Walthamstow Avenue - newcomers to the Athenian League - who are in the running for the championship, provided penty of thrills at Claremont-road on Saturday. It was the last home league match of the season, and more excitement was crowded into this game than in half-a-dozen others. Winning by one goal to nil, and that goal scored by an opponent, Hampstead were lucky, but there have been many occasions when luck has been dead against them, against Leyton to wit. Walthamstow, who were compelled to make two changes to their side, played a wonderfully good game, particularly in the second half, and the Athenian League is stronger for having admitted this club.

Hampstead had their backs to the wall for the greater part of the second "45". They conceded corner kicks galore in their endeavour to keep Walthamstow from getting an equalising goal, and the defence has rarely had a more gruelling time. Smith, Hampstead's captain, covered himself with glory. He saved time and again when it seemed to be a hundred-to-one chance against him, and credit must be given to both Shorland and Wilton. The former was hurt at a crucial stage when he stopped a dangerous movement while practically kneeling on the ground, and if he had not recovered quickly Hampstead would assuredly have been beaten.

Shorland's habit of diving his head for the ball - a somewhat dangerous practice - brought relief on several occasions, and Wilton, perhaps less spectacular, took his part well. The return of Johnson strengthened the half-back line, and there was not much to choose between the three. Some of their passes were not helpful, but the greasy state of the ball was a handicap.

The return of Harry Shearcroft to the centre-forward position gave vim to the attack, and although he did nothing outstanding he was certainly better than some others who have preceded him this season, and it is hoped that his help will be available for remaining games. Shearcroft gave the wing men more opportunities, and perhaps the happiest feature was the improvements at outside-left. Moore was much faster and surer in his kicking. He was a glutton for work, and got in centres without trying to make opponents look foolish by too much artistry. He had a useful partner in Corsby, who gives promise of developing into a good player. Sherman had idle periods for the simple reason that it was found that Moore had recovered his form, and it was only natural that he should be given opportunities.

From beginning to end play was interesting. For some time there was little to choose between the teams, and both goal-keepers were tested. Sherman took the first corner, but shot outside. Then Corsby headed goalwards, and with [E.]Young falling in trying to clear there were exciting scenes. The next incident of note was Shearcroft's fine attempt to head a goal from Sherman's centre, [E.] Young doing well to tip the ball over the bar. Moore and Shearcroft played with good understanding, [E.] Young being again in the picture in dealing with an express shot from Moore. He managed to clear, but did not get the ball far, and had Shearcroft not slipped he must have scored.

A few minutes later, however, Moore and Shearcroft were mainly responsible for the only goal, although the ball was actually put into the net by Jenner. It was a well-worked-for point and richly deserved, having in view the narrow escapes that preceded it.

This goal came at the end of twenty-five minutes, and it had the effect of bringing out the best in the Walthamstow side. They were rather more dangerous in the goal-mouth than Hampstead. In Embleton they had a speedy winger who was often too good for the opposition, and Vango also joined in the attack. Danger came when Smith was penalised for carrying the ball too far. He is apt to retain possession longer than is necessary, but in this instance he could hardly be blamed. He was repeatedly cheered for the manner in which he dealt with shots. Once he appeared to be at the mercy of Embleton, whose pace, however, was his undoing.

Hampstead had a hard fight in the second half, and it is difficult to find words to do justice to the defence, which has never been sounder. We ahould have like to have seen the forwards attack more frequently, because there were signs that Walthamstow's backs were not too sure when pressed, but for the greater part of the time Hampstead were confined to their own half. The backs were so harassed that they did not trouble where the ball went as long as it was got out of danger. Wilton saved a certain goal when Smith, after running out, fell; the next minute Wilton gave a corner by sending the ball behind him into the next field. Johnson also was not averse to kicking out when it was found that corners were unprofitable to Walthamstow. The game was so keen that apart from the accident to Shorland one or two others needed attention, but the play was clean, and the referee did not pay undue attention to incidents which were unintentional.

Moore was not so conspicuous this half, but whenever danger was threatened it was from the left wing.

The end came as a relief to Hampstead people. A win was unexpected, and was therefore doubly welcomed. There have been more points dropped at home this season than for some years past, and victory had not fallen to them in the League since the beginning of January.