Of the many newspapers which gave forecasts of the result of the F.A. Cup-tie between Hampstead and Hayes, at Claremont-road, on Saturday, scarcely one could be found with a word in favour of Hampstead. This caused no pessimism among the heads of the local club, because invariably the prophets have been wrong.

It was so again over this match, Hampstead winning by two goals to love, and thus getting their revenge for two Cup-tie defeats against the same club last season, when it was known as Botwell Mission. It may be said that in some respects the win was not deserved, as the Hampstead defence was more sorely troubled than that of the visitors, but a team does not consist merely of marksmen, and tribute must be paid to those in the home side who succeeded so cleverly in frustrating all the efforts of the much-boomed line of forwards from the western corner of Middlesex.

The Spartan League table of last week showed that Hayes had scored 23 goals in four League games, but probably they now realise that the Hampstead defence is of sterner mettle than that of many of the Spartan sides. At the moment Hampstead stand undefeated, with every game of the four won and a goal average of 10-2. This shows how well they have been served by the rearguard.

The game on Saturday attracted a crowd of 2,500, which represents takings of about £73. To the executive the figures were disappointing, although many amateur clubs would be glad of such support. The stand was filled, but in other parts another two or three thousand people could have been accommodated with ease. With such an attractive fixture and an ideal day for watching a match - although the wind was too gusty for good football - it was hoped that records would have gone by the board.

Hayes came with their strongest side and seemed confident of victory. Hampstead made three changes in the forward line from the previous week, H.W. Shearcroft, G. Bucci and S. Morton replacing Irwin, Shone and Potter. Irwin was not available, and it was thought that the introduction of Shearcroft and Bucci would strengthen the side. It did not, and such a feeble exhibition of forward work has seldom been given. Moore and Gardner did very well, and for a youngster who was making his first appearance in the senior side, Morton can be excused for not reaching the standard of Hampstead's usual outside-right, but Bucci was handicapped not only by a previous injury, but by a heavy charge early in the game, and Shearcroft, although scoring a goal, did not come up to expectations. We would have preferred Shone, who was by no means a failure in previous games.

The defence was as usual, and unless accidents occur it should remain unchanged. Wilton, who was called in to take the place of Moody at centre-half, has made wonderful progress since the opening match, and we attribute Hampstead's victory on Saturday largely to the fact that he was able to keep Harmsworth, Hayes's noted centre-forward, well in subjection. The other halves played well, even if Young did not maintain high water mark. Great things are now always expected of him, but in this match he had a smart wing to face. Hampstead's backs covered themselves with glory. Shorland tackled fearlessly, and though he adopts a venturesome style of play, he seldom makes mistakes, and when he does his recovery is smart. Webb, the captain, adopts a more cautious attitude, befitting his position. He is an old campaigner, and has not much to learn in defensive work. He shines when difficulties are greatest. Some of his clearances on Saturday showed a master-mind at work. The fact that Smith kept a clean sheet against such a forward line testified to his brilliance. He did not indulge in those spectacular clearances to which he is sometimes prone, and at times with danger to his side.

Among his best efforts was a clearance when he was running back into goal after having saved once and therefore not too sure on his feet. His tipping the ball over the bar was a feature. The visiting attack, however, on their form in this match, had been over-rated.

The Hayes captain, winning the toss, set Hampstead to start with the wind, but it proved of no benefit to them nor to Hayes later. The ball played all sorts of pranks, and that was one of the reasons why the game was disappointing in character when all had looked forward to a good exposition of football. Hampstead started promisingly, a nice run-up by Bucci ending in a corner, but Shearcroft failed to gather the ball from the place-kick. Young then got within a hair-breadth of the upright with a good shot, but after that Hayes began to settle down, and except for brief intervals took command of the game.

Hampstead forwards tried hard, but found it impossible to do much effective work, a heavy charge on Bucci almost at the start handicapping him. Shearcroft, who was making his first appearance in the team this season, was clearly not in form, and his tendency to wander did not help matters. He had a penchant for getting offside, but there were one or two occasions when the decision of the referee was doubtful. Moore was starved on the extreme left, and when at last he did receive the ball he was penalised for being too far forward. Happily the defence played grimly, and Hayes must have realised that scoring would be no easy matter. Their best work was done on the right wing. Smith effected one grand save from Kershaw; and, following a free kick against Wilton, Hampstead's goal-keeper did well to save a shot by C. Knight, who was playing an excellent game. Morton made one or two good runs, and must be congratulated on his placing of the ball from the corner flag. It was from one of these efforts that Hampstead had their best chance of scoring. On the other wing Moore put in some good cross-shots, and with a centre better able to snap up opportunities something tangible might have accrued. The interval came with a blank sheet, for which condition of things Hampstead must have regarded themselves fortunate. They had played in a minor key, and had given but little satisfaction to their following.

In the second half Hayes had proof that playing with the wind was no distinct advantage, and the game was on more even lines. Certainly Hayes did more of the pressing, but thir shooting was sadly at fault. Both sides had corners, and while the majority of the place-kicks gave the forwards opportunities, the defences held out. Gower, who has done such good service for Dulwich Hamlet, was wonderfully good, and had a good partner in Sterling, but as a pair the Hampstead backs did not suffer in comparison. From a free kick for a foul on Morton, Young placed nicely into the goal-mouth, but nothing came of the effort, and with the score sheet blank with only fifteen minutes to go, many people began to think whether they could possibly spare a few hours in mid-week to witness the replay.

However, Hampstead then surprised all by setting up a bombardment of the visitors' goal, and there were uproarious cheers when Moore succeeded in finding the net with a good shot, which first hit the post.

This success was followed by another goal in less than five minutes from Shearcroft, who in this way atoned somewhat for his disappointing play earlier. The Hayes players might have saved this goal if there had been no attempt to put Bucci offside.

Between the scoring of these goals the Hayes' defenders had an hectic time, and how the goal escaped further downfall is a mystery. Gardner made a grand effort, but Bucci, even better placed, missed a golden opportunity.

Hampstead's improvement came when Moore and Bucci exchanged places, and after the scoring of the second goal the result was not in doubt, although the Hayes men made herculean efforts to recover last ground. Smith was again in the picture with a save from the right wing, and in the closing minutes Hayes got a couple of corners, but failed to make any impression.

Thus Hampstead confounded the critics, and have now the privilege of visiting Abingdon in the next round. They were fortunate in winning, but there have been occasions in times past when they have been denied the fruits of good work, and this victory comes as compensation.