The day West Ham United lifted their first major honour: 54 years on


It was 54 years ago today that West Ham United strode out at Wembley for the third time in their history to take part in their second FA Cup final.

41 years after being edged out by Bolton Wanderers under the Twin Towers, the Hammers would again face Lancastrian opposition in the shape of Division Two club Preston North End.

Ironically, Preston had defeated Bolton at the fourth-round stage on their own route to Wembley.

Despite their lower rank, Preston pushed West Ham all the way, twice taking the lead before the Hammers won the cup in the very last minute.

Left winger Doug Holden opened the scoring on ten minutes when Jim Standen could only parry Alex Dawson’s shot, but West Ham were level within 90 seconds through John Sissons.

Bobby Moore lifts the FA Cup

The teenager became the final’s youngest-ever scorer when he shot home following an interchange with Johnny Byrne.

Preston went ahead again five minutes before half-time through Dawson, only for West Ham’s own centre forward, Geoff Hurst, to level for a second time with a header that went in off the crossbar and goalkeeper Alan Kelly.

Hurst and Ronnie Boyce both went agonisingly close as the prospect of extra-time loomed ever larger, but West Ham were not to be denied.

In time added on for an injury to Kelly, Hurst collected Standen’s goal kick, turned and ran at the defence. Tony Singleton’s sliding challenge on Hurst sent the ball wide right to Brabrook, who crossed for the on-rushing Boyce to head into the bottom right-hand corner.

For the first time in their 69-year history, West Ham were the FA Cup winners.