The festive season for Neil Wood's side was officially over with this return to action for what was probably our most important match so far at this level in 2019/20. This was a classic top-of-the-table clash with the Reds and the Hammers being far and away the most successful teams in the division.
At kick-off the hosts were just one point better off than us in pole position and in possession of a slightly superior goal difference. To highlight the gulf between these two teams and the rest of the pack, the Reds - with 34 points - started the game twelve points ahead of third-placed West Bromwich Albion.