Thames Ironworks F.C. the teams drew, this time 0–0. Eventually the final was replayed for the second time on 20 April 1896 and "The Irons" won 1–0, lifting a trophy in their first ever season. Thames Ironworks F.C. entered the London League for the 1896–97 season, even though the West Ham area was still officially part of Essex at the time. However, it was a seamless transition for the club to make as Thames Ironworks owner Arnold Hills was also president of the London League, and along with Thames Ironworks F.C. committee chairman Francis Payne, helped to draft the competition's rules. In their
1896–97 Thames Ironworks F.C. season by default and finished the revised league as runners up. H. Butterworth ended the season as the club's top scorer in the league, with four goals from his six appearances. 1896–97 Thames Ironworks F.C. season The 1896–97 season was Thames Ironworks' second season after the club's formation in 1895. ""With reference to the forthcoming season, it has been decided to enter for the English Cup, London Senior Cup, West Ham Charity Cup, South Essex League senior and junior and if possible, one or two others. There will be very few dates left open for "friendly" matches, so it ought to