Although Hampstead had taken full toll of Hayes in the Athenian League matches this season, they failed to beat them on Saturday at Wealdstone in the final of the Middlesex Charity Cup. Hayes won by three goals to two after Hampstead had taken the lead ten minutes from the kick-off. Hayes won deservedly, the play of the Hampstead men, with two or three exceptions, being much below the standard one expects from a side who have been runners-up in the League.

The plea that Hampstead could not field their full side could not be put forward. It was identical with the side that beat Hayes on their own ground a fortnight earlier, but the changes in the Hayes side strengthened their attack.

There was nothing to indicate in the opening play that Hampstead would fail to win the cup. The attack seemed fairly good, and one could not fail to notice that Dean, the captain, was kicking with more assurance than he has done lately. Unfortunately, he failed to maintain that standard.

For the greater part of the game the Hampstead forwards could be likened to bees without sting. They got near goal, but could not press their advantage home.

After ten minutes Evans worked his way to the left, and from a difficult angle managed to get in a centre which was converted by Breagan.

This promising start, however, was not sustained, a weakness on the left wing being apparent. Spalton put in one good shot, but the resultant corner was wasted; and then Bloxham was conspicuous for a clearance when the downfall of Hampstead's goal seemed certain. Following a short stoppage through Dean being badly winded, Hayes got their first goal, and the fact that this did not come until half-an-hour after the start shows how Hampstead monopolised the play without gathering fruit.

A goal for Hayes through Flint was brought about through weakness in defence - and with the scores level, Hampstead put more vim into the play. Holding saved cleverly from Evans, who was Hampstead's most dangerous man, and then Bucci, finding the forwards not too successful, made a good effort to score.

From a free kick, taken not far from the penalty line by Broadis, Porrett had an easy chance of putting Hampstead ahead. He failed, and to make matters worse Hayes got clear, and from a pass by Groves, Lethbridge gave them the lead, which they never lost.

There was no further score before the change of ends, though Broadis made another good effort from a free kick. On the other hand, Hampstead were lucky in not having a penalty kick conceded. It looked as though Broadis handled the ball, but the referee was not too exacting in these matters.

The hoped-for improvement in Hampstead's play in the second half, when they kicked downhill,did not materialise. They forced several corners, but Holding and his backs were very safe. Midway in the second half Groves scored another goal for Hayes. With a lead of 3-1, and Hampstead showing poor form, there seemed little doubt as to the issue. From the grandstand came despairing cries of "Come along, Hampstead." This appeal contributed to the further goal scored by Hampstead, Rowe heading through Breagan's pass - perhaps the best goal of the match, but despite strenuous efforts the Hayes defence was not again beaten. In the last-minute efforts Evans played a big part, and it was unfortunate that he was not better supported.

Though disappointed, the Hampstead players took their defeat like sportsmen, and it was pleasing to see their captain, Frank Dean, shake Holding, the Hayes captain, heartily by the hand as they left the field.

The cup was presented to Holding, amid cheers, by Mr. C.E. Brady, president of the Wealdstone F.C.