Hampstead went under for the first time this season at Claremont-road, on Saturday, Bromley, in an Athenian League fixture, winning by two goals to love. It may be said at once that their win was fully merited. They played in convincing style, whereas the home side, and more particularly the forwards, showed a falling off in form. Whatever they may do against other sides, Bromley have a habit of fully extending Hampstead, and as their football is invariably clean, they are a popular side. The earlier kick-off made a slight difference to the attendance, but there was nevertheless a good crowd. Although the result was against Hampstead, it was a good afternoon's sport.

Hampstead played the team that had beaten Abingdon Town handsomely with one important exception. Gardner had not fully recovered from an injury sustained in a mid-week match, and in view of tomorrow's important Cup-tie with Oxford City it was deemed advisable to rest him. S.H. Limbrey filled the vacancy at inside-right, but although he showed signs of developing into a useful player - at centre-forward for the reserves he has done good work - it is not too much to say that the absence of Gardner contributed largely to the result. In the course of the match Sherman changed places with Limbrey, and when this has to be done one gathers that things are not going well with a side.

This was the first match of the season in which Hampstead had failed to score, and while giving credit to Bromley's defence, it must be admitted that the forwards were terribly disappointing. While Bucci in midfield showed a distinct improvement upon previous displays, Sherman, usually so accurate in taking corners, sent a number of these place-kicks a few inches the wrong side of the net, and Moore, though very energetic, kicked wide frequently.

At the interval there was no score, but soon after the change of ends Holbrook scored for Bromley, and their second goal came towards the end of the game through Mills, one of the best centre-forwards seen on the ground this season. Smith was seemingly not to blame in either case, as the shots were well out of his reach.

Webb, the home captain, was not in his happiest mood. While tackling well his kicking was not so strong as usual. Shorland was handicapped through colliding with one of his own side, Seddon, in the first half, and he had to be taken off the field, his arm being injured. He returned a few minutes after the teams had changed ends, but though he is not lacking in courage, he was evidently feeling the effects of the collision. The halves played with their usual consistency. They have had no more effective forward line to handle than the Bromley five, Mills being a centre-forward who, we should say, has no superior in the Athenian League. Wilton was tested severely, but came out of the ordeal well. Young and Seddon again did splendidly, the latter playing with sound judgment. He tackles well, and as time goes on will probably help the forwards more when passing.

In the same position of centre-half Bromley has a fine exponent in S.M. Osborne, who, while sound in defence, feeds the forwards judiciously. Bromley came here with a poor record in the League, but on Saturday's form their position in the table is a false one, and we shall not be surprised to find them well in the running for the championship.

For the greater part of the first half Bromley were on the defensive, and if the forwards had shown anything like accuracy in shooting they should have held a lead of at least two goals before crossing over. Bucci played very determinedly, but often shot atrociously. In the first few minutes he should have snapped up a good return pass from Moore. Under pressure Bromley conceded several corners, and from one of these, better placed by Moore than the majority were, Sherman rammed in a shot which Bloyce did well to punch out. There was another exciting incident when, after Young had headed into the goal-mouth - Young, by the way, took a prominent part in the attack - Shearcroft endeavoured to bundle Bloyce with the ball into the net. He did not succeed in effecting his purpose. Compared with Bloyce, Smith had comparatively little to do, but when the Bromley forwards did get going they used the ball to good purpose. But for Shorland, who effected a fine clearance with the barest possible margin of time, Smith must have been beaten. Mills also had one exceptional opening, but he had also an exceptional goal-keeper to face, and in tipping a shot over the bar Smith made one of his best efforts.

Changing ends, Hampstead made a promising opening which did not lead to anything definite, and after Holbrook had given Bromley the lead there was nothing in Hampstead's play to suggest that they would cover lost ground. Shearcroft was often out of position, and his wings were badly served, while on one occasion he headed the ball out of goal instead of tapping in the right direction. Sherman was undoubtedly the most effective forward, despite the close attention he received from Clifford and Baird, but his centres were not too accurate. Once, from a foul on himself, Sherman took a free kick which gave Moore a good chance, but he failed to use it. After Sherman had changed positions with Limbrey matters improved, and during a series of attacks Hampstead claimed a penalty for handling. The referee refused it, and even thought it unnecessary to consult the linesmen, as apparently suggested by Webb, who seemed very confident that Hampstead had been deprived of their lawful due. Hampstead had another stroke of ill-luck when, from a cross-shot by Moore, Bloyce seemed hopelessly beaten, but another player just managed to put the ball out of touch and nothing came from the corner. With a second goal from Mills, no doubt was left as to the issue.

In this match nothing seemed to go right for Hampstead, but that is no reason for withholding credit from Bromley, whose perseverance was rewarded with two exceptionally good goals. Hampstead must make up their mind to win the return game. It was fixed to take place this week-end, but F.A. Cup-ties have prior claims over League games, and Hampstead have to entertain Oxford City. This will be their fifth successive home game.