While weaknesses were apparent in the Hampstead side that met Wealdstone on Saturday in the F.A. Cup competition, the concensus of opinion was that some improvement was made by the changes that had been effected. The introduction of Eagles (late of Civil Service) at centre-forward and the placing of Evans at inside-right was undoubtedly a good step. The chief weakness was at half-back. Rees, who had not previously played this season, was a long time settling down in the pivotal position, and one could attribute this to the fact that he had not had sufficient training. But in the closing stages he made a remarkable rally, and one could not fail to notice how in times of distress he helped as a defender. His height stands him in good stead, and he should be persevered with. Butland is always fixed upon when a shuffling is necessary. His keenness is such that he is willing to go all out no matter where he is asked to play, but we prefer him at left-half instead of as a right-half. He was not too successful in this match. Bucci, at left-half, stood out as one of the best players, not only on his side, but on the field. Behind him Leslie Compton did splendidly. He dealt with the ball effectively from almost every possible angle, and as a result of the combined efforts of Bucci and Compton, Wealdstone's right wingers found matters difficult. Dean had rather more trouble in dealing with Groves and Bowyer, and it was fortunate for Hampstead that their shooting was not up to the standard expected of them. The fact that Smith, Hampstead's goalkeeper, was beaten only once - and then from a penalty kick - is a tribute to his skill. Some strictly critical people contend that this shot, taken by Bowyer, should not have passed him, but the day when players are incapable of making a mistake is far distant, and Hampstead are entitled to more praise than some are disposed to give them for effecting a draw.

The forwards, like those on the Wealdstone side, were often at fault when the moment came to shoot. Some of the attempts were painfully weak. It might well be summed up as a game of missed chances. Of the Hampstead quintette Peck was the pick of the basket. On the other extreme wing Lloyd was a good forager, but many of his centres lacked accuracy. Evans adapted himself to a new position quickly, and his goal was the result of a fine individual effort.

As a team, Wealdstone could give points to Hampstead in positional play. Few of their passes went astray, and with the wind in their favour they should have made sure of victory in the first half. Upon changing ends Hampstead were on top.

Bucci lost the toss and Wealdstone derived some slight advantage through playing with the wind. Hampstead was for some time on the defensive, but Compton soon showed he was going to take some beating, his kicking being clean and powerful. Bucci put an end to one dangerous movement, but after evading Dean, Groves, upon whom Wealdstone relied a great deal, missed an excellent opportunity of opening the score. At the other end Peck might have done better if he had shot instead of giving Evans a chance. Poulson, who proved a fine goalkeeper, saved a remarkably good shot from Bucci. After Bowyer had missed a gilt-edged chance (by no means the only one in the match), as he had no one but Smith to beat at short range, Eagles. accepting from Peck, had decidedly hard luck in hitting the foot of the upright on the wrong side, Poulson being well beaten.

The first goal came at the end of 15 minutes from a penalty kick taken by Bowyer. In trying to clear, it was alleged that Rees had illegally tackled Groves. That there was doubt on the point was shown by the referee consulting the linesman, whose decision was against Hampstead. We are not disposed to criticise officials, but the referee did not create too good an impression, while one of the linesmen apparently would not have been offended if he had been offered the whistle. He did not hide his light under a bushel.

By no means disconcerted by this unfortunate incident, Hampstead played spiritedly, and from a corner kick there was a desperate struggle in the goalmouth. Following a clearance Evans had some desperately hard luck. Once in his own inimitable way, he was ploughing his way towards goal when he was fouled, but Butland sent a trifle wide from the place kick. Evans was again unfortunate in his attempt to head through from Lloyd's centre, but it is generally found that persistency brings its reward. It was so with Evans. From a movement started by Rees, he completely beat Poulson, thus equalising the scores at the end of 25 minutes.

The rest of the frst half was slightly in favour of Wealdstone, but some glaring mistakes were made in front of goal. Hampstead had grounds for claiming a penalty kick for hands, but the referee ruled against them.

When half-time arrived Hampstead, in retiring with honours easy, had done better than was expected. Among their supporters - in the stand they seemed more numerous than Wealdstone's - few had confidence in their ability to force a win.

In the second half, however, Hampstead was seen in a better light. Perhaps this was due not so much to improved play on their part as to the failure of Wealdstone to reach expectations. Their defence was kept constantly employed for quite long spells, Davies putting in excellent work. Through Compton handling the ball just outside the penalty line Hampstead's goal was in danger, but Smith brought off a good save. In this half the efforts of Peck and Evans were very commendable. The former, sometimes unwisely, was inclined to wander on finding things slow, and he was seen to be shooting from the extreme left wing. Peck's attempt to head through from a free kick, taken by Rees, was one of several praiseworthy bits of work, Poulson just managing to clear. Several corners were forced by Hampstead, but they could not get the ball through except on one occasion, and then it was after the whistle had gone for offside. Bucci was on top form in defence, in providing opportunities to his forwards, and occasionally taking a chance of scoring himself. Sustained pressure on Wealdstone's goal revealed Poulson's ability.

Shortly before time Bowyer, coming in contact with Compton, was injured, and had to be taken off the field. His prompt return showed that he was not seriously hurt. Compton is not one who would intentionally hurt an opponent, even though it might mean the saving of a goal, and he seemed concerned at the mishap.

When the whistle blew for the last time the general opinion was that a draw was a fair result. It was a game in which there were far more free kicks than one desired to see, but they were mainly for minor offences. The teams are old rivals, but there is a strong vein of sportsmanship running through each side. Recent visits to Wealdstone have not brought much luck to Hampstead, and the fact that they forced a replay therefore gave a good deal of satisfaction to their following.

The gate numbered about 2,700.