Hampstead had the pull over Barnet in the series of games last season, four of the five matches ending in their favour, but Barnet may be said to have drawn first blood in the present campaign, seeing that they drew at Claremont-road on Saturday at two goals all in the Athenian League.

The score represents fairly accurately the run of the play, although Hampstead had a good bit of ill-luck. Shearcroft, who was a few minutes late taking his place on the field, received a bad cut over the eye in heading the ball, and was twice compelled to retire for a short time. Naturally the shake-up did not improve his play. Then Shorland, who otherwise did well, had the misfortune to put the ball through his own goal. Had he not touched the ball it would possibly have gone out of bounds. Smith, the home goal-keeper, smilingly patted Shorland on his feat. This goal, the only one scored in the first half, came at the end of twenty-five minutes.

Barnet were again fortunate early in the second half in not having a penalty awarded against them. The referee was in Hampstead's favour, but owing to the protests of the visiting players he consulted the linesman, and the verdict was against the home side. Later in the game Bucci found the net, but was ruled offside.

Barnet had slightly the better of the game in the first half, but upon changing ends there was a distinct improvement in the work of the home side. They scored twice, through Bucci and Shearcroft, the first goal coming twelve minutes after the cross-over, and the second ten minutes later. Barnet continued mainly on the defensive, but five minutes from the end they succeeded in scoring through Phillips, who played a fine game, and at the call of time honours were easy.

It was an interesting game, fought out in a sporting spirit. While rivalry is as keen as ever, there is not that rancour which formerly marked the meetings of the clubs, and it is hoped that future games will be equally pleasant.

Barnet have made several changes to their side since last season, the most notable absentee being George Sparrow, who did brilliant work for them at centre-forward. G. Hughes, who had a short spell with Hampstead some years back, has been recalled to Barnet's first team, and his play on Saturday warranted that step. Their goal-keeper, Dewick, has seen service with Watford and Chesham United. He is one of the few custodians who wears glasses at football.

Hampstead's team was unchanged from the previous week, S. Morton remaining at outside-right because Sherman had not recovered from an injury while playing for Northfleet. We understand, however, that he has definitely decided to play for Hampstead instead of the Kent club.

The game opened at a fast rate, evidence soon being forthcoming that Barnet had two very swift wing forwards in Boardman and Macdonald. From the latter Smith brought off a splendid save. Seddon, at the other end, made a good attempt, the ball passing a few inches over the bar, and then Bucci promised well with a good run, only to fall just before he could get in a shot. Moore was early in the picture and had he been better supported by the inside men goals must have accrued. Shearcroft was some time in getting to work, but there was much sympathy for him when he had a bad fall in heading the ball and had to be taken off for treatment by the trainer.

Playing against a depleted side, Barnet had a large share of the play, but Hampstead's defence was sound, and one could not fail to admire the way in which Wilton once again paid close attention to the opposing centre-forward, Morris's intentions often being upset. Bucci, though not a conspicuous success, made one or two neat passes to Moore, who has seldom been seen to better advantage, but that was no valid reason why the right wing should have been so neglected. It may have been thought that too much reliance could not be placed on Morton, owing to his lack of experience, but he and Gardner did good work when opportunities arrived. Hampstead lost one good chance when from Shearcroft's pass Moore got going, and from the extreme wing sent in a shot which travelled across the mouth of goal, the only result being a corner kick. Webb defended splendidly, some of his clearances being made when he was unhappily placed. On one occasion, while finding it difficult to rise because of the players surrounding him, he got the ball clear; and there were other times when he proved a tactician of the highest order. Smith was almost beaten by a shot from Macdonald owing to the sun being in his eyes: and one sympathised with him when, after effecting some fine saves, he should be beaten by one of his own men, Shorland, in trying to clear, sending the ball out of his reach.

This surprising incident caused Hampstead to play with even greater determination, but there were distinct weaknesses in the forward line. The best work was done by Gardner, who is undoubtedly an acquisition to the side, and Moore, and from the latter the crowd had a taste of Dewick's prowess. As time advanced Hampstead's defenders held the opposing wingers more effectively, but still they put in a number of good shots which would have beaten a less capable man than Smith. A free kick for Hampstead just outside the penalty line brought no result, the ball being tipped over the bar by Dewick, while just before the interval Bucci headed by from one of many good centres by Gardner. Barnet perhaps deserved their lead of a goal, although they were fortunate in having it placed to their credit by an opponent.

Hampstead showed to much greater advantage upon the restart, and while Smith was merely a looker-on, his vis-a-vis, Dewick, was constantly engaged in repelling shots. At the end of five minutes came the incident, already referred to, of the alleged infringement within the penalty area, and the many supporters of Barnet were relieved when the decision went against the home side. So great was the pressure upon the Barnet goal that it was evident that a goal must eventually come, and Dewick found himself beaten, after twelve minutes' play, by Bucci from a pass by Morton. There was satisfaction in Bucci scoring, because he had not had the best of luck.

Hampstead continued on the aggressive, and the Barnet goal had some narrow escapes. Once it was only through the dashing play of Hughes that Moore was prevented from getting in a shot when well placed, but Hampstead deservedly took the lead through Shearcroft.

Later play did not suggest that Barnet would recover lost ground, because the home defence seemed to have Morris and his colleagues well in hand while the home attack was at least 50 per cent. better than it had been in the first half. However, the unexpected happened, Phillips equalising the scores with only five minutes to go. Hampstead tried their hardest to maintain their run of victories, and right on the close Bucci made a great effort, but the game ended in a draw.

Hampstead's defence on present form gives no cause for anxiety, but there is not the same confidence in the forward line, although Moore is doing better than at any previous stage, and Gardner is a decided acquisition to the side. Shearcroft and Bucci have played twice, but have not touched last season's form, and Shone might well be given another trial at centre-forward, unless the club has no one better to put in that important position.