Hampstead succeeded in ousting Maidenhead United from the F.A. Cup on Saturday at Claremont Road, and thus reversed the result in the same competition at Maidenhead last season. It was, however, by the narrowest of margins, Moore, from a free kick, getting Hampstead's third and winning goal within a few minutes from the end.

The goals came in strict rotation. Twice Maidenhead equalised, and looked like forcing a replay in mid-week on the banks of the Thames. But one or two of the visiting players, so intent upon doing this, adopted kicking-out tactics, a very common practice in the closing stages of a game. This was a mistaken policy, as Maidenhead were playing so well that a win outright was a possibility if they had concentrated on attack.

Hampstead's winning goal came as a relief. It was fortunate that the free kick did not have to be taken from the penalty line, as most of the players who have been tried seem to be in too nervous a state to score from the spot with only the goal-keeper to beat. Yet, with free kicks well outside the danger zone, Hampstead scored two goals in this match. That by Sherman, from near the touch-line for a foul upon himself, was a gem; while Moore did well to get the ball into the net through a ruck of players.

It may be argued that in scoring two goals in this way Hampstead were lucky to win; but let it not be forgotten that Maidenhead's first goal came from the foot of Wilton, whose return to the side after injury was welcomed. Taking the game as a whole Hampstead deserved their win, although their form was not up to the standard exhibited in the two previous matches. Smith, Elwell, Young and Butland may be mentioned in particular for their work, but while there were no real failures, the others did not impress the spectators. The wind, which blew across the ground, coupled with the slippery state of the pitch and spells of rain, may be put forward as some excuse for the numerous mistakes that were made by both teams.

On the Maidenhead side Snow and Allum, in the half-back line, and Reynolds, at centre-forward, were good, but the closeness of the final figures must be largely attributed to Richens, who did splendidly in goal.

Maidenhead at the moment do not seem quite so strong as when Hampstead visited them last November; nevertheless Hampstead can be congratulated on turning the tables, and there need be no need for pessimism because the high scoring against Bromley and Cheshunt has not been maintained.

The rival goal-keepers, as captains, tossed for choice of ends, and although Smith won, he gave Maidenhead whatever advantage could be gained from the wind, which was not great, as it blew across the ground. The result was that play was mostly on the lower side.

Play was slightly in favour of Hampstead in the early stages, Butland being most prominent of the forwards, but both he and Moore were at fault in front of goal from Sherman's centres. Sherman likewise failed to gather one of Moore's passes. It took the halves some time to get into their stride, and Johnson never appeared particularly comfortable, although he improved in the second half. Elwell's kicking, though not strong, was well-timed, and often the ball went from his foot to a position which gave a good opening to the front line. Smith made one great save from Cam, the ball being tipped over the bar, as he has a happy knack of doing with shots, but he had far less to do than Richens. The scoring was opened after 25 minutes' play by Butland, who rushed forward after Richens had stopped but failed to clear a fine shot by Evans.

Evans was again on the mark, and while he fed the wings when opportunity served, he was often conspicuous for individual work. Richens was within an ace of being beaten several times, but the play was by no means one-sided, and Young must be commended for his manner in dealing with one dangerous attack. More use might have been made of Jacobs, who showed himself to be a dangerous outside-left.

Ten minutes after Hampstead had got their goal came another from a home player (Wilton), but unfortunately it had to be credited to Maidenhead. The ball came sharply off Wilton's foot, and after striking the upright entered the net.

Soon afterwards Maidenhead again beat Smith, but the whistle had previously been blown for offside - a decision which could not be questioned.

Just on the interval the lead was restored to Hampstead by Sherman, who, being fouled, took the free kick, and deceived Richens with a long shot just under the bar in the corner. It was a case of swift retribution.

The second half opened with a hot attack on the Hampstead goal, followed by an even hotter attack at the other end. Smith and Richens deserved praise for keeping their charges intact. The Hampstead forwards did not seem to be working in that harmonious manner which we had been led to expect, and there was a tendency to greediness. Evans looked liike scoring after combined work by Walsh and Sherman, but headed over. Walsh was inclined to wander, and as the game proceeded there was a falling off in the standard of the team as a whole. On the other hand, danger was often threatening from Maidenhead's left wing, and it was from this direction that the equalising goal came through Cam. It was a really good goal, the best of the match.

Everyone now seemed prepared for a drawn game, but Hampstead were bent on preventing a journey into Berkshire if at all possible, and in the remaining time played with great determination. Moore was fouled, and trying to emulate Sherman, took the kick himself but grazed the cross-bar: a good effort. Then came another free kick for hands a yard or two outside the penalty area, and with a huge drive Moore won the game for Hampstead. The ball apparently went off one of the visiting players, but it was impossible to name the man.

Thus ended an interesting game with the defeat of one of the strongest clubs in the division. Hampstead should have an easier task in the next round.