Hampstead won their replayed F.A. Cup-tie with Uxbridge Town on Wednesday, at Uxbridge Stadium, by two goals to one after extra time, the winning goal being obtained five minutes before the end. It was a thrilling game. Clean football was shown, and both clubs played in determined fashion from start to finish.

Uxbridge had the better of the play in the first half, the winning of the toss being an advantage to them, beacuse Hampstead were hampered by the sun, but afterwards it was a hard struggle for supremacy. An attack on the Hampstead goal would be followed by an equally strong onslaught at the other end, and the fact that only three goals were scored in two hours is a tribute to the defences. Both Smith and Goodwin kept goal splendidly. The former had the larger share of work, and although the Hampstead backs perhaps were not quite so good as the Uxbridge pair, they are improving week by week, Dean and Elwell, both being young, much may be expected from them.

There was quite a good attendance for a mid-week game, and spectators had full value for money. Hampstead did better than was expected, and although Uxbridge were naturally disappointed at the result after drawing at Cricklewood, the officials sportingly congratulated Hampstead and wished them luck in their next Cup-tie with Oxford City at Claremont Road on November 1.

From the team which took the field on Saturday, Hampstead made two changes, V. Gardner playing at outside-right in place of F. Sherman, and F.P. Evans being at centre-forward in place of H. Shearcroft. Although it is not always the case that the goals are scored by those who should have chief credit, it is worthy of note that it was by goals obtained by the two substitutes that Hampstead won this thrilling game. However, they deserved their successes, although Evans might not be the ideal centre-forward that Hampstead is searching for.

The only change in the Uxbridge side was L. Mortimer for V. Gorman at right-back.

As we have said Uxbridge started strongly, and Smith was soon in evidence in clearing a fine shot by Copley, the Uxbridge pivot. The home side also got the first corner. Bloxham was not at home at left-half, and his opponents were often dangerous, but Elwell and Dean put in much serviceable work, and Young cleverly cleared a shot from the left. Smith made three grand saves in succession before being laid out, but he quickly recovered. Walsh initiated an attack which boded ill for Uxbridge, and he was clearly the most dangerous forward, although when the tendency to play too close a game was abandoned Hampstead's front line worked effectively. Underwood had hard luck on more than one occasion.

After Hampstead had made a hot attack on the Uxbridge goal, Gardner opened the scoring from a pass by Moore, this point being obtained after thirty minutes' play. On the run of the play Hampstead were fortunate in taking the lead; nevertheless it was a well-worked-for goal.

This acted as a tonic, and for the remainder of the first half Hampstead fully held their own, excellent work being done on the left wing. From a pass by Butland, Moore tested Goodwin severely. Evans also looked like clean running through when a back intervened.

In the second half Uxbridge started strongly, and one could not fail to admire the way in which the visiting defence repelled attack after attack. Reinke is not the player of old, but one of his shots was of the tip-top order. On the Hampstead left wing Moore did splendidly without having the best of luck, and Evans was within an ace of heading through from a right wing pass.

Twenty-five minutes from the restart, following a free kick, Underwood equalised for Uxbridge, Reinke and Sergeant having co-operated with him.

This was a blow to Hampstead, but they showed pluck equal to that which Uxbridge had shown in the previous game when there was a chance of winning. Smith was again hurt in running out to clear, but he saved some remarkable shots. In the last minute Uxbridge took a corner, but Hampstead kept their end up, and consequently it became necessary to play extra time.

There was anxiety lest darkness would prevent another thirty minutes' play, but fortunately the light held out, although it was rather difficult to follow closely the movements of the players.

An injury to Bloxham, who was badly shaken up, caused a re-arrangement of the Hampstead team, Butland dropping back to left-half, and Moore playing inside to Bloxham. Nothing tangible happened in the first fifteen minutes, chances being missed, and there seemed every prospect of a third game to decide the issue. Happily this was avoided.

Hampstead stayed the pace even better than Uxbridge, and with five minutes to go Evans settled the issue with a good goal, a success which was cheered by the small but very loyal band of Hampstead supporters.

Both sides deserve credit for their work. Taking the game throughout, there was little to choose between them. Hampstead's captain and vice-captain, Smith and Young respectively, set their men a splendid example, and although some were better than others, there was manifest the spirit to do well.

This victory comes at a time when pessimism has shown itself among many in the habit of seeing Hampstead's home games, and it is therefore all the more gratifying.