In the Athenian League game at Hayes on Saturday it was a case of extremes meeting, Hampstead being in the running for the championship and Hayes figuring near the bottom. One goal decided the game. This was scored ten minutes after change of ends. Bucci beat a couple of opponents and pushed the ball to Rowe, from whose pass Evans beat Holding, who had been playing a brilliant game in goal.

If Hampstead win the championship there is no player who will deserve a greater meed of credit than Bucci, who has filled practically every position in the field, but is undoubtedly at his best at centre-half. On Saturday he was again a star turn. One must also give a word of praise to the other halves, Bloxham and Broadis, the latter, a reserve player, giving a most useful display.

Apart from the halves, the work of Smith in goal, and the services of Richardson at left-back, one cannot be very enthusiastic. Hampstead were the better of two poor sides, and one felt that Athenian League football must be of a low standard if Hampstead were the pick of the market. Then we had to remember the big struggle Hampstead had had two days earlier against Barnet, from whom they have taken four League points this season, and one was then inclined to be charitable.

Both lines of forwards were weak in front of goal. Porrett was good and bad by turns. While he was often troublesome to the defence, and put in nice shots when awkwardly placed, he made glaring errors when he looked to have the goal at his mercy.

The other forwards were little better, and indeed the best shots came from the halves. So the game went on, first one side and then the other getting goalwards, but failing at the critical moment. It was sometimes more by luck than judgement that Smith and Holding, the goalkeepers, kept a clean sheet, but they must have felt relieved that the attack was less pronounced than usual.

Just on half-time Broadis took a free kick just outside the penalty line, but Evans unfortunately handled the ball.

There was a distinct improvement in Hampstead's play in the second half, when Hayes had to face the sun. Following a couple of corners, both well placed by Breagan, came the all-important goal. There seemed chances of others, for a number of corners were conceded by Hayes, whose defence was not too sound. Breagan, who was the pick of the forwards, had to retire for a short time through a bleeding nose caused by a fall. Towards the end Hayes rallied, but thanks to Smith, who got out of some awkward situations with great skill, Hampstead managed to retain their lead.

It was not a victory about which they could get very excited, but having regard to the fact that visits to Hayes seldom bring them success, they were naturally pleased. Victory brings but two points whether the margin be one or 20 goals.,