By Allen Cummings
Eight goal victories don’t come along all that frequently.
While Wednesday’s triumph over Macclesfield will be recorded as our biggest victory at the London Stadium so far, our last eight goal haul – yes we have scored eight goals in a game before – came 32 years ago at Upton Park.
That was during the memorable 1985-1986 season, when we finished third in the old First Division, our highest ever placing in the top flight.
The 8-1 demolition of Newcastle United on the 21st April 1986 was memorable not only or the score line itself – but also for the fact that centre half and legend Alvin Martin scored his only career hat-trick that day, and each of his three goals was scored against a different goalkeeper.
Newcastle’s regular ‘keeper Martin Thomas started the game, but was beaten by ‘Stretch’ after just four minutes.
West Ham were four up by half time and cruising when Thomas failed to appear for the second half due to injury. The Geordies didn’t have a reserve ‘keeper on the bench, so midfielder Chris Hedworth went in goal.
Martin scored his second, a penalty, past the new ‘keeper in the 64th minute. Hedworth then damaged his collar bone making a save and was forced to return to midfield. Replacing him between the sticks was Peter Beardsley.
The England international striker had volunteer to take up the gloves at the break, but Hedworth had been preferred.
Beardsley, having eventually been given his opportunity, conceded twice, before Alvin popped up again in the 84th minute to complete his own remarkable hat-trick.
Three goals against three goalkeepers, and West Ham’s eighth and final goal of a historic day.
It was an astonishing game, I had forgotten about the three goalies so thanks for reminding me 😄