Nine goals were scored in the Athenian League match between Hampstead and Redhill, at Claremont-road, on Saturday. Hampstead got the odd one, and therefore the second half of the season may be said to have started satisfactorily, but they should have had more in hand. Well in the second half they were leading by five goals to two, but, as in several previous matches, the Hampstead defence weakened in the closing stages, and Redhill, improving as time went on, beat Smith twice, and so made the closing minutes very exciting. One of the visitors' goals came from a penalty kick.

This was Hampstead's first success since the victory over Woking on December 14, and although the scoring of four goals causes doubt whether the back division is quite up to the standard of past years, the match was satisfactory from the fact that at last Hampstead's inside forwards have at last found the net. For too long past they have had to rely on Sherman and Moore, the extreme wingers, for goals. Neither of these men scored on Saturday, although Sherman was a contributing factor in more than one goal. Two were scored by Butland, two by Evans, and the other by Young.

The return of F.P. Evans to centre-forward, after a lapse of three seasons, was more successful than most of us expected, and if he can only maintain the form shown in this match there should be no misgivings as to the effectiveness of the line, particularly if there is some relief from heavy rains. Butland has shown he can be very effective on dry grounds, and injuries coupled with soddened pitches have handicapped him. Young has also gingered up the front line, and while we know his effectiveness as a right-half, that position is not weakened by the introduction of F.R. Johnson, the old Southall captain. Wardlaw, at left-half, wears well, and with Bucci as pivot the first line of defence is, as has often been the case, perhaps the strongest part of the team. Bucci was again in fine form in this match, and some of the goals may be traced to his judicious passes.

Webb, the Hampstead captain, played wonderfully well in the first half. He has not been altogether happy of late, but some of his work on Saturday was reminiscent of his palmiest days, and he often came in for applause for timely clearances. A player of his age, however, should not develop bad habits, and his tendency to wander up the field should be guarded against. Parsons also showed improvement, his kicking being stronger, and had Redhill not got through twice in the closing stages there could have been no criticism of the defence as a whole.

In the visiting team was G.H. Smith, an old Hampstead player, who shook hands with several old friends before the kick-off. He has by no means lost his skill as an inside forward.

Webb, winning the toss, gave Redhill the advantage of the wind in the first half, but the home side started in good style, and had the major portion of the play for some time. A good deal of attention was centred on Evans, but he soon showed an adaptability for the position of centre, and one noticed his skill in drawing the defence and then passing out to the wings. When other forwards get accustomed to his methods, we shall expect great things. One of his touches to Young almost bore fruit, the inside-right being unlucky in not getting through; and another hot attack was brought to an end by Wardlaw striking the side of the net with a hot shot.

The first goal - a gem - came after twenty minutes' play from a well-placed centre from Sherman, who had previously showed his willingness to give Evans full opportunities. Getting his head to the ball, Evans easily beat the Redhill goal-keeper, and thus established himself a favourite. Ten minutes later the scores were equalised, Gregory, at outside-left, finding the net for Redhill. Just previously G.H. Smith had failed in his intentions with a head shot.

Hampstead's left wing then showed up prominently, and there were some good centres by Moore, from one of which Young narrowly missed scoring. He made amends just a little later by converting one of the many good passes by Bucci following a corner kick taken by Sherman. Some doubt existed as to the scorer, Evans being right on the spot, and it was a goal for which three or four might share the credit.

Good work on the Redhill left wing gave Thomson a chance, which was not utilised; and Hampstead were well worth the goal lead when the time came for the change-over.

Early in the second half Bucci and Evans co-operated in one of the best goals of the match. With a neat pass from the centre-half, Evans scored from about twelve yards out. There was no hesitancy about his shooting, and his smartness was something to which the Hampstead supporters have been unaccustomed of late. This success was deserved, inasmuch as immediately preceding it the Redhill goal had undergone wonderful escapes.

Keeping up the pressure, Butland scored from a pass by Evans. It was not a goal to enthuse about. There seemed to be no power behind the shot, which the goal-keeper should have saved. We can only attribute his mistake to a greasy ball. Nevertheless, Butland's success gave just that encouragement of which he has been in need.

L.G. Smith replied for Redhill, but Hampstead re-established their three goals lead again through Butland. Here, again, it should be noted that Bucci gave him the opportunity.

At this stage the light was getting uncertain, but naturally Hampstead were desirous of seeing the game played to a finish. In the last ten minutes Redhill scored twice, first through a penalty kick conceded by Johnson handling. The spot kick was taken by Spillard. The last goal was credited to Thomson with a really brilliant shot. Smith was kept busy towards the end. He made some good saves: with a weaker goal-keeper to face Redhill would probably have snatched a point after apparently being well beaten.

[Redhill team courtesy of Surrey Mirror, 10/01/1930, p.15]