Although Hampstead beat Southall by four goals to one in the return Athenian League game not much satisfaction was gained. Southall are at the bottom of the League table, and one cannot be surprised at this after watching their two games with Hampstead, although they drew 1-1 at home last month. Having lost some of their best players at the end of last season, they are in the process of team-building, and in the course of time may win back their reputation as one of the best amateur sides in the county. Their team on Saturday included J.P. Wilton of Hendon, who for some time was a valuable member of the Hampstead team. He was playing his first match for Southall, after a run with Enfield and some other teams, and after settling down as a left-back proved one of the soundest men in the visiting side. They can well do with his service. Another old Hampstead player in the Southall team was A. Eagles, at centre-forward.

Southall proved no match for Hampstead, and, as is so often the case when Hampstead are pitted against a poor side, their play was inclined to fall to the standard of their opponents. In this match they led at the interval by four goals to none, a score which did not over-represent their worth ; but in the second half their play deteriorated to an alarming extent, and no one was sorry when the end came. Just on time Wells scored for Southall.

Quite early in the game Knott had to be taken off the field for what appeared to be a bad injury to his back, but happily it was not so serious as to cause him to be absent for more than about ten minutes. Even with ten men Hampstead pressed, some fine shots by Evans being a feature. Naturally he soon became a marked man, and for an offence when he was getting though a penalty kick was awarded. Evans was entrusted with it, but failed, although he was given the privilege of a second attempt because on the first occasion the goalkeeper did not remain stationary. Other chances were missed, one by Breagan being very noticeable.

Twenty minutes from the start, following a free kick well placed by Bloxham, Hampstead opened the scoring through Evans. Then followed a persistent attack by Hampstead, Evans, Bucci and Spalton coming into prominence with good shots, while Rowe, from a corner kick, made a good attempt with a header. Fifteen minutes from the first goal Southall defence capitulated twice in a brief time, Evans being successful each time. Their fourth and last goal came from Knott following a free kick, again taken by Bloxham, for a foul on Breagan.

During this half the Hampstead defence was not greatly tried, thanks to the excellent work of the three halves. The few shots that came to Smith were easily dealt with. Weakness in the Southall intermediate line was marked, and the attack suffered in consequence.

Play in the second half was most uninspiring. Southall came more into the limelight, but their shooting was most indifferent, while it cannot be said that Hampstead's attack was in keeping with the present position of the club in the League table. Breagan certainly got through, only to be ruled offside, and he was hardly in his best form. Perhaps this can be attributed to the careful way in which he was watched by Wilton. Southall, just before the end, managed to beat Smith, and thus maintained their average of one goal per match.