At the fifth attempt this season Barnet beat Hampstead, on Saturday, at Barnet, by four goals to two in the Middlesex County Senior Cup.

Hampstead had won two games at Barnet and two at Claremont-road, with a goal average of 14 to 6, but on this occasion they never looked winners, and the score in no way flattered Barnet. Their team has undergone several changes since the last meeting, and includes some promising virile youngsters. The home side adapted themselves to the conditions much better than Hampstead, who were inclined to play the close-passing game, and but for a wonderful display by Smith, in goal, would have had a much more decisive victory.

It must be said in Hampstead's favour that they felt the absence of Owens at left-back - not that Bucci, who took that position, did not play well ; indeed, he was a fine defender - but that his withdrawal from the left wing weakened the forward line. Sherman moved from outside-right to be Moore's partner, and R. Sear, a reserve, was introduced. These changes did not work out successfully, and the presence of Graves, who was chosen for the Athenian League (Reserve Section) to play at Wealdstone against the Middlesex Amateur League, would have been welcomed. The Hampstead forwards played an inconspicuous part in the game, and were fortunate in getting two goals. We say fortunate, because the second was very hotly disputed, and even some of the Hampstead players were prepared to admit that it should not have been allowed.

With the ground in a hard condition - some referees would have declared it unfit for play - it was fortunate that there were no serious injuries. During the game three of Hampstead's men - Wardlaw, Shearcroft and Smith - were hurt. They were able to resume, but the goal-keeper, who injured his shoulder in falling, seemed to be in great pain for some time, and it was soon after this unfortunate incident that he was twice beaten by Morris.

The game might have ended differently had Hampstead scored from a penalty kick, awarded because Fletcher temporarily took on the role of goal-keeper and used his hands. Webb, entrusted with the kick, booted strongly, but wide of the net. Moody, the captain, should not have been so modest. He is a good, straight shot.

The teams lined up before a crowd of about 800 - a gate exceedingly poor for a Cup-tie.

The winning of the toss gave Barnet no great advantage. Hampstead started very promisingly, and from a corner, nicely placed by Moore, Sear shot by. Moore then made a good effort, while clever work by Sherman was nullified by Sear being given offside when receiving a pass. Barnet then took up the attack, Morris being conspicuous. He looked to be in an offside position when he tested Smith. The shot was well saved, but had it not been for a timely kick by Young, who conceded a corner, Barnet would have scored a little later. As time went on, however, it was clearly seen that the home side were bent on reversing previous verdicts, and at the end of twenty minutes they secured the well-deserved lead from a corner kick taken by Deeks, Finch finding the net.

Their second goal came shortly afterwards from a fine drive by Morris, and it was in the attempt to save the shot that Smith fell and injured his shoulder. This caused a delay of a few minutes. It was feared that he might not be able to resume, but after receiving massage treatment he again took up his position, although obviously under difficulties. Happily, for a time, Hampstead's defence had an easier time, the forwards making several attacks, from one of which came the penalty kick for flagrant handling of the ball by Fletcher. It was disappointing to the Hampstead supporters to find Webb make such poor use of the chance, but their hopes were raised when, from a corner by Sear, Moore beat Wright.

The score was thus 2-1 after thirty-five minutes' play, but Barnet made use of the remaining time before the change of ends, Morris scoring two goals.

Little need be said about the play in the second half. It was largely in Barnet's favour, but the only goal fell to Hampstead. Wright appeared to have made a wonderful save to Shearman's head shot, but the referee ruled that he had crossed the line in doing so. Barnet players protested so strongly - surrounding the referee from the goal-mouth to mid-field - that the official was led to consult the linesman. His decision was unchanged as the result, and as thirty-five minutes remained for play hopes were entertained that Hampstead might at least bring the scores level. After that, however, Barnet never looked back, but could not score, thanks to exceptionally good work on the part of Smith, who again proved himself a goal-keeper of first rank. On the other hand, the visiting forwards were very feeble. The position might have been improved by the transfer of Sherman to his proper position, but Moody did not entertain the suggestion offered him from the stand by some of the Hampstead supporters.

Barnet must be congratulated upon the win, which was well merited. it was in the forward line that their superiority was most marked. Deeks, who served Hampstead for a season, is still a fine player, and Morris is a capable successor to Sparrow in the centre.