Injuries to F. Sherman and A. Parsons may be put forward as an excuse for Hampstead's defeat by four goals to one in their Amateur Cup-tie with Barking Town on Saturday, but they were a very disappointing side long before either of these men had to leave the field, and to Hampstead supporters the match was one of the greatest disappointments since the debacle at Maidenhead at the beginning of November.

When Barking came to Claremont-road in Christmas week there was not much to choose between the sides, but one noticed a vast difference on Saturday, although there were changes in only three positions. On the Hampstead side F.P. Evans was at centre in place of Gardner; and Barking gave places to G.W. Mason (centre) and R.T. Hutcheson (left-half) instead of playing Wiles and Sullivan. Barking's changes made for strength, but Evans failed to fill the position of centre-forward satisfactorily, his play being far below the standard shown in the games against Redhill. His failure must in a measure be attributed to the lack of support given by G. Bucci at centre-half. Bucci has on many occasions been the outstanding figure in the Hampstead side, but while there was some improvement in his play when Barking were thoroughly on top, at no time did he form a strong link in the chain. He was too fond of dribbling instead of giving long passes out to the forwards, the method which should have been adpoted on a heavy ground. Evans must have been very discouraged by the few opportunities given to him in the first half. But these two men were not the only failures. Wardlaw has been down with influenza, and while his experience is of value, Hampstead would have been better served by playing Wilton at left-half. His work at Redhill deserved him a place. F.R. Johnson was by far the best of the halves, and whatever may be said about the value of Young, there is no doubt that on present form Johnson must have a place.

The backs were not reliable. Their kicking was often faulty, and apart from the fact that F.T. Webb, the captain, conceded a penalty kick in trying to prevent a Barking forward getting through, there were other occasions when his work was not above reproach. There is no reason why a bad example set by opposing sides should be followed. Parsons was good and indifferent in patches, but the injury which he sustained towards the end of the game was most unfortunate not only for himself, but for the club, seeing that Shorland, who was looked upon as his deputy, has gone to Finchley. Smith played a good game. Some thought he might have saved the third goal, a long shot which dropped awkwardly just under the bar, but against a very enterprising line who lost no opportunity he did very well to keep the score down to four.

The Hampstead forwards never got together, and the only goal obtained came from a free kick, close in as a penalty for Snook, the goal-keeper, carrying the ball. The wing men did not have too many opportunities, and Sherman, whose right arm was badly hurt (it has since been discovered it is broken), was quite unable to do himself justice in the second half. It was very plucky of him to continue. Moore was the best forward. Butland gave him some very good passes, but no one can say that the inside trio came up to expectations.

Barking won largely because they adapted themselves to the conditions by swinging the ball about and not indulging in pattern-weaving. It was typical Cup-tie football that was shown by the visiting side, and after they had opened the scoring within five minutes they could be strongly backed as winners. When there was a possible danger of losing the lead they played for safety, and the constant throwing-in of the ball from the touch-line rather spoiled the game from the spectators' point of view. There were minor injuries beyond those referred to. Kemp, Barking's right-back, had to retire early on through receiving a cut over the eye in a collision, but this made little difference to his play upon resuming. He did splendidly, and with J. Cornish, at centre-half, helped materially towards Barking's success.

Hampstead made the first attack, Butland being a fraction too late in getting on to the ball from a remarkably good centre by Sherman. But this was a flash in the pan. Johnson was soon at work in endeavouring to outwit a speedy outside-left in Humphrey. Although his first effort was successful, a save by Smith from James was followed by another centre from Humphrey, which Curry headed in. This came at the end of four minutes.

Barking continued to attack and seldom were Hampstead dangerous. Butland shot over the bar when a pass to Sherman might have been more advantageous, but the best effort was by Moore, who, accepting Sherman's centre, struck the cross-bar. A Barking player was subjected to well-deserved derisive cheers for continuing to play the ball, and finding the net, after the whistle had gone for offside, and the referee took his name for what appeared to be a very childish act not worthy of a seasoned player.

Although Hampstead got one or two corner kicks, Snook was not seriously troubled, thanks to the fine kicking of the men immediately in front of him. Curry was a constant source of danger, some of his shots giving Smith full opportunities of showing his skill. Kemp came into collision with Bucci, and had to leave the field for a few minutes. Several corners fell to Barking, but they were cleared, and at the other end work by Young gave an opening which Butland or Moore might have taken.

Webb contravened the rules in trying to stem an attack, and the penalty kick was merited. By this means Barking got their second goal through Batchelor, and though spasmodic efforts to reduce the lead were made, Hampstead had failed to break through the defence when the interval arrived. Barking well deserved their lead of two goals.

The second half opened in Hampstead's favour, and Barking's action in kicking out at the least sign of danger caused some irritation to the spectators, who were loud in their calls to play the game. Hampstead's position, however, was considerably affected by the injury to Sherman, who was off the field for some time. The forward line, never strong, was quite innocuous during his absence. At this stage more use might have been made of Moore, who, when he had the chance, put in some good centres, only to find them wasted. At the end of ten minutes, however, Hampstead broke the ice. Snook, the goal-keeper, was penalised for carrying the ball, and from the free kick, taken close to goal by Wardlaw, Bucci succeeded in getting the ball over the line.

This success gave hope that Hampstead might at least draw level, particularly as Sherman, followed by his mascot (a dog), reurned to his place, amid cheers. But he was a spent force. There was none of his customary vim, and he was evidently suffering great pain. For a time the visitors were kept at bay, but there was no mistaking their superiority, and the long shot which deceived Smith, to which reference has been made, which came twenty minutes after the resumption, caused hope to be abandoned. After that Smith was seldom out of the picture, but he was only beaten once more. After Barking had got their fourth and last goal, Parsons was carried off the field, his right leg being badly injured, but with a little luck Hampstead managed to prevent further disaster. A beautiful shot by Moore enlivened the situation, but there was little or no ginger in the attack, and altogether it was an unhappy day for Hampstead.

Barking's front line was very impressive, and their goals, scored by Curry (2), Mason and Batchelor (penalty), were well deserved.

The game was admirably controlled by Mr. A.H. Leopard, who was prompt and sound in his decisions.

The attendance was officially given as 2,642.