As was the case last season, Hampstead and Leyton have shared Athenian League points, and in view of the fact that for some time past Leyton have generally been regarded as the superior team, it would seem that Hampstead are on the upgrade.

It was hoped that Hampstead, playing at home on Saturday, would have improved upon the previous week's performance, when four goals were shared at Leyton, but having held the lead until the second half was well advanced, R.H. Goulden, Leyton's clever outside-left, got an equalising goal, the result being again two all.

It was a just end to a most exciting game. We thought Leyton to be the slightly cleverer side, but they did not have as many opportunities to score as Hampstead, who missed several glorious chances.

Spalton obtained both Hampstead's goals, though he was by no means the most successful forward. In the second half he lost a wonderful chance when he shot wide with an open goal before him. Hampstead's left wing was not a complete success, although there is hope that Gibbs will make good. Rowe and Breagan, on the right, were much more effective, and with more opportunities given to him, Breagan might well have been given more work. He was often waiting to receive the ball when Evans preferred to plough a lonely furrow.

In facing two such experienced and accomplished backs as Preston and Gregory, to say nothing of Armitage at centre-half, all three of whom have won high honours, the Hampstead forwards were set a big task, but Leyton's goalkeeper was kept pretty busy at times. Hampstead's half-back line compared favourably with the Leyton trio, Bloxham giving a masterful display, and both Dean and Richardson came out of a very hard game with credit, though at first the kicking of the captain was not too sure. Cornell did well in goal, and opinions are divided as to whether he or Smith is the better man in that position. Happy is the club that can have the services of two such skilful men, both of whom, be it noted, are prepared to play in either of the elevens.

There was no change in Hampstead's team, but Leyton brought Armitage into the pivotal position in place of Wright, who, with Moule injured, played at centre-forward. Another change, also due to injury, was the substitution of Radford for E. Collins at outside-right.

As Leyton had the wind in the first half, Hampstead may consider themselves fortunate in holding a lead at the interval, particularly as Leyton scored within three minutes of the kick-off. It was due to good constructive work by Graves at right-half. A weakness on the part of Dean led to Wright beating Cornell.

For a few minutes the Hampstead backs seemed unnerved, but gradually the game veered round in Hampstead's favour. After Rowe had shot just wide of the post, Evans, by clever manoeuvring, forced a corner, which was taken by Breagan. We have become accustomed to seeing place shots from this wily outside-right turned to advantage. It was done in this case by Spalton.

With the credit account of both sides opened within ten minutes it looked possible that there would be a glut of goals, but both sides proved stronger in defence than in attack. The only other goal scored before half-time came from Spalton, but Bucci, Breagan and Rowe had a hand in this success, which came at the end of thirty-five minutes.

On the run of the play Hampstead hardly deserved the lead. Leyton, playing good, constructive football, kept Hampstead's defence on the move practically all the time, but, though lacking the experience of the Leyton pair, Hampstead's backs rose nobly to the occasion, and Cornell played with confidence.

Just before half-time he made a spendid save from a free kick, which, by the way, were most plentiful. Some were given for offside and wrongful throw-ins, but far too many came from foul play. They were mostly of a technical character, but one or two players - not confined to Leyton or Hampstead - were inclined to sully their reputations.

The wind had abated by the time the second half opened, but Hampstead opened in promising manner. Unfortunately good work by Evans and Breagan was not turned to advantage by Spalton. One could not fail to admire many clever movements by Leyton, for whom the left wingers were ever dangerous, and Cornell had to concede several corner kicks. One of Hampstead's best chances was when Bucci was forcing his way through, but he was rather badly fouled, and the free kick was not turned to account. The anxiety of Hampstead to score was shown by the many times they were penalised for offside, Evans being chief culprit.

As time advanced it became evident that Hampstead's hopes rested on Breagan, who time after time got past Gregory, and though he put across several centres, no one could put on the finishing touch.

In the gathering gloom, with but five minutes to go, R.H. Goulden scored an equalising goal for Leyton.

The gate numbered about 3,000.