Extremes met at Claremont-road on Saturday, Hampstead - the leaders of the Athenian League - entertaining Cheshunt, who are at the foot of the table. As Cheshunt had been beaten by Hampstead earlier in the season by six clear goals, it looked odds on the last League match on the Hampstead ground this season ending brilliantly, but as so often is the case when there is apparently a big difference in the strength of competing teams, the unexpected happened. Hampstead, who had lost but three League points in their previous 12 League games at Claremont-road, had a hard struggle to draw with the visitors, who held the lead at the interval. The game had been in progress an hour before Shearcroft got the equalising goal, and though it was hoped that Hampstead might then demonstrate their superiority in no uncertain manner, as they did against Enfield in the second half, it was not to be, Cheshunt playing a remarkable spoiling game and quite holding their own.

Except that Owens was still unfit, Hampstead had their full side, Graves coming in at inside-left. Cheshunt made several changes from the side that went down so easily before Hampstead in November, and, admitting that in the main Hampstead were on Saturday much below form, the visitors gave an exhibition which made people wonder why they had failed to win more than three games out of 16, and lose on an average five goals a match.

Although Cheshunt started off very well, Smith distinguishing himself by a good punch, it was thought to be a mere flash in the pan, but it was not long before it was discovered that the visitors were not to be despised. True, Hampstead had more of the game, but Warren and Thorne, at back, understood one another's play, and, moreover, could kick with power. The ground was not suited to fancy work, and Cheshunt adapted themselves to the conditions. Not so Hampstead, whose kicking at times was extraordinarily weak. Moore had more opportunities than has been given to him for some time, Graves being a good partner, while Wardlaw, who has seldom done better, placed the ball with remarkable accuracy to the outside-left. Moore got across some good centres, but chance after chance was wasted. Shearcroft, in one of several good efforts, brought the goal-keeper to his knees, but the frequency with which the Hampstead men got offside was most annoying. Shearcroft once found the net, but no one could dispute the referee's decision that the centre-forward was offside.

At the end of half-an-hour Alsford, from long range, put in a surprisingly good shot which beat Smith. It was a well-deserved goal, as Alsford had up to this stage proved by far the most effective forward. The others were wild in their shooting. To obtain an equaliser before change of ends Hampstead tried desperately, a fine header by Shearcroft from Graves's pass being one of the best efforts. From a corner kick Moody shot by, and Graves also made some very good attempts, although he lost some of his effectiveness as the game proceeded. Just on the interval Smith made another good save from Alsford.

There was little or no improvement in the Hampstead display in the second half, although they managed to equalise, and thus saved the humiliation of being beaten on their own ground by the wooden spoonists. The forwards lost chances innumerable. Passes went astray, more often than not the ball going to an opponent. The heavy ball presented no obstacle to the Cheshunt players, the backs, in particular, doing striking service and saving the goal-keeper an immense amount of work. When called upon, however, Harper proved capable of big things. At the end of fifteen minutes, following a well-placed corner kick by Sherman, Shearcroft scored for Hampstead, making the score 1-1.

Nothing further tangible happened, although both goals had narrow escapes. Prestwich made one or two good efforts, but generally speaking the Hampstead forwards have seldom been seen to less advantage. At the other end Smith saved a number of dangerous shots, and in this very keen but not over-skilful game the two custodians came out with honours.

Cheshunt gave full value for one point, and it is not begrudged, although the result may mean the loss of the League championship to Hampstead.

Smith, Webb, Bucci and Wardlaw were the pick of the Hampstead side.