Joe Royle’s Second Division side overwhelmed their top‑flight opponents with a display of relentless energy, clinical finishing and unshakeable belief, placing one foot firmly in the Wembley final.
The tone was set early when Neil Adams opened the scoring in the 12th minute, with Oldham quickly doubling their their advantage just six minutes later through Andy Ritchie, who continued his outstanding cup form with a sharp strike to make it 2–0.
West Ham struggled to contain Oldham’s pace and width, and the hosts extended their lead on 33 minutes when Earl Barrett surged forward to fire home the third.
The Hammers, managed by Lou Macari, looked increasingly shell‑shocked as Oldham’s pressure refused to relent.
Any hopes West Ham had of regrouping after the interval evaporated within seconds of the restart as Rick Holden added a fourth, punishing the Hammers' defensive hesitation.
Boundary Park crackled with disbelief and delight as Oldham continued to slice through the visitors’ back line.
Roger Palmer struck the fifth on 70 minutes, capitalising on more hesitant defending, before Ritchie completed the remarkable scoreline with his second goal eight minutes from time, completing what would become known as “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.”
The emphatic victory, in front of a crowd of 19,263, gave Oldham a commanding aggregate lead heading into the second leg and remains one of the most iconic nights in the club’s history, showcasing the fearlessness and ambition that defined Royle’s vibrant cup‑giant‑killing era.