Hampstead advanced a further stage in the F.A. Cup competition on Saturday, their guests at Claremont-road, Welwyn Garden City, being beaten by seven goals to four. As the visitors figure in the Division II of the Spartan League, it cannnot be said that Hampstead can take much credit for their victory. At one time it looked as though Welwyn would be quite out of the hunt, Hampstead scoring four goals in less than fifteen minutes, Smy being responsible for the first three and Shearcroft for the fourth. The next three goals, however, were scored by Welwyn, who must have thought themselves very fortunate in reaching the interval with only one goal to the bad. It is true that up to this time Hampstead had been playing in the teeth of a strong wind, but even with such an obstacle to contend with, there should have been a greater margin in their favour having regards to their scoring propensities at the start.

Naturally it was with some satisfaction to local supporters when Smy soon after the restart scored the fifth goal for Hampstead, and the fourth from his own foot ; and a little later he crowned one of his best day's work for Hampstead by scoring their sixth goal ; while the scoring for the home side was completed by Shearcroft, who headed a fine goal from a corner kick taken by Anderson. Just on time Welwyn got their fourth goal.

As was stated by us would be the case, Smith and Ryding, who have been out of form, were left out of the forward line, Shearcroft taking up again the centre-forward position, and J. Lovell, who has been playing well for the Reserves, being chosen for outside-right, Young moving to the inside berth. While the forward line is still lacking many of the qualities that make for success, the changes were for the good. Lovell gave indications that in time he may prove to be the player that has been looked for, although he is not yet a star man. Shearcroft did well in the centre, apart from scoring two goals, and should retain the position. Young was not in form, at times his shooting being badly at fault. We have already mentioned the work of Smy, and we should also like to pay a tribute to the value of Howell, especially in the early stages, it being from his well-timed passes that Smy was able to be so effective. Wardlaw was again the pick of the halves: he has been most consistent this season. Pease did not give complete satisfaction. The fact that four goals were scored against Hampstead does not place the defence in a strong light, but the condition of the ground hampered the backs tremendously, and in many matches last Saturday scoring ruled high. Parsons was again brilliant.

For Welwyn, Risley scored the first and last goals, the second was obtained by Fisher, inside-right, and the third was from a penalty kick, taken by Saggers, the ball having been handled by one of the Hampstead men in front of goal.

Runchman, in the Welwyn goal, gave a good display once he had settled down, and saved many fine shots, while the backs kicked strongly. At the beginning it seeemed more than possible that Hampstead would run well into double figures, but the pace set by them at the start was too hot to maintain.

Those spectators who had not the shelter of the grand stand had a rather uncomfortable afternoon, but the game was thoroughly interesting, and the tone of it much better than that in the Sutton match. There was a good referee in Mr. H.F. Gibson, and his decisions were loyally accepted.

The bad weather conditions had an effect on the gate takings, but there was a good attendance, and the visitors must have left with an acceptable cheque and certainly with the knowledge that they had given a good account of themselves on the field.