After their brilliant win over Barnet, the exhibition given by Hampstead at Southall, last Saturday, was disappointing. They were able to place the same team in the field, but while the defence proved equal to keeping a clean sheet, one could scarcely believe that the forward line was that which had pierced Barnet's defence six times. Midfield play was not too bad, but they were weak in front of goal, and there were not more than half-a-dozen good shots throughtout the ninety minutes, Potter was the pick of an indifferent line.

On the other hand, Smith, Hampstead's captain, had a great deal to do, and gave one of his best displays. He was well served by Dean and Compton at back, and by the halves, particularly by Bucci and Young, but at the same time Southall, on the run of the play, should have made ceertain of victory in the first half. Their shooting, like that of Hampstead's, was at times badly at fault, but early in the game they struck the crossbar and also the upright and really deserved at least one goal. The replay will be at Claremont Road, but the advantage of playing at home will not pull Hampstead through unless there is an improvement in form.

Southall's team has been changed a good deal since the clubs last met, and it is reputed to be the youngest side in the Athenian League. In their right-back, Ward, they have a most promising player, and the centre-half, Black, is another youngster who will undoubtedly make his mark. There was an absence of polish about much of Southall's work, but this is often the case when radical changes in a side have been made.

But vim was not lacking, and as Hampstead wre more or less forced to adopt rough-and-ready methods, the game was not one to leave a good impression. There were several stoppages for injuries. Evans had to leave the centre-forward postition for that of outside-right through an injury received in an attack which promised to produce a goal, and the Southall right-half, Holliman, was off the field for a short time.

Having the benefit of the wind in the first half, Hampstead started promisingly, but the forwards soon showed an utter incapacity for pressing an advantage home, nothing being more disappointing than the shooting of Moore. He certainly managed to place some corner kicks nicely, and from one of these Morton was unlucky in not scoring. Another good chance came from a free kick taken by Young, but Moore, although making a fine effort, could not utilise it. Towards the end of the first half Young shone conspicuously in defence.

The second half opened sensationally. Compton, who had hitherto played almost faultless football, and earned the warm commendation of the crowd, altogether missed his kick. The position seemed hopeless, but Smith brought off a magnificent save. On several other occasions he showed what a really good goalkeeper he is.

Now and again Hampstead promised to bring off a surprise victory, but in the last few minutes Southall pressed heavily, and it came as a relief to the Hampstead supporters when time was called.

In only two previous matches this season - in the home League matches with Enfield and Waalthamstow Avenue - have Hampstead failed to score, and therefore we must not be uncharitable towards the forwards, but such a display against a team like Hayes in the final of the County Cup on Easter Monday would be disastrous. We know they are capable of much better things, and we must hope for a return to their best form immediately.