In a sense Hampstead may be considered fortunate that their game on Saturday at Claremont-road was abandoned about ten minutes before time, as they were then a goal down. It must not be forgotten, however, that in losing the toss Hampstead had had to play during the first half in the teeth of a piercing wind and driving rain, at the end of which period they were two goals behind. Cheshunt were consequently the fresher side when the change-over was made, but although the wind had somewhat abated, the visiting players found the conditions required exceptional stamina, and as the game progressed signs of distress were apparent.

Notwithstanding the fact that they scored a third goal, Hampstead were going strongly when the referee called a halt. He was induced to do so beacuse Cheshunt's number of players had been brought down to eight, the other three having sought the shelter of the dressing-room. They appeared in a pitiable state, and some excuse must be made for them. The ground was in a bad condition, but not, of course, worse than thousands of others where football was played, and it could not have been on this account alone that the game was brought summarily to an end.

Hampstead had just got a second goal when the end came, and with ten minutes to go it was quite possible that even with a full team against them they would have effected a draw, and perhaps have won, seeing that the conditions at the moment were overwhelmingly in their favour, but the general opinion was that the referee (Mr. A. Goodman) had acted wisely, and certainly considerately.

Hampstead had extracted three League points from the two games with Cheshunt this season, but their chances of winning this Cup-tie, even at home, were dwarfed by the fact that the three newcomers - Moody, Owens and Neil - were not eligible, and that neither Parsons nor Bloxham was available to take the place of Owens at left-back. In the circumstances Brazier partnered Shorland at back. One of the most loyal of players, whose football career has been seriously interfered with by accidents. Brazier played a useful game, and the spectators, recognising his sporting instincts, did not forget to cheer him when he did anything noteworthy. The return of Harold Pease to centre-half was also an omen that friendly relations have been restored, even though he may not always be available.

When it offers no advantage, Wardlaw, the Hampstead captain, can be relied on to win the toss, but on this occasion, when there was no question as to which was the better end to attack, the Cheshunt skipper had the privilege of selection and it was early seen that his side had a distinct advantage. True, Pease was the first to get in a reasonably good shot, and then Smy sent by the post, and then a little miscalculation on the part of Brazier almost let the visitors through. This was, however, his only really serious mistake, and some of his clearances under difficulties were most creditable. Smy was clearly the pick of the Hampstead forwards, his cleverness with the ball and his insatiable desire for work being wonderful in view of the two hard games - against the R.A.F and Norfolk - in which he had taken part on Wednesday and Thursday. Levy was not so useful as on most occasions, for while he made good progress with the ball, he failed to lift it sufficiently from the wing to give the inside men a chance. Cheshunt were well served by Halfhide and Harper and Hampstead were fortunate in finding that a shot from the former - a grand effort - failed to take effect. Sear, who played quite a useful game, sent in a number of nice centres, from one of which Shearcroft was a bit unlucky in not heading through.

The first goal came at the end of about fifteen minutes through Harper, following a corner kick; and before the game had advanced much further Fox, who had originally been chosen at right-half, scored a second goal. After this reverse Hampstead set up a hot attack, Shearcroft heading the heavy ball on many occasions in the direction of goal, but just failing to elude Miles, who fielded well. The half-backs also joined in the attack, one effort by Young, who was an untiring worker, being worthy of note, but the interval came with Hampstead two goals down.

In the second half play was largely at the same end, but Hampstead had the pleasure of attacking instead of defending. In a very short time Cheshunt's lead had been reduced through Sear, who, receiving from Shearcroft, sent in a beautiful shot from the wing which, to the surprise of most people, curled into the net. But for the wind help would have been necessary from another player for a goal to have been scored.

Levy did much better in this half, but the outstanding forward was undoubtedly Smy, Sear being a good second. Smy worked his way past several opponents time after time, and he deserved better fortune with his final efforts. It speaks well for the pluck of Cheshunt that they should score the next goal, the greasy state of the ball leading to Smith's undoing. Miller, the old St. Albans player, notched this goal.

It then looked as if the issue was beyond doubt, for there was a good deal of dilly-dallying by Hampstead in front of goal, but at length Levy gave them a second point. It was at this stage that, finding the Cheshunt players were showing signs of distress, and that three of them had left the field, the referee caused the game to be abandoned.

The ground was in a shocking state at the finish, but there is satisfaction in the knowledge that it is a great improvement on the old enclosure at Cricklewood-lane.

Shorland, Young and Smy were outstanding players on the Hampstead side, and for Cheshunt, Warren, Bryant, Halfhide, and Harper did good work.