THE visit of Newcastle United always brings a timely reminder of an
achievement in West Ham United's history that comes around once
in a claret and blue moon.
The occasion is a hat-trick from a defender, something which occurred on April 27th 1986 courtesy of Alvin Martin, former England and West Ham centre half. Interestingly it was the first time a defender had walked off with the match ball since John Bond famously accomplished the feat against Chelsea in 1960, an occasion which also marked the playing debut of club legend, John Lyall. For the record Johnny Dick added a fourth for the Hammers on that occasion while Hammers in waiting, Ron Tindall and Peter Brabrook, notched for Chelsea.
There is an added peculiarity to Alvin's achievement in that each goal came against a different 'keeper, a scenario which has made its way to many an East End pub quiz. For the record, Martin Thomas was replaced by Hedworth who was followed by Peter Beardsley as Newcastle succumbed to an 8-1 thrashing. Ironically, the previous 8-1 scoreline enjoyed by the Hammers came against another north east club in Sunderland.
That particular game saw Geoff Hurst bag a club equaling record of 6 goals in a game. (Victor Watson v Leeds in 1929 was the only other occasion to date) The programme from Alvin Martin's match is still very good value at a couple of pounds and reveals a certain Glenn Roeder in the Magpies defence. Interestingly the ticket from the game commands slightly more interest.
Newcastle will also bring back a few memories to Trevor Brooking whose one and only hat-trick for the club came in April 1968 when a high flying Newcastle were torn asunder, 5-0, by a Hammers team without the prolific Geoff Hurst. The programme is widely available for just a few pounds.
Newcastle were the opposition for Geoff Hurst's first hat-trick for the club almost 40 years ago to the day as Peter Brabrook hit one in a 4-3 thriller at Upton Park. Once again the programme can be yours for just a few pounds.
With West Ham United finding the net with ease at the moment who is to say that Saturday will not see another hat-trick to match Marlon Harewood's achievement against Aston Villa back in September. If Father Christmas does find the time to drop off a gift to the West Ham faithful perhaps a memory to match the magical boots of Vic Watson and Geoff Hurst!