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
1897–98 Thames Ironworks F.C. season 1897–98 Thames Ironworks F.C. season The 1897–98 season was Thames Ironworks' third season after the club's formation in 1895. Thames Ironworks' new venue, the Memorial Grounds, was opened on Jubilee Day, 1897, to coincide with the sixtieth anniversary of Queen Victoria on the throne. Thames' new home had cost £20,000 of Arnold Hills' money to build. It was situated close to where West Ham station now stands. Aside from a football pitch, the stadium contained a cycle track, a cinder running track and one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in England. It was said at the time that the