After a remarkable run of successes - in the course of the season only eight goals had been registered against them - Enfield came a cropper at Claremont-road on Saturday, Hampstead beating them by six goals to love. This was a surprise almost as great as that provided recently at Maidenhead, where Hampstead went under by the same score. In the previous week Hampstead had given a poor exhibition at Cheshunt, where they provided the wooden spoonists with their first League victory, and Enfield had gained a victory on the Finchley ground. The odds, therefore, seemed slightly in favour of Enfield winning this charity match [Middlesex Charity Cup, first round]: certainly no one expected them to get beaten in such a hollow fashion.

Both sides fielded the same teams as in the previous week, Moore being again an enforced absentee, through injury, from the Hampstead combination.

The referee was Mr. B.M. Neville, who had a rousing reception when taking up duty. There is no more popular official on the Hampstead ground. Firm in his rulings, he commands the respect of players, and his geniality is infectious. He seldom experiences trouble in controlling games, and this match was no exception.

For the third week in succession the conditions were depressing, and the ground was distinctly on the heavy side. Nevertheless it was a fast game, although one or two must have been thankful when the end came. Men have to be in strict training to last ninety minutes on soddened pitches.

The winning of the toss conferred no great advantage on Hampstead, but from the start they made headway. It was soon seen that Bucci and Sherman were in happy vein, and there was an understanding between the two which boded ill for the opposition. Miles soon had a taste of Sherman's skill, and after Cooper, Young and Butland had made good but unsuccessful attempts, Butland, from a pass by Sherman, notched the first goal. This came at the end of four minutes. It was good business for Hampstead, but more surprises were to follow - and quickly. Sherman, who was being well looked after by his colleagues, shot the ball just outside the goal-mouth. Bucci then made a fine attempt with a strong shot. He failed, but a minute later what was undoubtedly the best goal of the match came from his foot. The shot was of the type which beat better men than Miles.

Except for occasional raids - the veteran Green was their most conspicuous forward - Enfield could not get going, and Smith had a very easy time compared with Miles. Hampstead's backs tackled well and kicked with more power than they have done of late. Young was also anxious to demonstrate that his weakness at Cheshunt was only temporary, and did much good work, which was to Sherman's advantage. Time after time splendid shots were sent across from the right wing, and Miles, we should say, had never had so warm a time in any match this season. Enfield had a chance from a free kick for hands against Webb, handling the ball as he fell, but Green made poor use of it.

At the end of twenty minutes Hampstead got their third goal, Gardner, from a pass by Butland, finding the net just under the cross-bar.

While Potter and Cooper were not quite up to the standard of the other forwards, their play frequently earned commendation. In no match this season have the Hampstead forwards displayed such brilliancy. Gardner was untiring in his efforts, and came within an ace of scoring on several occasions after showing good dribbling powers. Once he made a glaring blunder, but soon afterwards, when in a far less favoured position, he scored a really good goal.

Enfield were distinctly unfortunate in one or two efforts. Levy seemed to have a good opening, but missed his chance. It was remarkable that no corner was conceded until close upon the interval, but Enfield did not profit by it. Butland, who was conspicuous throughout, almost headed through from Cooper's pass; and when the whistle went for half-time, Sherman, profiting by a miskick, was forging his way through to the goalmouth.

In the second half of the game Enfield showed to better advantage, but at no period did they show signs of making the issue uncertain. Smith made some really good saves following corner kicks, and Trevelyan was responsible for one of Enfield's best efforts with a head shot that went over the bar.

Cooper scored Hampstead's fifth goal after a great scrimmage in front of goal. Players gathered round one of the Enfield men who lay on the ground with the ball in his possession. The promise of a free kick did not mature, and when the ball was freed Cooper seized a chance, and the fact that he scored was gratifying to the crowd, who recognise in him a very useful substitute for Moore.

That Enfield's luck was out was shown by the failure to convert a penalty kick. Butland wound up a glorious afternoon for Hampstead from the football point of view by converting a pass from Gardner.

Enfield did not come up to expectations. Most clubs have at least one really bad day during a season, and we may take it that this was Enfield's unfortunate time. Much was expected of Anderson, the International right-half, but he did not appear to be outstanding.

The victory of Hampstead was due to good work in every department. There seemed to be that cohesion which has sometimes been lacking. Bucci played one of his best games. Not only did he prove his value in defence, but many of his passes were faultless. He knew to an inch where the ball should be placed for Sherman or whoever was best positioned.

Credit must be given to Butland for playing until the end. He had to go off the field injured, through no fault of an opponent, for a short time in the first half, but though he returned he was handicapped. He spent the weekend indoors, and he is wisely being given a rest tomorrow in view of the Amateur Cup match on the 14th. Webb also injured his ankle, and retired just before the close. He, too, is taking a rest tomorrow.