Two games Sunderland and Newcastle fans would rather forget as West Ham bid farewell to Upton Park

West Ham will bid farewell to Upton Park after they face Manchester United on Tuesday night, bringing to an end 112 years of history before their move to the Olympic Stadium.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery punches clear from Martin Peters of West Ham. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery punches clear from Martin Peters of West Ham. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery punches clear from Martin Peters of West Ham. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.

Here, Press Association Sport looks back at memorable matches featuring Sunderland and Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground.

WEST HAM 8 SUNDERLAND 0

Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery (right) looks on helplessly as West Ham's first goal is headed in by Geoff Hurst (third from right). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery (right) looks on helplessly as West Ham's first goal is headed in by Geoff Hurst (third from right). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery (right) looks on helplessly as West Ham's first goal is headed in by Geoff Hurst (third from right). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.

Division One, October 19, 1968.

Double hat-tricks at the Boleyn Ground have only occurred twice, and fittingly the only two West Ham players to achieve the feat are first and second in the club's all-time scoring charts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Vic Watson had scored six of his 326-goal haul during an 8-2 thrashing of Leeds in 1929 - and nearly 60 years later it was repeated by Geoff Hurst, who scored 248 times for the Hammers.

There was more than a hint of handball about his first, but England's 1966 World Cup final hat-trick hero went on the grab a treble in each half of West Ham's biggest-ever top-flight victory.

Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery (right) looks on helplessly as West Ham's first goal is headed in by Geoff Hurst (third from right). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery (right) looks on helplessly as West Ham's first goal is headed in by Geoff Hurst (third from right). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery (right) looks on helplessly as West Ham's first goal is headed in by Geoff Hurst (third from right). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.

Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking were also on target, with Martin Peters and Harry Redknapp among those providing the ammunition.

"On a personal note that was my most memorable game at Upton Park," revealed Hurst. "My team-mate Brian Dear had only scored five against West Brom the season before, so I beat him!"

WEST HAM 8 NEWCASTLE 1

Division One. April 21, 1986

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The match that made Alvin Martin the answer to a pub quiz question. The centre-half opened the scoring with a volley past Martin Thomas, the Newcastle goalkeeper who was clearly not fit.

Having seen efforts from Neil Orr, Ray Stewart and a Glenn Roeder own-goal fly past him, Thomas failed to emerge for the second half with defender Chris Hedworth taking over.

However, when Martin headed in his second Hedworth collided with a post and dislocated his shoulder.

That meant striker Peter Beardsley donned the keeper's jersey.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Frank McAvennie and Paul Goddard also got on the scoresheet before West Ham were awarded a penalty and the crowd bayed for Martin to take the spot-kick. He scored, completing a bizarre hat-trick past three different goalkeepers.

"To score a hat-trick on this ground past three goalies was a special night," admitted Martin.

"Although people still say it's probably the worst hat-trick you'll ever see!"

Martin also recalled manager John Lyall being angry, despite his team being 7-1 up, that regular penalty taker Stewart did not do the honours as it could have affected West Ham's goal difference.