Hampstead have reached the Divisional Final of the qualifying stage of the F.A. Cup competition by three home victories over Hayes, Abingdon Town and Oxford City, with a goal average of 11-1. The hardest fight of the three was that on Saturday against the Oxford side. The visitors were deservedly leading at half-time, but after the change of ends there was a big improvement in Hampstead's play, and by well-worked-for goals by Sherman and Moore, both of whom gave sparkling displays, they earned the right to meet Maidenhead United on November 2. On only one previous occasion has Hampstead met Oxford City in a Cup-tie. This was in 1920, when Oxford, at home, won by 3-0.

High hopes are now entertained that Hampstead will reach the Competition Proper. Maidenhead is a strong Spartan League team, but last season, on their own ground, they went under to Hampstead by four goals to two. We are not prepared to say that the local side are stronger than they were last year, when only one match was lost in a period of over two months, but the forward work on Saturday last was more convincing than it has been for some weeks, and but for a necessary eleventh-hour change, because Shone had not recovered from an injury, Oxford City might have been beaten by a more substantial margin. Happily Gardner and Shorland were off the invalid list.

Shearcroft, who has not been able to run into form, stood down at his own request, and when it was found that Shone was unable to play, the centre-forward position was given to Bucci, Potter acting as partner to Moore on the left wing. Potter has been on the verge of the first eleven for a long time, and is a very useful player, but he has not yet reached the standard one expects in an Athenian League side which is looking forward to championship honours. No changes were required in the defence.

Before a gate of about 3,000, Oxford City, a well-built set of fellows, made a promising start. It was soon seen that they favoured the long-passing game, and with two exceptionally fast outside men in Holton and Ledger to cope with, the Hampstead defence had a stiff time. From a left wing movement Shorland did well to save at the expense of a corner, and this being well placed, Smith earned commendation by tipping the ball over the bar. The second corner kick was also put in a dangerous position, but an Oxford man sent wide. Compared with Smith, Mattock, Oxford's new goal-keeper, had an easy time: so easy, in fact, that a vendor of chocolates walked leisurely in front of him with a tempting display apparently with the object of finding a customer.

Hampstead's first dangerous movement came through Bucci and Sherman, but the finishing was weak. Shorland was continually on the move in attempting to frustrate Holton, and the manner in which time and again he dived to head the ball earned admiration. Webb had an almost equally dangerous man to face in Ledger, and it was well that in front of him there was such a good tackler as Young, who was not often beaten for possession. The other halves, though mainly occupied in defensive work, managed to get some nice passes, but there was a tendency on the part of some of the forwards to hesitate before shooting, and the second or two wasted made all the difference. The visitors were smarter on the ball, and though they failed to make use of many opportunities, Smith was never idle for any length of time.

Now and again one wished that a man with Shearcroft's ability to use his head was on Hampstead's side, both Potter and Moore missing chances, but there was no doubt that the presence of Bucci, who worked very hard, gingered up the front tine.

At the end of twenty minutes the first goal came. It was credited to Jones, Oxford's inside-left, who gave Smith very little chance of clearing. Their work up to this stage merited a goal, but it had the effect of spurring on the Hampstead side, who, however, did not appear to be in luck's way. In another hot attack by Oxford, Smith came out with flying colours. There were many times when he had difficulty in clearing, but he has a cool head in these times, and made no serious mistakes. Things looked black for Hampstead when Potter had to be taken off the field through an injury for which no one seemed responsible, and it was good policy when the left wing was weakened to give Sherman every possible opportunity. He succeeded in getting in some centres from awkward points, and it was galling to see quite a number thrown away. Potter returned after a time, apparently not seriously affected by his injury, and while the Oxford men seemed to have slightly the better of matters, the Hampstead side made some dangerous movements, Bucci distributing the ball well and putting plenty of life into his work. Just before crossing over all the forwards (barring Potter) had a share in an incursion which promised to end successfully, but hopes were dashed to the ground. Upon retiring for a much needed rest, as the game had been very fast, Oxford had scored the only goal.

Immediately the game resumed it was seen that Hampstead were going to make a bold bid for victory, and the play got tremendously exciting. In a short space of time three corners fell to Hampstead, the last of which brought out the qualities of Mattock, who fisted the ball in splendid fashion, but after fourteen minutes the efforts of the home side were rewarded. Bucci gave a well-directed pass to Moore, who sent the ball across to the right wing, and Sherman, scenting what would happen, dashed in and gave Mattock no possible chance to save. It was a fine effort and acted as a real tonic to the home side, who after that never looked back.

Inspired by the magnificent work of Sherman and Moore, other onslaughts were made, and the deciding goal came when eighteen minutes of the second half had passed. Moore sent the ball across from the extreme wing, apparently intending it to be snapped up as the previous one had been, but to the surprise of nearly everyone, and certainly of Mattock, it passed into the corner of the net. Goal-keepers of the type of Mattock are not easily deceived in this way, but whatever Moore's intentions were, he is to be congratulated on getting the winning goal.

But Hampstead had no easy task in retaining the lead. From Ledger, Smith had to deal with a very difficult shot, and Jones was working his way through when Shorland was responsible for one of his best efforts. Soon after Shorland, after heading the ball, was in a dazed condition, but something serious had to happen to keep him out of the fray, and before long he was dashing here and there to keep up his end.

Some of Gardner's best work was, like the wine at the marriage feast, kept until the last, and in the closing stages one had the pleasant experience of seeing the right wing pair dazzling their opponents. Gardner received a nasty kick which put him out of action for a time, but there is no reason to think he will not be fit for next Saturday's game.

It was a well-fought game, admirably controlled by Mr. G. Rockell, and the issue was in doubt right up to the end. We feel sure that the majority of spectators hailed the final whistle with relief, for a replay at Oxford would most probably have meant a reverse for Hampstead.

On the Oxford side Brooker, at right-back, was an outstanding figure. Powerfully built, and a strong kick, he cleared the ball from dangerous positions times without number. Starling was an effective centre-half, and of the forwards Holton and Ledger were the pick. Perry, at centre-forward, was no stranger to the crowd. He played for Civil Service, but then on the wing, when they shared Hampstead's ground at Cricklewood-lane.

Hampstead must be congratulated on their success, though it was by the narrowest of margins. The defence came out of the ordeal well. It must be realised that they have a fine goal-keeper in Smith, who has worthily earned County honours. Shorland was more spectacular than Webb, but the captain is a stubborn defender and had good recuperative powers. The half-back line contributed its full part in the victory. Young was really brilliant, and the others did sound work. Some think that Wilton concentrates too much upon defence, but that is a matter that may be left to his captain.

While regretting that Shearcroft has felt compelled to stand down, one must admit that on Saturday's play the side has not been weakened. Harry will probably be back again before long. Sherman was the outstanding forward, with Moore a remarkably good second. Gardner was not at his best - it must be remembered that he has been on the injured list; but Bucci was far more effective than he has hitherto been this season. Potter need not be ashamed of his afternoon's work. There are, we feel sure, many clubs who would be glad to have his services, but he sticks to Hampstead, and while naturally desirous of figuring in the senior team, does not feel hurt in being an understudy. Hampstead are fortunate in having a number of such men.