Fine all-round form enabled Hampstead to beat Uxbridge Town rather more easily than was expected on Saturday. On the opening day of the season, at Claremont-road, Hampstead were rather fortunate in snatching a victory by two goals to one; but in the return game they were clearly the better side, and although the score of 4-0 in their favour hardly does justice to the Uxbridge side, the form of the Hampstead eleven was such that those who took the trouble to travel from the Hendon district were agreeably surprised.

Hampstead's team differed in only one instance from that which had beaten Finchley, A.G. Potter coming in at inside-left in place of W. Morton, and this change tended to strengthen the side, although the presence of G. Bucci would have proved of greater advantage. Unfortunately he has not fully recovered from an injury.

In the hope of getting a winning combination, Uxbridge made several changes in their eleven from the team that did duty at Claremont-road, and it is interesting to note that there were no fewer than four ex-Hampstead players in their side: E. Goodwin, W.E. Harris, H.G.M. Barnes and O. Reinke.

In the first half Hampstead had most of the game territorially, although Uxbridge must be given the credit of being more dangerous in the goal area. Fortunately Smith was in his very best form, and there was a fine understanding between Shorland and Webb, who covered one another's movements very skilfully. There were many exciting incidents, but the greatest of all was when Young stepped into the breach, with Smith out of position, and by an exceptionally good header rendered a good shot by Reinke of no avail. Against such good goal-keepers as Goodwin and Smith it was not an easy matter to find the net, and the first half promised to be barren of results. Hampstead might have done better if more use had been made of Irwin, because the right wing was undoubtedly the stronger, even allowing for much good work by Moore. However, shortly before the interval, after Uxbridge had attacked strongly, Shone scored a splendid goal from a centre by Moore. There was the promise of another from Irwin, but unfortunately he handled the ball when he was within shooting distance. At the other end Kirk, from a free kick, made a fine effort with his head, but found Smith at home. Hampstead, on the whole, were fortunate in having the lead at the interval.

The second half showed Hampstead in fine fettle, and in a few minutes they made the result practically certain by scoring a couple of goals. The first came from a penalty, taken by Shorland, for a foul on Gardner; and Gardner then directly afterwards, receiving from Moore, beat Goodwin with a fine shot. Uxbridge played gamely, despite these reverses, but although they made frequent raids, Reinke being conspicuous, they found themselves up against a defence as solid as a rock. Smith was perhaps a little fortunate in keeping a clean sheet, but he has rarely given a better display, and although in some circles Goodwin is regarded as the best amateur goal-keeper in the Athenian League, we venture to say that Hampstead desire no change at present for this position.

The Hampstead team in this half worked in perfect harmony. Shone, who had been prone to get out of position in the early stages, distributed the ball well. Potter, the weakest link in the chain of forwards, improved immensely as the game advanced. Irwin and Gardner fairly mesmerised their opponents. Irwin made full use of his fine turn of speed, and sent in many good centres. There were occasions, however, when he felt it was to the advantage of his side to retain the ball until he got within shooting range, and it was not an uncommon thing to see him make rings round two or three Uxbridge men. Goodwin saved splendidly time and again, but just before the end Shone fot a fourth goal for Hampstead, the ball entering the net at a terrific rate just underneath the cross-bar. Thus, by the decisive margin of 4-0, Hampstead maintained their unbeaten record, and at the moment head the Athenian League on goal average.

We would not like to say that Hampstead have yet a team capable of holding that position, but considerable improvement has been shown during the last fortnight. The defence causes little or no anxiety. Doubt was felt whether Wilton would satisfactorily fill the place of Moody at centre-half, but on his play at Uxbridge he should not be disposed unless there is an exceptionally good man available. While Potter did fairly well, the presence of Bucci at inside-left would immeasurably strengthen the forward line. Gardner is undoutedly a find, and it is a great pity that he cannot keep Irwin as a partner. The desire of Irwin to serve his Bank side can be understood: nevertheless, all Hampstead supporters would rather see him wearing the blue and white jersey. Shorland has justified his selection as partner to his captain, Webb; Young again played a magnificent game both in defence and attack; while Moore, handicapped though he has been by his partners, has shown much of that skill which marked his earlier work for the club.