Four-gone conclusion: when West Ham’s David Cross silenced Spurs
Striker cemented cult hero status with a 1981 demolition at White Hart Lane, etching his name into Hammers folklore
By Steven Pye for That 1980s Sports Blog
Performing heroics against a local rival is a surefire way in sport to guarantee a place in the hearts of your team’s supporters. In football there are numerous examples of players enjoying 90 minutes to remember in derby matches: Gary Rowell, Alan Sunderland, Ian Rush, Craig Bryson, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland – object lessons in how to win friends and influence people.
Another example of this could be found on the evening of 2 September 1981. The newly promoted West Ham went to White Hart Lane knowing the clash would be a significant examination of their ability to compete in the top flight. What followed was the stuff of dreams. A memorable night for the club and their No 9.
