Hampstead made an ignominious exit from the premier football competition at Hayes on Saturday, Botwell Mission inflicting a defeat by six goals to two. It was fully expected that Hampstead would have to be in good form to win the game, Botwell having made great strides during the last two or three seasons, but no one thought they would go under by four goals.

It is quite true that Hampstead did not have the best of luck. In the first place S.J. Moore, who has been suffering from a sprained ankle, was unable to take his place at outside-left, although he was on the ground, and the vacancy was filled by that utility man, George Bucci. Then, early in the game, when Hampstead were leading by a goal A. Owens, the left-back, had the misfortune to injure his leg, and had to be carried out of the field of play. A considerable time elapsed before he could resume at outside-left, Bucci dropping back as a partner to Webb. The play of both Owens and Bucci suffered as the result of the enforced change : the effect was seen also on other members of the team, and after Botwell had equalised they forged ahead in splendid style.

While admitting that Hampstead was handicapped by Owens' injury, and that the luck seemed overweighted in favour of Botwell, the home team proved a virile side, and taught a team looked upon as superior a number of lessons which should not be wasted. One is the fact that long passing is often more effective than the dainty football that some of the Hampstead men are prone to play, and that every member of the team must carry his full weight. It seemed to us that at least one on the Hampstead side was depressed when the tide had turned against his side, and that his whole heart was not in the game. Botwell possess a fine line of forwards, and not the least effective of the five was J.E. Harvey, inside-left, who was unable to get a regular place in the Hampstead team last season and found new quarters. He scored the third goal, but the validity of it was open to question. Probably nine out of every ten people on the ground thought he was offside, but the referee ruled against Hampstead. The game was not allowed to proceed without strong protests, but whatever other clubs may do, we hope the Hampstead captain will teach his men that to surround a referee and almost by force endeavour to get his ruling altered is not dignified.

The game opened promisingly for Hampstead. Treasure made the first raid, shooting by, and after Sherman had been given offside when he had been put in possession by Neil, Bucci shot a brilliant goal following a free kick taken by Webb. This early success was welcome, although we are inclined to think it may have led some of the Hampstead side to underrate the strength of the opposition. For some time Hampstead played in a manner which gave their supporters no anxiety, several corners being forced, but after Owens' injury Botwell came into the picture, Harvey being conspicuous while Smith did well to clear from Knight.

The equalising goal came through Treasure, after about twenty minutes' play, the defence being at fault, and later the same forward had hard luck in not scoring again. With the return of Owens it was hoped that Hampstead had got over a bad spell, but it was soon seen that the value of Owens' work had depreciated at least 50 per cent. by his injury, and it took some time for Bucci to settle down as a back. Knight made a fine run which ended in a brilliant shot, but Smith had positioned himself well and saved the situation. A mistake in the home defence gave Owens a chance which was not accepted. Had Bucci been on the wing it is quite possible Hampstead would have taken the lead.

Then came an incident which had a great bearing on the result of the match. Two free kicks were awarded to Botwell. The first was saved, but the second went from Treasure's foot off the head of Webb into the net. Soon after Harvey scored the third (the much-disputed) goal. The Botwell men had a tendency to get offside, and were pulled up several times by the referee, but his vigilance might have been exercised earlier. Smith saved many good shots, but before half-time he was again beaten, Davis being the scorer. Hampstead had a number of chances, but the forwards had a persistent tendency to cast them away, Neil and Owens being grave offenders. There was some excuse for the last-named, who was handicapped by his injury, but not sufficient to warrant his failure to place the ball into an open goal at a few yards' range. The interval came with Botwell well in the ascendency with the score 4-1 in their favour.

At the beginning of the second half Sherman, who might have been given more opportunities, sent in a good centre which deserved a goal, and then Wardlaw had to be taken off the field. Fortunately his injury was not serious. Hampstead plodded away without affording much hope that they would be able to make up leeway, and but for the good work of Smith in goal, and some terribly wild shooting by the Botwell forwards, Hampstead might have experienced one of the worst disasters in the club's annals. Smy tried hard, but persisted in the close-passing game. When he was getting well away Sherman was fouled, and taking the free kick himself, he reduced Botwell's lead. There was just a possibility at this stage that Hampstead would put up a good fight and cause a replay, but towards the end Ewers headed into goal from a pass by Knight, after Smith had thought fit to leave his charge, and Treasure scored the sixth and last goal.

Both sides were surprised at the extent of the victory. With the changes that had been made in Hampstead's side it was thought that Botwell would do well to win or even draw, and their supporters were naturally very elated. They proved a good all-round team, and though chances were wasted in the second half, it could be said that they lost no opportunity of shooting, and put plenty of powder behind their kicks. Some of the shots sent in by Hampstead would not have been creditable to junior players.

Sherman and Smy were the pick of the Hampstead forwards and Young the best half-back, although he was often beaten by the smart wing, Davis and Harvey. Webb, at back, was not at his best after he had lost his partner. Bucci improved in defence as the time advanced, and while he was in the front line he gave a good exhibition. He is one of the few men who can look upon the match with any measure of satisfaction.
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