Thanks largely to the fine work of Smith, in goal, Hampstead won on the Redhill ground on Saturday by two goals to one. Smith, however, was not the only player who brought credit to Hampstead. All round the team was sound, even allowing for the fact that at inside-right Gardner missed some good chances. Gardner was not originally selected, but Wardlaw was down with influenza, and therefore Young was brought back to the half-back line. Bucci, too, was an absentee. Missing his train, he did not put in an appearance until the game was well on its way, and it was fortunate that Wilton was ready to fill a gap. Johnson took the centre-half berth, and played a splendid game; Wilton, after settling down, also did excellent work, and has evidently benefited from his spell in the reserve side. Now and again a slip would be made by the backs, but anything was possible under such conditions as prevailed. On the whole Webb and Parsons tackled well and kicked with power. Of the extreme wingers, Moore was by far the busier, and put in some excellent centres.

Both Hampstead's goals can be attributed to Moore's movements, although he did not find the net. Evans again proved his worth in the centre. While seizing opportunities for individualism, he passed with judgment to his wingers when that seemed to be the better course. Butland is returning to the form which marked his earlier games for the club, but Gardner will have to play better to keep his position.

The ground was ina heavy state, and while the game started in pleasant weather, heavy rain and driving sleet and snow made things very uncomfortable for players and those spectators who were not under cover. Happily, it was possible to play the game to a finish.

There was not much to choose between the teams for some time. Moore got across some good centres, which, however, were easily cleared, and one of the best efforts was by Johnson, who got injured, but was not compelled to leave the field. One of the big family of Smiths - the Redhill outside-right - gave Parsons trouble, but the Hampstead back made many good clearances; one with his head was particularly good. Spillard put in two powerful drives which Smith cleverly put over the bar, and the Hampstead goal-keeper's work in this half reminded us of his masterly display at Wealdstone on Christmas Day. He conceded corners with impunity, but Redhill could not turn them to advantage. After bing subjected to great pressure, Hampstead got away, and, from a centre by Moore, Butland opened the scoring. It looked a simple goal, and would probably not have been obtained had not Redhill been under the impression that some infringement had occurred. This was another instance of folly in not playing to the whistle.

A miskick by Bennett gave Sherman an opportunity of tessting Hook, who brought off a good save. Redhill missed many chances through getting offside, but considering the extent to which they were attacking, they should have been leading by two or three goals instead of being one down at the interval. The Hampstead defenders, Smith in particular, might well feel they had deserved the welcome cup of tea at the interval.

Play ran differently in the second half. After ten minutes play Hampstead increased the lead with a beautiful head shot from Evans, Moore positioning it well. Moore had a dry patch on which to work when centreing and appreciated the fact. Directly afterward C. Smith should have scored, as he was in a good position for netting the ball, but it seemed impossible for him to do the right thing this half. Wilkins, receiving the full force of the ball in his face, was carried off the field, the Hampstead backs acting as bearers, but he was able to return. There was a reshuffling of the home side, Webb, the captain, going to centre-forward. Bennett, the other back, had much ground to cover, and this brought about a number of offside decisions against Hampstead. There was, however, a wonderful improvement in their forward work, Moore being a conspicuous figure. Several gilt-edged chances were missed, but their faults were not more glaring than those on the Redhill side. With about ten minutes to go Webb got through for Redhill, and was naturally cheered for breaking the ice from his unaccustomed position. Bearing in mind what had happened seven days earlier - Redhill scored twice at Cricklewood in the last few minutes - some of the Hampstead supporters were on tenterhooks, but the visiting players kept the lead without much difficulty.

Having regard to the fact that Hampstead have a heavy away programme, this victory is very acceptable. So far Hampstead have picked up six points away from home, and by starting the year with a double victory over such a strong club as Redhill, should inspire confidence.