the next year, a broken leg suffered in a march game against aston villa prematurely put an end to lampard's 1996-97 season after thirteen appearances. he had to wait until the '97-98 campaign to score his first goal for west ham, which came in a road victory over barnsley f.c. he became a regular starter in 1998-99 season and appeared in every match as west ham finished fifth in the premiership standings.