On this day (May 26) in 1947, Newcastle United suffered a 3-2 defeat to West Ham United in front of more than 30,000 supporters at St James’ Park. The Magpies’ season was delayed due to bad weather in February and March, causing a lot of fixtures to be postponed in early-Spring.
Regardless, Newcastle came up short in their final home league game, even though Jackie Milburn and Len Shackleton got on the scoresheet. Newcastle were promoted from the Second Division that season while West Ham finished sixth in the table.
The Toon Army boasted two wins and two draws from their last four home games ahead of the West Ham clash but were coming up against an in-form Hammers outfit having won three and drawn three from their last seven, so it wouldn’t be an easy game.
It was the first season of league football following the Second World War and goals from Almeric Hall, Jackie Wood and Ken Bainbridge made the difference for the visitors.
In other news, Demba Ba was born on this day in 1985 and enjoyed two successful seasons at Newcastle
