, Pearce, Jackson, Robertson, Witheridge, Williams, Frame, Sermon.
ROMFORD ST ANDREWS : Friendly
Away
1 - 0
14 March 1896
WANDSWORTH RESERVES : Friendly
Away
5 - 4
3 April 1896
REDHILL : Friendly
Redhill
1 - 1
4 April 1896
ST LUKE'S (Deptford) : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
5 - 4
6 April 1896
WEST HAM UNITED: Friendly
Away
2 - 1
11 April 1896
A match between elevens representing West Ham United (late English Rose) these teams faced each other after the above contest was completed, and there are those who declare that the juniors provided a more interesting game than the seniors. However, the Thames Reserves won a good match by 2 to 1.
HARWICH & PARKESTON : Friendly
Away
1 - 6 (Howes)
24 April 1896
Woodward, Cutling, French, Hickman, Chamberlain, Howes, Goun, Stewart, Cocksedge, Spruce, Munroe
Minors
ST ANNE'S GUILD "A" : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
2 - 0
5 October 1895
St. Anne's Guild 'A' v. Thames Ironworks. Played at Canning Town in bad weather. A sensational start was made in this match, The Ironworks scoring twice in the first five minutes. From then to the finish both teams put all they knew, but no more scoring resulting, the Ironworks left the field winner by two goals to nil. The most we can say of the Ironworks is that they played in their usual style. For the losers, Garner at the back, Trustom at half-back, and Pickering and Kendall forwards, played a good game.
CLARENDON : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
9 - 0
19 October 1895
ROMFORD BUFFS : Friendly
Away
5 - 0
19 November 1895
TATE INSTITUTE RESERVES : Friendly
Away
1 - 2
30 November 1895
ST ANNE'S GUILD "A" : Friendly
Hermit Road Ground
3 - 0
7 December 1895
ARMY SERVICE CORPS : Friendly
Blackwall
? - ?
4 January 1896