Hampstead met with a big disappointment on Saturday, their Athenian League match with Uxbridge Town at Claremont Road being abandoned when they were leading by two goals to none.

It was not until a few minutes before the advertised time for the kick-off that the referee ruled that conditions were fit for play. After a combination of rain, snow, frost and thaw it was only to be expected that the ground was in a bad state, particularly down the centre, but the fog was the cause of the trouble. During the whole of the morning it had threatened football matches, and as one made his way to Claremont Road hopes that the match would be played did not run very high. Upon reaching the ground it was difficult to see from one end of the pitch to the other and the players did not take the trouble to change until the referee had given his verdict. Play was in progress for 45 minutes. With a late start, and doubts as to the light remaining good even if the fog lifted, it was wisely decided to limit the period to 40 minutes each way, and to dispense with the usual retirement for a cup of tea. Five minutes after the cross-over, however, the final whistle was sounded. The conditions were then no worse than they had been at other periods during play, but none questioned the wisdom of the decision.

Under such conditions we suppose the advantage of playing at home is greater than is usual, and certainly on the run of the play Hampstead well deserved their lead of two goals. The first was scored by W.G. Morton from a long pass from the left wing, and it must have been encouraging for this young player to find the net. The second came from F.P. Evans, who is at the moment in his best form. Rumour has it that other goals were scored, but 2-0 was the official verdict. That is of no value, as the match will have to be re-arranged.

Hampstead gave a trial in the first eleven to W.J.C. Cox, as S.J. Moore was still unfit for play. Unfortunately from the stand, where most were assembled, little guide to his ability could be gained, play being chiefly on the other wing, but he is spoken of as a promising lad. C.H. Walsh, who broke a rib in the cup-tie with Welton Rovers on December 13, returned to the side, and as Moore and Potter hope to be in harness again shortly, hopes are entertained that Hampstead will have a brighter second half of the season than the first has been.

There was some very good play in Saturday's game considering the way in which the men were handicapped. The defenders had difficulty in keeping their feet, and as the ball often bounced up in unexpected directions there were many amusing situations. Realising the nature of the ground, the players wisely abstained from anything bordering on dangerous play, and it was comforting to find that all escaped without hurt.