West Ham's B team

Q&A

Q. I notice that the first seven names on Blackpool's teamsheet recently all began with the letter B. Does anyone know of any team who have bettered this?

A. In the 1964 Cup final West Ham United fielded seven players whose name began with the letter B. They were John Bond, Jack Burkett, Eddie Bovington, Ken Brown, Eddie Brabrook, Ronnie Boyce and "Budgie" Byrne. The other members of this side were Jim Standen, Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and John Sissons.

They beat Preston North End 2-1, and there are two other interesting facts connected with the game. Playing for Preston, Howard Kendall became the youngest player to appear in a Cup final and Jim Standen won a Cup- winners' medal and topped the bowling averages while playing for Worcestershire in the same year. - Bill Groves, Wombourne, Wolverhampton

Q. Has a football league club ever had to play two matches in 48 hours outside of Bank Holiday weekends. If so, who, when and why?

A. In 1969, Dewsbury RLFC played Hull Kingston Rovers at home on Saturday and the following day met Leigh, also at home. The Leigh match was arranged to test the water for Sunday rugby league. - Kevin Maguire, Batley

ANSWERS PLEASE

Q. For the first time in 22 years, none of the so-called big five - Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United - will be in the FA Cup final. However, when was the last time none of them was able to progress to even the fifth round? - Adrian Brodkin, London N2

Q. HM the Queen is visiting Valley Parade, home of Bradford City FC, next month to open officially the ground's new Midland Road stand. In 1953, the Queen visited the cricket section of the Park Avenue stadium, although not the adjoining football ground). Are there any other instances of monarchs visiting the grounds of England or Scottish professional football clubs? - John Dewhirst, Shipley

If you know the answers to any of these questions or have a sporting question of your own, write to Q&A, Sports Desk, Independent on Sunday, 1 Canada Square, London E14 5DL. Fax: 0171-293 2894