Hampstead took full revenge on Saturday for their defeat by Walthamstow Avenue at Claremont Road in the first League match of the season. Playing confidently from beginning to end, and inspired by successive victories over Leyton and Barking, they annexed two more League points by three goals to none. Such a score on opponents' grounds indicates that at the moment Hampstead are on top form. The score might slightly flatter Hampstead, as the play of the Avenue team was worth at least one goal, but it is our opinion that at the moment Hampstead have a stronger side than they have put in the field for a long time.

Recent successes can be traced to the good understanding that exists among the players. They work as a team, and not merely as eleven units. The game was played in a spirit that did credit to both sides. There was not a single foul, and the referee, Mr. L.D. Patrick, stated at the end that it was a pleasure to officiate in matches of this type.

Hampstead were fortunate in being able to place their strongest team in the field. Compared with the team that lost to the Avenue in September, there were four changes, but there were even more on the Walthamstow side.

Although the Avenue started promisingly, Hampstead, with the wind in their favour and the sun on their backs, had the better of the first half, but it was not until ten minutes from the interval that they opened their score. The goal was obtained by Butland, who received a good pass by Evans.

The Avenue backs were none too safe when pressed, and much credit must be given to Young for keeping Hampstead's score down to one goal in the first " 45. " He brought off some splendid saves. There were periods when the Avenue were kept in their own half, shots being sent in from all directions.

Some of the ground work of the Hampstead side was extremely pleasing to watch. With clockwork precision the ball went from one to another, and had the shooting been up to the same standard then the Avenue would have had a much more severe beating. Nevertheless, many shots were well on the target, one by Butland bringing Young to his kness. Another, from Bucci, just skimmed the crossbar.

Smith, though having far less to do than Young, had some troublesome shots to deal with, but he played with complete confidence, and emerged successfully from some thrilling scenes. He took risks, but in each case his side benefited. Danger threatened from a free kick, but he punched out grandly and also showed skill in dealing with corner kicks. Just after Hampstead had scored Rees kicked with such force that Young was almost driven over the line with the ball. Taking the run of the play, Hampstead should have held a bigger lead at the change-over.

For the first quarter-of-an-hour in the second half we realised what a splendid pair of backs Hampstead have in Dean and Compton. During a heavy rain storm and with a strong wind to help them, Walthamstow pressed heavily, and it seemed almost impossible that Hampstead would be able to keep the lead. But the defence never wavered. Time after time Compton used his head to advantage, and although he must often have been tempted to put the ball out of touch, he played the game.

Lloyd then got away on the left and passed to Butland who, after a clever dribble, gave to Evans, who put Hampstead further ahead. Five minutes later, from a centre by Bramley, Lloyd scored with a cross-shot, putting Hampstead three up.

There was no further scoring, but one shot which deserved success was sent in by Compton. One would not be wrong in describing it as the best shot of the match. Young did well in tipping the ball over the bar.

The Avenue had good wing men, but no forward worked harder than Halcrow, and he deserved better results.

Much amusement was caused by some of Smith's clearances. Once, towards the end, he was seen among his own halves.

With this victory, so well earned, and one in which every player filled his part well, Hampstead are well placed in the League table. It has been shown that even away from home they are a force to be reckoned with.