Without wishing to undervalue the victory gained by Uxbridge Town over Hampstead in the Middlesex [Senior] County Cup competition on Saturday, it should be borne in mind that influenza robbed the visiting side of the services of Bucci, Evans and Knott. Others were feeling the effect of recent illnesses, and therefore the defeat of Hampstead by three goals to two was not altogether surprising.

It was a hard struggle. Uxbridge got an early lead, but in the last five minutes of the first half Hampstead scored twice. They got no more. Fifteen minutes from the end Uxbridge equalised from a penalty kick, given against Richardson for handling (it did not appear to be intentional), and in the last minute Trevor Jones scored the winning goal.

Uxbridge have had a poor season. They were beaten by Hampstead in the first stage of the F.A. Cup, and of 12 League matches they have won but three. This win in the County Cup competition will therefore give them some encouragement.

Hampstead were disappointed to find that the Stadium was not available. They invariably do well on the fine spacious enclosure; the reverse is the case on the R.A.F. Depot ground, where they seem handicapped. The accommmodation for the public is also limited, the absence of a stand, particularly on a cold day, being missed.

Fortunately the conditions for football on Saturday were good, and quite a large number of Hampstead supporters (including the former secretary, Mr W.J. Styles) were present to witness what proved to be an exciting match, although the standard of football was not too high. Hampstead appeared the more accomplished side, but Uxbridge played robust football, and always seemed more dangerous than Hampstead in front of goal, who sadly missed Evans. His place was taken by Butler, who worked hard, but with little result. The other substitutes, Seeney (left-half) and Porrett (outside-left), did not let the side down, but one could not help feeling that with Bucci present, and in his best form, the result would have been different. Rees had hardly recovered from an attack of 'flu, while Bloxham had played many better games.

Richardson, at one time in the Uxbridge ranks, was a star man for Hampstead, and he had the sympathy of his colleagues in contributing to his side's undoing by conceding a penalty, which Carr easily converted. Dean, the captain, also played a good game, but the defence found the Uxbridge forwards much livelier than in the match seven days earlier. Smith cannot be blamed for the defeat.

Goodwin might have saved Hampstead's second goal, but otherwise he played a brilliant game, reminiscent of some of his performances when he held the fort for Hampstead. Uxbridge were also well served by the left wing defenders, Akerman and Southey, who, when they had settled down, kept Breagan and Rowe well in hand. Despite the fact of last minute changes, T. Hardy being unable to turn out, the Uxbridge forward line, ably led by Williams, proved an aggressive force.

The appointed referee did not appear, and one of the linesmen held the whistle. There was little to cavil at in his decisions.

Hampstead had the slope in their favour in the first half, but had to face the wind, which, however, dropped later - a point in favour of Uxbridge. Hampstead had slightly the better of matters at the start, and their clever footwork was admired, but after nine minutes Jones, at outside-right, passed to George, who in turn gave the ball over to Williams, who scored with a remarkably good shot well out of Smith's reach.

Hampstead were not dismayed by this unexpected turn, and kept the ball most of the time at the Uxbridge end, but whenever they got clear the home forwards seemed dangerous. From a free kick Joe Barrett, centre-half, sent in a shot which Smith did well to save at the expense of a corner, and Richardson, who came in for some ironical cheering from his old-time supporters, made one or two timely clearances.

Butler missed one or two chances of putting Hampstead on level terms, though an overhead kick near goal nearly brought his object. It looked odds on Uxbridge leading at the interval, but in the closing five minutes Spalton and Breagan both scored. Breagan's shot came almost from the corner flag. Goodwin attempted to punch the ball clear, but it passed into the net.

Hampstead had reason to be very well satisfied with the position of affairs when a halt was made, though their play had not been too convincing. With ground advantage, and encouraged by an enthusiastic following, Uxbridge, after changing ends, put on steam, and a finely-placed corner was with difficulty cleared.

Beautiful combination by Hampstead led to Breagan being given a good chance. He missed by a few inches. Neither side seemed to get a strong hold upon the game for any length of time. First Goodwin and then Smith would be called upon to clear, and both responded well. With a quarter-of-an-hour to go Hampstead still held the lead by the barest margin. Then came the penalty kick, entrusted to Carr, who gave Hampstead men a lesson how they should be taken. How often Hampstead have failed when they have had such chances.

On level terms the battle became intense. Uxbridge, probably convinced that a replayed tie at Hampstead would put them out of court, played with grim determination. Hampstead's best chance came when they were awarded a free kick for a foul, but it was not used to advantage. In the last minute the Uxbridge forwards dashed down the field, and Trevor Jones had the satisfaction of getting the deciding goal, though it was largely brought about by Williams.

The ball was placed in the centre of the field, but it had only been turned a few times when the referee blew his whistle for the last time. Uxbridge followers, greatly elated, dashed on the field, and hailed the winning players as heroes.