One of the most interesting games in the long series between Hampstead and Barnet was that at Barnet in the Athenian League on Saturday. It was a match in which the football of both clubs was of a high type. Play was keen, but never degenerated into anything approaching unfairness, and while the referee came in for a good deal of ironical applause from strong partisans, his decisions left little room for doubt.

Seven goals were scored, the last and winning goal being obtained by Barnet about five minute from the end.

Hampstead, we thought, had given their best performance this season and would have got no more than they deserved had they brought back a point. We cannot refrain, however, from giving credit to Barnet, who, throughout the second half, played a strong game and regained the lead which they had lost just before the interval.

It was touch and go all the time. Play from beginning to end was fast, and one team and then the other would have a turn at pressing. Morris, the man upon whom Barnet depend for so many of their goals, opened the scoring, Smith being out of position. It looked to be an error of judgment on his part. But even if he must be partially blamed for this goal, he effected many fine saves later on.

Evans, restored to his old position in the centre, and Butland, at inside-right after a spell in the half-back division, co-operated well. It was a good effort on the part of Evans that brought about the equaliser within a short time. Once again, however, Barnet went ahead, Wade, who had replaced Gatland at outside-right, placed the ball beautifully from the wing, and Richardson netted after Smith had touched the ball but failed to clear.

Hampstead, playing with confidence, succeeded in keeping Barnet from netting again before the interval, despite the clever work of Finch and Wade on the extreme wings. Finch bothered Graves and Dean a good deal, but he did not do quite so much as some expected, and on the other wing Bucci and Compton excelled. In fact the defence compared very favourably with that of Barnet. Though the youngest of the backs, there was no finer player than Compton, who seldom made a miskick. Rees, at centre-half, although a man with less experience, was almost equal to Wright, Barnet's pivot.

It was through a clever bit of work by Evans that Hampstead equalised for the second time, and shortly afterwards from a free-kick several yards outside the penalty line, Bucci sent in a hard shot. The ball struck the upright and went into the net well out of the reach of Jones.

Just at this time one or two free kicks were given against Barnet for apparently slight offences and a section of the crowd showed annoyance by imputing partiality and suggesting that in the referee Hampstead had a good twelfth man. When decisions were given against Hampstead that same section cheered, perhaps derisively, but the referee was unperturbed.

Hampstead had done better than was expected in holding a lead at the interval, but it was soon realised after the game restarted that they would have difficulty in retaining it. Dismay was caused in Hampstead's ranks when Compton was put out of action through receiving a blow with the ball. He was carried off by Mr. Wilson, the trainer of the side, as a child would be carried by his father. Before many minutes had passed, however, he made his re-appearance apparently none the worse for the misadventure. Despite excellent work by Hampstead's defence, Morris brought the scores level once again.

Evans should have restored the lead when he found himself with Jones to beat at short range, but while he can score good goals, he can often fail sadly, and there was a wail of disappointment from the Hampstead supporters when he sent the ball just wide of the post. No such chance came again. Evans looked terribly downhearted at his lapse, and one could not fail to be sympathetic, although it meant so much.

After peppering at goal for some time Barnet, through Richardson, who had proved a shining light at inside-left, gained the winning goal. Hampstead, in the few remaining minutes, made one or two commendable efforts, but had to concede both points.

The fact that Barnet had to play Collins and Fox in place of Garrett and Phillips was a handicap. Fox was Barnet's weakest man, and Garrett, on his old form, would have been an improvement on Collins. He was, however, injured in the match with London Caledonians the previous week. Hughes, who many years ago had a short spell with Hampstead, maintains his form in a wonderful degree.

Welsh, who had stood down the previous week, was the weak link in Hampstead's front line. He may be a clever player - and we have had proof that he can shoot hard and straight - but in this match he was far too slow in his movements, and the men on either side of him received very little help. Evans scored twice, but few would be prepared to say he was on top form. Butland fitted himself to the new position with a measure of success, but while the outside men did much useful work, we do not think that as a line they were quite the equal of Barnet. There were occasions, however, when Hampstead's combination was almost perfect. On Saturday's form Graves should be retained in the half-back line. Rees gave one of his best displays, his stature often proving a dominating factor. As for the backs, Dean and Compton have developed a good understanding, and while Compton seemed more in the limelight, Dean, we think, had the more difficult wing to face.

Hampstead have now played 9 matches, of which 4 have been lost, 3 won and 2 drawn, with 20 goals for and 20 against. This is not so good a record as is expected, but performances like that of Saturday will yield more wins than losses.