On this day - 16 September

Classic match

Crewe Alexandra 0-3 West Ham United
Division One
16 September 2003

West Ham United's fast start away to Crewe Alexandra on this day twelve years ago paved the way for a comfortable victory in Division One.

The game was all but over within the first 25 minutes as the visitors raced from the blocks and established the three-goal lead that they would never relinquish.

David Connolly did most of the damage, notching on 16 and 21 minutes to give West Ham the edge.

Matt Etherington then increased the advantage on the quarter-hour and a shell-shocked Crewe could not respond.

The victory left West Ham second in the table, although the season would ultimately end in disappointment with a play-off final defeat to Crystal Palace.

Complete record - 16 September

1922 Rotherham County 2-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1929 West Ham United 0-1 Birmingham (Division One)
1933 Oldham Athletic 4-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1935 West Ham United 3-2 Sheffield United (Division Two)
1950 West Ham United 3-0 Southampton (Division Two)
1957 Sheffield United 2-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1961 West Ham United 2-1 Chelsea (Division One)
1967 West Ham United 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Division One)
1972 West Ham United 4-0 Norwich City (Division One)
1978 West Ham United 2-0 Bristol Rovers (Division Two)
1989 Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1995 Arsenal 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1997 Huddersfield Town 1-0 West Ham United (League Cup)
2003 Crewe Alexandra 0-3 West Ham United (Division One)

Played 14, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Scored 22, Conceded 19