Hampstead tried a new outside-left in their League match with Sutton United at Claremont Road on Saturday. He had a big hand in their success by six goals to one. Apart from twice finding the net, he had a finger in the pie when others were obtained, and so his debut can be deemed remarkably successful. By name H. Knott, he is but 17 years of age. Hailing from Goole in Yorkshire, he has played several times for the Arsenal "A" team. He promises to strengthen what has been a weak spot. His appearance on Saturday and again tomorrow will qualify him to play for Hampstead in their Amateur Cup-tie at Barnet on December 10.

The only other change in Hampstead's team from that which beat Hayes the previous week was the presence of J. Bloxham in his old position of right-half. Bloxham had been in hospital, but his recovery was much quicker than had been expected. From his play on Saturday one came to the conclusion that his enforced rest had done him no harm.

Sutton had the benefit of wind and sun in the first half and within five minutes had taken the lead through Griffiths. Hampstead took a long time to settle down, but the play on the left wing afforded encouragement, and at times the passing of the whole line was pleasing to watch even if it led to no result. As a matter of fact the go-ahead methods of Sutton were much more effective, and there was some good shooting, an attempt by Pratt and then by Pettit being conspicuous.

Hampstead supporters began to get uncomfortable as time advanced without Knight being beaten. This was largely due to the sturdiness of West and Shepherd, although the latter was finding Breagan a constant source of trouble.

The equalising goal came at the end of 22 minutes from a corner kick taken by Breagan with his usual accuracy. The ball came to Knott, whose shot was saved by Knight, but the newcomer, at a second attempt, found the net, and thus opened what is hoped will be a big tally of goals for the blue and whites.

This success had the effect of smartening up both sides. Sutton's left wing was often dangerous, Pratt having some hard luck with his shots, and had the right wing been as strong Hampstead might have had a rough passage.

But though the kicking at times was poor Hampstead, with sun and wind against them, were not playing a losing game. It was more by luck than judgment that Sutton were able to keep the Hampstead forwards from scoring. Direct shots had no result, but the corners taken were always used to good purpose, and it was from one taken by Knott that Rowe put the home side ahead shortly before the interval. Solly followed with a "teaser" for Sutton, but Smith was not found wanting.

The second half produced four goals for Hampstead without reply. The play of the visiting side fell off very considerably, and after Spalton had scored ten minutes after the change-over from a good bit of work the issue was never in doubt.

Breagan and Knott were mainly responsible for the next goal, as they had been for the first. From the corner flag there were exchanges between the two men, and Breagan put on the finishing touch.

This credited each of the forwards, save Evans, with a goal, a most unusual state of affairs, and it was soon evident that Evans, who had been playing a more open game to good effect, did not mean to be left out of the list. After some fine shots by Bucci (who was not at his best), and Bloxham, from whose kick there was a melee in the goalmouth, Evans got through the defence, and although Knight saved his first shot, not a difficult one, he beat him at the second attempt, the ball appearing to pass between the goalkeeper's legs.

The sixth and last goal came from Knott with the help of Spalton, who played much better than he has in the last few games. Perhaps this may be attributed to the fact that he had another partner.

This is the sixth occasion this season that Hampstead have scored six or more goals, and with the exception of Walthamstow Avenue, their goal average is better than any other club in the Athenian League.