It was a feeble display at Summers Lane, Finchley, on Saturday, which resulted in Wealdstone beating Hampstead and winning the Middlesex County F.A. Senior Charity Cup for the second year in succession. There was practically nothing to choose between the teams, and the winning goal was not scored until just on time. No one desired an extra half-hour - least of all the players.

Wealdstone had the assistance of several players who had assisted Finchley previously, notably C. Bowyer, J.S. Shorland, A.E. Champion and L.C. Groves; while Hampstead had the valuable help of F. Sherman, who has done valuable work for Bournemouth this season.

Neither side showed any real brilliance, and Hampstead's men seemed to go down like ninepins in the matter of injuries. It is hard to criticise their forward line, because Evans, Moore, Morton and Sherman all received injuries, Walsh being the only forward who did not get crocked. The injury to Morton in the opening stages was a real calamity for Hampstead. Although he pluckily returned, he was never able to do himself justice. The Hampstead backs did not shine so much as usual.

Having won the toss Wealdstone elected to play up the field, and for the first few minutes were engaged in attack until Morton, the Hampstead inside-left, had to receive treatment for a leg injury. Hampstead then retaliated, Evans and Sherman testing Poulson with good shots. About a quarter-an-hour from the start Champion opened the scoring for Wealdstone after Maskell had nicely placed a corner kick, Young just touching the ball as it was passing into the net.

After this reverse Hampstead pressed strongly, but some good movements ended in poor shooting. Smith, the Hampstead goalkeeper, won applause for some nice saves. Sherman led the ball nicely up the wing, but by hesitating lost a likely chance of scoring. Bucci landed a long shot, but this went wide, as indeed did several of Hampstead's subsequent efforts.

At last Evans gave Hampstead the equalising goal - a beautiful centre which Poulson just failed to save. Hampstead thought they had taken the lead when Evans headed in, but the referee's whistle went for offside.

Hampstead continued to maintain their attack and might have scored from a melee around the goal after being awarded a free kick. Moore received attention for a kick just before half-time, which came with the score: Hampstead 1, Wealdstone 1.

In the second half Wealdstone had the advantage of the slope, but had the sun against them. They took the lead when Groves scored with a high shot which went over Smith's head. This was almost immediately followed by Evans equalising with a kick that sent the ball in the corner of the goal. Hampstead were rather unlucky through injuries, Sherman being the latest victim.

Hampstead were awarded a corner and from it Morton kicked wide and in doing so hurt himself. Unfortunately the game was far from clean and there were numerous fouls. Wealdstone had a narrow escape when Young shot in but hit one of the uprights. Hampstead were subsequently awarded a free kick just outside the area, but this went over the bar. A similar thing happened when Bowyer centred for Champion to try and take the lead. This they followed up with more attacks, when Smith was kept busy and did some good work. In jumping to push the ball over the top (which he just managed to do) Poulson, the Wealdstone goalkeeper, fell on Evans, which necessitated the latter receiving attention.

Bowyer gave Wealdstone the victory with a goal just before the end, and in trying to save the ball Smith was injured. Thus the final score was : Hampstead 2, Wealdstone 3.

After the match Mr. W.W. Heard, on behalf of the Middlesex County F.A., introduced Councillor A.T. Pike (chairman of the Finchley Council), and commented on the excellent facilities the club had. He thought they must be the best in the county. "I think that you will agree with me that we have seen a very good sporting game ( 'No, No' ), but I don't care whether you agree with me or not." He thought the teams would tell him they had had an enjoyable game and were the best of friends.

Councillor A.T. Pike expressed pleasure that the Finchley ground had been chosen for the game, and thought it was a great compliment to them. The Council took it as a mark of appreciation of what they were doing for football. He explained that behind them was the Rugby ground, and nearby was being built an open-air swimming bath. In a few years we shall have one of the best sporting centres in the country, he said. He hoped Harry Walsh (of Hampstead) would have success when he joined his new club (the Arsenal) next season, and he congratulated Wealdstone on getting the cup for the second year in succession.

He then presented the cup to the Wealdstone captain (C. Davies), who, in acknowledgement, recalled that they met Hampstead in the same final last year. On both occasions the games had been sporty and he wished Hampstead better luck next year.