Playing at the Welsh Harp on Wednesday night in a friendly match to assist Hendon financially, Hampstead avenged the defeat of Easter Monday, but they only scraped through by the one goal of the game, and left the spectators wondering how they have progressed so far in their competition matches.

Hampstead had a couple of changes from the advertised team, Mander deputising for Bucci at inside-right, and R. Dean replacing Richardson at left-back; but they were a strong team nevertheless, and should have given a better display. Evans, clever though his work was, could not do much against a strong pair of backs, and Butland was too slow after a lively opening. He was right off form in the second half and allowed almost anyone to beat him. Mander, the Midland Bank player, was generally sound, but Lloyd was disappointing in spite of his moments of brilliance. Cornell was between the posts and inspired more confidence than does the regular Smith.

Maybe Hampstead deserved their victory, but against Hendon's defeat must be set the following facts. For a considerable period in the first half Goldsmith was off the field through an injury; in the second half Coppin, on the right wing, was practically a passenger through an injured leg; and though both teams only played ten men in the second half, Hendon suffered more through the absence of a centre-forward. Hampstead's casualty was Rees, at centre-half.

The fact that Norton had to leave the forward line owing to the absence of Livesey, was of little importance, for Hendon had a brilliant centre-forward in M. Miles until his injury took him off the field in the second half.

As regards the conduct of the match, Mr. Byatt is the first to admit that he is a veteran, and - well, all referees are human enough to make mistakes.

Hampstead scored their winning goal in the first two minutes, Rees netting with a long shot over the heads of forwards and defenders. It was a surprise, though a beautiful effort, and Godding went for the ball too late, letting it through between his hands above him.

Drinkwater promised well for Hendon, but the Hampstead defence paid him very marked attention. One of his centres, however, gave Miles an outstanding chance, but Bloxham stopped the ball, and Cornell saved from Harris's follow-up. A nice movement on the part of Miles, who was showing some splendid touches, was spoilt by Drinkwater being too far back to take a pass, and Coppin soon afterwards missed an open goal when Cornell had ventured out to meet Miles. Drinkwater failed to beat the goalkeeper when he turned in a free kick for a foul on Cox, and Miles struck the wrong side of the post with a praiseworthy shot low down.

The Hendon goal had a narrow escape from Evans, who ran through alone but had his shot diverted by Norton, and near the interval Lloyd shot wide and then over the top. He tested Godding a moment later.

Playing down the slope in the second half, Hampstead started at a good pace, but soon weakened, and Drinkwater became dangerous in his favourite corner. Here was where Hendon missed Miles, who had left the field. Even Coppin, lame as he was, sent in some perfect centres, but the efforts were wasted. One of Hendon's best chances came from Miles just before his injury. He broke away and shot along the ground at close range, but Cornell cleared well, stretched upon the turf. Then Hampstead penned Hendon in for a time, but were beaten by a strong defence and their own weakness in front of goal. Whistler broke up many promising movements and Norton responded to all demands upon him. Both teams missed opportunities, but there was too much mid-field play for the second half to be interesting.

There was an attendance of about 600.