Hampstead did not cover themselves with glory in beating Sutton United on Saturday by the odd goal in five. As a matter of fact, they must be considered fortunate in getting two points, as it was only a short space of time before the close that the winning goal was obtained. Just before that Sutton, who had made a remarkable recovery after being two goals down at the interval, forced five corners in as many minutes, and this will give some impression as to how the play was going. Fortunately, the defence held out, and brilliant work by Peck and Butland on the right wing turned what would otherwise have been a most disappointing ending for Hampstead into a victory. It was realised by all close followers of the game, however, that on Saturday's form Hampstead could not hope to be in the running for the Athenian League championship, and that changes would have to be made. The chief weakness, as in the previous match, was at half-back, where R. Dean and H.G. Robinson failed to realise expectations. They need more experience before they can hope to become fixtures in the first team, although undoubtedly both are worth keeping an eye upon. The fact that W.H. Butland, shifted from inside-left to inside-right, scored twice does not alter the fact that he is more fitted for the half-back line than as a forward, and the committee, we understand, have come to realise that fact.

Both teams have undergone considerable alteration since they met at Hampstead on the first Saturday in January, and while we are not prepared to say that Hampstead are stronger (although there are possibilities in the new players), the Surrey club seemed to have improved their prospects by the changes. Some may recall that Lloyd played for Hampstead some years ago. Since then he has gained much experience, and, with Welsh, gave valuable service to Hayes in their numerous cup-ties last season. When this pair settle down Hampstead's left wing should be much strengthened.

The conditions under which Saturday's game was played were miserable in the extreme. The distance of the ground from 'bus and tram routes caused the club to be affected more than many clubs in wet weather, and the attendance was considerably reduced. It was surprising that even so many ventured out. The players were handicapped, it being difficult for them to keep their feet, and at half-time they were bespattered in mud, some of them almost unrecognisable. The home players were fortunate in being able to change shirts and knickers during the interval, but it brought no improvement in their play, whereas Sutton, despite their wet and muddy kit, showed vastly better form in the second half.

Bucci, who won the toss, early showed that he was in form, and the fact that he did not try to bear the burden of several others made his work distinctly valuable. In fact, there was no better man on the field. Hampstead's goal had one or two narrow escapes, but for some time the home team were considerably better, Lloyd soon proving himself an acquisition. He can place corner kicks to advantage.

Evans was often clever in working the ball into a good position, but his shooting was not impressive, and there were occasions when he might have trusted the wing men instead of going through on his own. Both sides had the mortification of seeing the ball strike uprights and crossbar without reward, but at the end of twenty minuntes Evans headed through from a pass by R. Dean - a well-deserved goal.

Sutton, however, kept Hampstead well employed. Smith was never long "on the dole," and once he almost put the ball into his own goal. A quick recovery saved the situation. Many of the raids ended disappointingly, and while wishing to be charitable, bad shooting was not wholly due to the condition of the ground. One of the most glaring mistakes was made by Evans. He thrilled the crowd by the manner in which he wormed his way through Sutton's defence, but when, at a few yards from goal, he had Bedford only to face, he shot wide - very wide - of the mark. A minute or two later this misadventure was temporarily forgotten, a second goal being scored by Butland after R. Dean had given Lloyd an opportunity to send in a well-judged centre. Half-time was then called.

In the second half Sutton gave a much improved display. They well earned the goal which was scored, at the end of ten minutes, by Thompson from a pass on the right wing. This made Hampstead realise that they were in danger, but there was not that understanding between the forwards that one would like to see, and the wing men did not get that support which they should have had. Hampstead has from almost childhood days looked upon its half-back line as the soundest in the team, but this is the line that must now be overhauled if matches are to be won.

Sutton levelled the scores through Hadkiss. Smith was out of position, but he was not at fault. There had been no other course open to him than to run out of goal, the backs at this time being terribly overworked. At this juncture there seemed no hope of Hampstead regaining the lead, but just on time Peck and Butland, with as good a piece of combination as was seen during the match, got away on the right. Peck centred, and Butland, who had worked his way into the position of inside-left, scored a goal which brought Hampstead victory. Evans might have tried his luck, but, seeing Butland was better placed, he gave way.

There was good goalkeeping on both sides, and in the Sutton side Delventhal was prominent at centre-half. He had his equal, if not a superior, however, in Bucci, the home captain. Peck has certainly made good at outside-right, but there must be an improvement at centre and inside-right. F.H. Dean was in much better form at right-back, and was less fearful of tackling a man than he was against Walthamstow Avenue.