One of the best performances given by Hampstead since they entered into possession of their present ground six years ago was that on Saturday, when Barking Town were beaten by seven goals to one.

They have registered higher totals on two or three occasions, but not against a club of the standing of Barking Town, who came this season with 100% points in the Athenian League, and have already been looked upon as winners of the League.

It should be said at once that Barking Town served up better football than has any previous amateur side this season, and yet they might have suffered an even greater defeat. With thirty minutes to go Hampstead were leading by 7-0, the only success afterwards falling to Barking, who fully deserved a goal.

It can therefore be judged that Hampstead were in brilliant form : indeed, it is beginning to be realised that if present form can be maintained it will prove to be their best year.

The defence remains the same as that at the end of last season, but with the exception of Evans, there is an entirely new forward line. We regret some of the old faces have gone, The introduction of Breagan, Rowe and Spalton has worked wonders, and if Butler at outside-left has not yet quite reached the standard expected of him, he is the best man for that position that Hampstead have had for some time. He has a good understanding with Spalton, and he has a fine turn of speed, and with slightly less hesitation in geting the ball into the centre, he will prove a valuable acquisition.

Breagan's name does not appear on the score sheet, but he played a wonderfully good game, and assisted others to find the net. At times he left opponents hopelessly at sea. With remarkable accuracy he took corner kicks, the number of which was surprisingly large. It was from one of these that Hampstead got their first goal. Rowe and Spalton were each responsible for two goals, and Evans for three. Evans is piling up a big total, but it is well to see that Hampstead do not have to depend on him entirely, as in the past, for goals. His inside men are deadly shots. There is, moreover, a fine understanding throughout the team. The halves tackle well and place the ball with judgment, and with remarkable accuracy one sees it pass from one side of the ground to the other without interference.

Richardson, at left-back, improves weekly, and on Saturday he even put his partner and captain in the shade. Dean, for the second week in succession, missed from the peanlty line, and perhaps he may think it wise to entrust the next kick from that spot to another, say a forward. This lapse - it occurred in the first minute - appeared to affect his play. Certainly his kicking in the first half was not quite up to standard, but later he was in his old form.

Smith, though having far less to do than Hunt, in Barking's goal, made some good saves. Less spectacular than of yore, he has established himself once again as a valuable member of the side.

The morning rain had an effect upon the attendance, but there was quite a good crowd, and if football such as was shown on this occasion can be relied upon, a much larger measure of support will be forthcoming.

The opening was sensational. Butler passed to Evans, but the ball was handled in the penalty area. Dean, taking the kick, struck the crossbar, and the situation was saved. Hampstead, however, were not distressed. They were soon attacking strongly, the forwards showing good combination. Breagan took a corner kick, and this was so well-placed that it led to another, from which Rowe had no difficulty in heading the first goal. This came at the end of ten minutes.

Despite the fact that Barking played good football, they were quite unable to keep Hampstead in hand, Hunt having quite a busy time. It was noticeable that Evans was making good use of his wings, Rowe being particularly clever. Corners fell to Hampstead in quick succession, Breagan and Butler being quite busy. Twenty-five minutes' play brought the second goal, which was headed through by Spalton following a nice pass by Butler, who had disappointed once or twice by failing to get in a centre.

The trend of the play may be found in the fact that half-an-hour elapsed before Barking got their first corner. This afforded Clay, at outside-right, a chance of scoring, but he shot wildly. He was the weak spot in the visiting side. Then came two quick goals by Evans, the first from a pass by Breagan, who was a glutton for work, and the fourth emanated from Rees, who was conspicuous for clever tackling and well-timed passes.

No one expected to see Hampstead crossing over by four goals to love, but they had given a superlative display and deserved a rich reward.

Early in the second half Barking displayed much better form. Hampstead conceded two corners, but Smith played confidently in goal. One of the best shots was from Neale, at centre-half. But any hopes that they would get within reasonable distance of Hampstead's score were soon dispelled. By the end of fifteen minutes after changing over Hampstead had scored three more goals, bringing their total up to seven.

The fifth goal came from as pretty a piece of work as it was possible to imagine. Rowe placed the ball to Breagan and then ran inwards to receive the return pass. Breagan did not fail him, and Hunt was easily beaten. Soon after Spalton scored, and then Hampstead's seventh and last goal came from Evans. He received the ball from Butler, but was in such a position - just an inch or two from the goal-line - that it was almost inconceivable that he could score. But the hundred-to-one chance came off. To show the uncertainty of the game, we may say that soon afterwards Evans got clear of the backs but at short range shot direct into the goalkeeper's hands. An abortive corner resulted.

Towards the end of the game Barking held up several attacks by putting Hampstead players offside. On the other hand, the home players did not seem desperately keen on inflicting heavier punishment.

Linward registered Barking's only goal, and his success was cheered. Hampstead supporters could afford to be generous. Bloxham, by a timely kick on the goal-line, saved further disaster. Just on time Rowe failed quite as badly as Evans had done a little earlier, but no one troubled.

It was a great day for Hampstead, and it was pleasing to say that every one had a share in the victory, which should attract a record crowd for the cup-tie with Slough tomorrow.