On the R.A.F. Depot ground at Uxbridge, Hampstead dropped two Athenian League points, Uxbridge Town, after being one goal down at half-time, winning by four goals to two.

This was the third meeting of the clubs within eight days, and honours are easy, although the fact that two of the games were at Uxbridge is a point in Hampstead's favour. Moreover, their win in a Cup-tie is regarded as of greater value than a League victory.

An injury to Sherman early in the second half prejudiced Hampstead's chances considerably. Until then he had been playing well, and the whole line of forwards had worked in unison. The loss of a forward so weakened the attack that the result was a certainty some time before the close.

On the whole, however, there was no cause to be dissatisfied with Hampstead's performance. Those who did not witness this game may find it hard to believe that though losing, the play of the Hampstead men was immeasurably better than in the match a week earlier, or even in the Cup-tie which went in their favour.

Their professional trainer, who was present, may have noted weaknesses, but to the ordinary customer there was much cleverness and virility, and a will to win spirit which was extremely gratifying.

Uxbridge played much better than in the two previous games, and no one would desire to belittle their victory. As in the case of previous contests the game was of a strenuous character, but on the whole the football was clean, and the injury to Sherman, caused in a collision with Richardson, could not be attributed to unfair methods.

This was Bucci's first appearance this season, and while Mead had proved to be a serviceable centre-half, there is no doubt that the change strengthened the side. It is to be hoped that Bucci will not break down, as he has so often done.

Butland was called upon to fill another vacancy in the half-back line instead of acting as a forward, and he demonstrated his versatility. Indeed, one is inclined to think he was even more serviceable in his new position. Shearcroft made Moore a good partner.

In the first half the forward work commanded admiration. The ball was well distributed, and the two goals scored by Hampstead did not fully represent the value of their work. Uxbridge's defence was strong, Goodwin making some magnificent saves. Dean was slightly preferable to Elwell at back, the latter being at fault concerning Uxbridge's last goal.

Hampstead, though losing the toss, were given the advantage of wind and ground in the first half. Their first goal came at the end of five minutes' play through Shearcroft, who snapped up a pass from the right wing. Hampstead continued to press, Moore being conspicuous with several good shots. One struck the upright with great force and rebounded into play. An equalising goal came from combined work by Copley, Trafford and Kirk, the last-named putting the ball past Smith; but Walsh restored the lead to Hampstead when the game had been in progress twenty-five minutes.

There was no further scoring before the interval, although Hampstead had the better of the game. Considering that the conditions were against them, Uxbridge must be congratulated upon putting up such a strong defence.

Just before the change over Uxbridge were awarded a penalty kick, a claim for "hands" being allowed by the referee after consultation with a linesman. Copley tamely put the ball outside; whether he did so purposely or not is not certain, but as a good many people, including some of the players, thought the referee's action was not justified, the Uxbridge captain, who is a real sportsman, may have declined to take advantage of a mistake.

Play in the second half went in favour of Uxbridge, who scored thrice without response. But for a long time play ran on even lines, and even after Uxbridge had equalised from a free kick taken by Copley some 25 yards out - the ball did not touch another player - Hampstead still had a possible chance. The injury to Sherman, however, upset calculations. From a pass by Underwood, Sergeant gave Reinke a chance to score Uxbridge's third goal, thus giving them the lead for the first time, and later the game was made safe by Kirk, who took advantage of a pass by Reinke. Smith had a good deal of work in the closing stages. He was often hampered in clearing, and once a free kick was given against him just outside the penalty area.

It was a game in which the goal-keepers did much good work, while both teams were strong in defence, but a strong wind handicapped the forwards.