Although showing form immeasurably better than they had done in the Middlesex Cup-tie against R.A.F. (Uxbridge), Hampstead met with another defeat by the same score (2-0) against Kingstonian on Saturday in the Athenian League, at Claremont-road, and as three of the clubs below them in the table gained full points, it will be gathered that something exceptional will have to be done to avoid the bottom two places.

It was bad luck, rather than bad play, that brought about defeat in this game. Early in the game Shearcroft was involved in a collision which led to his being carried off the field and subsequently to hospital for treatment of a nasty gash over the eye. At one point Hampstead had the services of eight men only, Wardlaw and Neil also being injured, but happily they were soon able to resume. Neil came a cropper against the fence when endeavouring to prevent the ball going over the touch-line.

Having regard to all the circumstances, Hampstead did well in keeping a clean sheet in the first half. In this period, it is true, they had the benefit of the wind, but they were obviously bent on atoning for the disappointing exhibition against the Airmen, and even after Reinke had been left without a partner they had territorially the better of the argument. The shooting, however, left something to be desired.

Kingstonian opened with some delightful football, and right through the game Macey, at inside-left, was a force to be reckoned with. There was skill in all his movements, and when his side was pressed he made a fourth half-back.

The game had not been long in progress, however, before Hampstead were well holding their own. After Shorland had been fortunate in getting his foot to the ball as it was going into the goal-mouth a fine shot by Young brought a corner to Hampstead. This, as well as several others, was well taken by Reinke, but F.G. Rassell headed out of danger. Moody sent in a long beautiful shot which Harman managed to tip over the bar, but there are few better defences in the League than the Kingstonian's, and by positioning themselves well and kicking strongly and surely, the brothers Rassell saved Harman much work. After Shearcroft had been carried off - a distinct loss having regard to his excellent work to this stage - the rest of the team seemed fired with extra enthusiam, and two corners followed, and when Wardlaw had had to leave the field owing to knee trouble, it seemed as if there must be a conspiracy against Hampstead. It would not have been surprising if Kingstonian had netted two or three times, but the home backs made superhuman efforts to stave off disaster, Shorland, in particular, being prominent. While inclined to take risks, he seldom failed in his objective, his "dipping" for the ball being not only spectacular but effective. Neil, injured, was also off the field for a time, but with his return and the recovery of Wardlaw things looked brighter, and had Levy been able to show his true form some goals would probably have been scored. Smy worked heroically, and Reinke, who took a roving commission, put a good deal of spirit into the play.

Half-time arrived without a goal, and while there was much to be pleased with in the play of Hampstead, it was felt that, with the disadvantage of playing one short and against the wind, this would not be an easy task in the second period.

This proved to be the case. The opening was poor, with Shorland dropping down badly winded, but he is a courageous fellow, and in a minute or so he was fighting for his side with increased vigour, if that were possible. Kingstonian were often dangerous, Smith having to deal with some awkward shots. Macey had to be watched incessantly, and it is a tribute to his qualities that there was generally a cheer when a Hampstead player got the better of him. The halves worked splendidly, and there was no falling off in the work of the backs, although they were much pressed. Although he failed in his effort, Smy was responsible for much clever manoeuvring, and it was gratifying to see Hampstead keeping their end up so well. At length, however, Macey got his reward. With Smith out of position, he scored an easy goal, and a little later he was responsible for the second, although in his efforts to clear Moody gave it the finishing touch.

We hesitate to say that had injuries to Hampstead players not occurred, they would have won the game; but it is probable that they would have gained one point, which would have been most acceptable. There was more vim than usual in their play, and all came out of the ordeal with credit, if not glory, but no harm would be done by giving Sear another chance in the forward line. Kingstonian have a good all-round side, and Macey, who has many years of football behind him, retains his skill to a wonderful degree.