Hampstead Town drew a large crowd to the Barnet ground on Saturday to witness the Middlesex Senior Cup-tie, this being the fourth meeting of the clubs this season. Of the previous games Hampstead had won twice (once at Barnet in the Amateur Cup by 5-3, and at Cricklewood-lane in the Athenian League by 2-0), the other, a League match at Barnet, going in favour of the home side 5-1. Saturday's match - a thrilling encounter - was won by Barnet by the odd goal in seven after Hampstead had twice taken the lead, so that so far as results are concerned, honours are even, with one goal in Barnet's favour. It must be remembered, however, that of the four matches three have been played at Barnet. It is possible that there may be a fifth meeting in the Middlesex Charity Cup.

From the start Hampstead got away on the left wing, Bucci threatening danger, and although the situation was relieved, Hughes sending in a fine centre which was stopped by Thorlby, the visitors had the greater share of the play in the opening stages, the combination being almost perfect. The footwork completely baffled the Barnet halves and Cousins soon gave evidence of being in form. Pease tested Burr with a good shot, and another from Ashby was tipped over the bar. From the well-placed corner, taken by Cousins, Ashby then sent behind, but at the expiration of five minutes Wise opened the scoring with a delightful header from a centre by Cousins, this success at so early a stage in the game affording untold delight to the big number of Hampstead's supporters.

Continuing to show form well in advance of the home side, Hampstead kept Burr and the backs constantly on the move, and several corners were forced. What looked suspiciously like unfair play on the part of Barnet, when Reinke looked like getting through, was disregarded by the referee. Two corners, nicely placed by Bucci, were cleared, and then came one of Wise's surprising shots, which Burr did well to save. There were many other good efforts, and once the ball struck the post. For some time the Barnet forwards did not shine greatly. Toby, at outside-left, was decidedly weak, while Harris was carefully watched by his old-time colleagues. It was Harris, however, from whom the first dangerous movement came, and he looked well pleased with his shot. Clarke, as has often been the case of late, did the work of a man and a half at back, and while giving Toby no scope, looked well after others. At the end of twenty minutes the scores were made level. Clarke did well to clear his lines at the expense of a corner, but the kick was placed so nicely that Rogers found the net.

By no means dismayed, Hampstead again took up the offensive, Bucci, beating Fletcher, sending in a nice centre, and a minute later Burr saved a header from Reinke. Unnecessary use of the elbow with Cousins in possession brought a free kick against Barnet, and from this Wise once again headed into the net, but was given offside. It was no doubt a correct decision, but at the time Hampstead had reason to complain of ill luck. However, it was not long before the visitors, for the second time, took the lead. From a free kick Cousins sent the ball well to Wise, who tested Burr with a terrific drive. The shot was saved, but Reinke caught the ball as it rebounded from the goalkeeper and forced it home. Thirty-five minutes had now elapsed, and from the manner in which they re-started, it looked odds on Hampstead at least maintaining their lead until the interval, consistent work by the halves, of whom Pease was the most prominent, giving the forwards plenty of opportunities. As a line they worked in unison, while the shooting was decidedly abover the average. Just before changing ends, however, Barnet once more equalised, and from an unexpected quarter. After a fierce onslaught by Barnet, in which Clarke and Pease, while standing on the goal-line, headed out of danger when others would have been tempted to use their fists, Toby, who until this time had done little for his side, got possession and sent in a shot which struck the far upright, the ball slowly rolling over the line out of Goodwin's reach. There appeared to be a misunderstanding on the part of the defence. Toby was as much suprised as anyone at his success, for it seemed as if his intention had been to centre the ball to one of the inside men and not direct at goal. However, its value to Barnet was as much value as the most brilliant goal ever scored, and the teams retired on equal terms, although on the run of the play Hampstead were certainly entitled to a goal lead.

The play in the second half was more in favour of Barnet, although for a time Hampstead quite held their own, if one may judge by the number of corners taken. Those for Hampstead were, for the most part, nicely taken by Cousins and Bucci, but the Barnet defence seemed much sounder than it had been in the first half. After Goodwin had saved, Harris had the pleasure of scoring against his old club, although it was not the best of goals, and then, after Hampstead had made a fierce attack, Barnet went further ahead through Toby, who found himself beautifully placed. Even then Hampstead did not regard the game as lost, the halves joining the forwards in attacking the goal. Their perseverance was rewarded, Reinke scoring, following a free kick for hands, nicely placed by Thorlby. Just on time Hampstead had a glorious chance of equalising, Wise, who had played a brilliant game, missing by inches only. Had his shot been well directed Burr must have been beaten. Just before the whistle blew Goodwin made another good save. The end thus came with Barnet winning by four goals to three.

Hampstead Town gave a display which was quite equal or even better than that given by Barnet, and they would have met with no more than their deserts had the game been drawn. Most of the goals were of the lucky order, perhaps the best being the first, obtained by Wise. The best man on the field was Pease, Hampstead's centre-half, who not only made Sparrow comparatively ineffective, but was often giving help to others on his own side. The visiting forwards showed form which was sadly missing against Ferryhill Athletic in the Amateur Cup-tie. The whole five were individually and collectively good, though Bucci needs a little more experience. The one weakness in the team was at left-back. Bloxham is a hard worker, and would probably be of more service in the half-back line, as mistakes from men in that position can sometimes be retrieved. Clarke played a fine game at right-back, but Goodwin did not appear quite so sound as usual.

Barnet have had a remarkable run of successes since they last met Hampstead Town, but their display last Saturday made us wonder how they had managed to win against teams reputed to be among the strongest in London. Their display in the first half was quite common-place. Sparrow was too well marked to do much damage, and there was a palpable weakness at outside-left. The halves did not compare favourably with Hampstead's first line of defence, but while Clarke had no superior as a back, Fletcher and Garrett made a better pair than the Hampstead couple.