Making a desperate effort in the closing stages after Evans had scored his second goal, Hampstead were within an ace of forcing a replay of their F.A. Cup-tie with Guildford City on Saturday, at Claremont Road. Instead of being heavily beaten, as many had predicted, and as it seemed likely would be the case from the run of the play in the opening stages, Hampstead were battering at the Guildford goal near the end, and while admitting that the visitors deserved their win, they were in a sense fortunate in getting the odd goal in five, even though they were two goals up in the first half-hour.

Guildford City were the first professional side that Hampstead had been called upon to meet in the F.A. Cup, for the simple reason that they had never before advanced to the final stage of the qualifying competition. While they have been lucky in securing choice of ground, credit is due to them for beating Maidenhead United, Bicester Town, Uxbridge Town, and Oxford City. Had Sherman been able to turn out on the right wing (there was keen disappointment at the receipt of his telegram announcing his inability to play), it is on the cards that Hampstead would have beaten Guildford, because Sherman's substitute, Gardner, was perhaps the weakest man on the field. It would be unfair to emphasise that point, however, as Gardner was obviously unfit, and it speaks well for his desire to serve the club that once again he was willing to act as a substitute.

Guildford City brought their strongest side, the only amateur in the team being the goalkeeper. There was general regret that Stan Smith, who was formerly with Hampstead, was not playing for them.

The conditions were unpropitious, and before the close of the game the players were slithering about and making many mistakes. It was, however, the best game on the ground this season. The gate numbered 2,200, the takings amounting to £72, but for such an important match the figures should have been larger. The attendance was adversely affected by the early start and by the change in the weather soon after noon. Every available seat in the stand was filled; those who failed to find places under cover had an unpleasant time, but consolation was found in a game above the average standard at Claremont Road.

The visitors, a sturdily-built team, created a good impression as they entered the field. They started well by winning the toss, and quickly settled down, a corner coming off Butland from Coundon's shot. The Guildford outside-right promised to be one of their most dangerous players, and he proved to be so. Hampstead made one or two good efforts, chiefly on the left wing, to get through, but Lloyd was not seriously troubled.

Scoring was opened at the end of 15 minutes through an unfortunate misunderstanding by the Hampstead defence. Williams was the scorer with his head, but ninety-nine times out of a hundred such a shot would not have been successful. The ball trickled over the line apparently off Elwell's shoulder, with Smith out of position.

Hampstead were dumbfounded for a few minutes, but later did their best to retrieve the disaster. Guildford, however, were the more impressive side. There was a good understanding throughout the eleven, and it was not often that a pass went astray. It was not so with Hampstead, there being palpable weaknesses in the front line. Shearcroft made one great shot straight into the goal-keeper's hands, but the chief danger came from Moore and Evans, the latter distributing the ball well.

At the end of thirty minutes Tinkler scored Guildford's second goal, which was well deserved, but it was counter-balanced almost directly by one from Evans. We venture to say that no finer goal than this has been scored on the ground. He beat no fewer than four opponents before getting an opportunity to put in his shot, and when he did so Lloyd was hopelessly beaten. This success altered the character of the game. It began to be realised that Hampstead's chances were by no means hopeless.

In his next dash for goal Evans was fouled, but although a strict watch was kept upon him the game was not spoilt by unfair tactics. Moore was penalised for offside, a questionable decision, and Evans had hard luck in not getting through, but during the last ten minutes of the first half Guildford were the more dangerous. In this period we saw Smith at his best. He made a grand save from Williams, and from one scrimmage he emerged with flying colours. The captain was well supported by the backs and halves, one clearance by Butland being particularly good.

At the interval the score was 2-1 in favour of Guildford, a state of things which reflected credit upon Hampstead.

Early in the second half Walsh had a glorious opportunity to bring the scores level from a centre by Moore, but he shot over the bar. Moore, despite the close attentions of his opponents, continued to do well at outside-left, and in view of Gardner's condition, it would have been well if he had been given even more work.

Guildford went further ahead through Groves, who headed the ball past Smith, an appeal for offside being disallowed. Apparently desiring to atone for his bad miss, Walsh put in some beautiful work, and for a time was the outstanding forward. From one of his shots Lloyd made a good clearance, and had Evans been well up he might have scored. Soon afterwards, however, Evans, with the help of Moore, again reduced Guildford's lead to one goal, a position which led to great excitement.

For the remainder of the game Hampstead pressed hard without result, although the goal had some narrow escapes. With Lloyd out of position Walsh struck the upright, and there were times when it seemed there must be an equalising goal. There was some little concern on the part of the spectators when it seemed that Guildford were inclined to waste time. Certainly they did not hesitate to kick the ball out of touch. They were seemingly glad when the end came with their lead intact.