A goal down, and their goalkeeper out of action, was the position in which Hampstead found themselves in the second half of the Athenian League game at Leyton on Saturday. Many had lost hope, but Evans, their centre-forward, who had up to that point not shown to great advantage, got an equalising goal. Then Cornell returned amid much cheering from the Hampstead supporters - quite a big number for a terribly cold and wet afternoon - and in the end, thanks to a stubborn defence, Hampstead were able to gain a point, which gave them an advance of three places in the League table.

Both sides were strongly represented, Hampstead placing in the field the same eleven that beat Barnet by 3-0.

Hampstead's draw meant the gain of one point over last season, when, at Leyton, they went under by four goals to none.

There was a remarkably good attendance, and the changing character of the game kept interest sustained until the last kick. There were one or two unpleasant incidents, tempers being apt to become frayed, but the good name of the Athenian League for sportsmanlike behaviour was not badly besmirched.

There were also one or two slight accidents, Moule being off the field for a short time in the first half : while, in the second half, as we have said, Cornell, Hampstead's goalkeeper, had to leave owing to a strain. During his absence Bucci, known as the "utility man", filled the gap between the uprights. Fortunately he had only one good shot to stop. Without disparaging his ability to keep goal, there was relief when Cornell returned.

Hampstead had the benefit of the wind in the first half, and for the first twenty minutes or more had a big share of the game. Indeed, they made Leyton look quite a common-place side. The defence seemed quite capable of holding up Leyton's attack, Richardson and Bucci on the left wing being conspicuous for much good work. The Hampstead forwards, however, were slow in taking their chances. The line did not work happily together, and there was a pronounced weakness on the left wing which lasted throughout the game. Breagan was always dangerous when he got possession, and it was from one of his corner kicks that Bucci, who had put in several good shots, scored midway through the first half. It was a really good goal. Henderson had little chance of saving.

It was not long, however, before a change took place. Instead of acting chiefly on the defence, Leyton, by beautiful footwork, took up the attack. Then we saw what Hampstead's defence was capable of doing. The strong wind handicapped Leyton, several of their shots going wide, but nevertheless Cornell had a number of "teasers" which would have beaten many goalkeepers. He fell on the ball several times in the goalmouth, but never lost self-possession. Leyton had two dangerous wingers in Collins and R.H. Goulden, but Moule was not a conspicuous success at centre-forward, thanks to the close watch kept upon his movements by Rees. Try as they would, Leyton failed to equalise before half-time.

It was generally recognised that Hampstead, with the wind and rain as a handicap, would have difficulty in retaining their lead, and for a time Leyton were masters of the situation as far as field work was concerned. Following a fine shot by Graves, which almost hit the crossbar, Leyton equalised through L. Goulden twelve minutes from the change-over.

Hampstead then experienced rough waters. Four corners in succession fell to Leyton. These were dealt with in remarkable style by Cornell, who, however, strained himself in punching out.

Mercer, following a free kick, then scored, and in attempting to deal with this shot Cornell intensified his injury and had to be carried off the field. He left to the accompaniment of hearty applause for his magnificent work.

It might be assumed that with their opponents' forces weakened, Leyton would push further ahead, but with a pertinacity which has not always been Hampstead's hall-mark, they took up the attack once more, and Evans, seizing a chance, scored a fine goal, in which he beat three men and calmly pushed the ball in the far corner.

With the return of Cornell the cloud lifted, and there were faint hopes that after all Hampstead would get away with a victory. However, this was not to be. In point of fact, they were lucky in getting one point. During the closing stages Leyton pressed heavily, and the supporters of Hampstead were relieved when time was called. The whistle blew sooner than was expected, and it was found that play had been limited to 40 minutes each way.

To effect a draw was a good performance on the part of Hampstead, but for it the defence was largely responsible. The play of the forwards did not come up to the standard of that shown in the Barnet match, although we admit on this occasion that their task was more difficult.