Hampstead, despite one or two pronounced weaknesses, are now a much better side than they were a couple of months ago, when they lost to Enfield at Claremont Road by 4-0. Enfield had evidence of this on Saturday, when on the same ground they lost by 3-1 a match in the first round of the Middlesex Charity Cup. True, the visitors were short of Miles (goal), Anderson (half-back) and Beswarick (forward), but it must not be forgotten that injuries have prevented Hampstead being at full strength. Walsh was a doubtful starter on Saturday owing to an injury in a mid-week game, but happily he was able to turn out, and so Hampstead fielded the same team that gained such a notable victory on the Leyton ground.

Considering the early start and the inclement weather, a gate of 1,350 (representing £40) was not unsatisfactory.

Hampstead were clearly the better side and thoroughly deserved their win. At one period it promised to be even more pronounced, as they led at the interval by 3-0, despite the fact that the wind had been in Enfield's favour. In view of the condition of the ground, the football was of a good standard, though, of course, many miskicks were made.

Rarely have the Hampstead players put in better work than they did in the first fifteen minutes. The Enfield goal had some marvellous escapes. Moore, Walsh and Evans were particularly conspicuous in attack, the centre-forward being very enterprising. Following a corner taken by Moore, who was in his deadliest form, although he had a sterling opponent in Dyson, Evans almost beat Holmes with an overhead kick, and later the Enfield goal-keeper was bundled over the line, outside the goalmouth, in trying to clear. Walsh was always dangerous when he got possession. Despite appeals by some spectators to play less selfishly, he persisted in his own plan of campaign, and it must be admitted that in nine cases out of ten he acted judiciously.

Evans, at the end of fifteen minutes, scored the first goal after receiving from Butland, the shot being directed from a difficult angle. His second goal, scored a few minutes later, after running almost from the centre line, was the result of a fine single-handed effort.

Shearcroft has not done well in the last few matches, and therefore many were pleased to see him get Hampstead's third goal with a good ground shot from a pass by Walsh. This completed the scoring for the first half. Enfield had seldom been dangerous, their best work being done on the right wing, but Hampstead's defence was sound. Mead was not only good in defence, but put in some excellent shots. Seeing that the man Mead succeeded was now on the Enfield side, it was natural that comparisons should be made, and all we will say is that on the day's play Hampstead has not suffered by Johnson's departure.

Play in the second half was not so interesting. Enfield scored in the first few minutes through Jones, and it seemed quite possible at this stage that Hampstead would fail to maintain their lead. The team, however, rallied, Dean and Young putting in some good defensive work, and long before the end victory for Hampstead was practically assured. Shearcroft and Berry had good chances of adding further goals, but perhaps it would be charitable to abscribe their weaknesses to the heavy condition of the pitch.

Berry is likely to be of more use on the left wing, and there, we understand, he will be called upon to operate if a capable man can be found to take the outside-right position. Recent games have proved that there is very little wrong with the defence. Holmes played well in goal for Enfield, and although the presence of Anderson and Beswarick might have helped the visiting side, we do not think that even then they would have won the game.