Having won their way through the qualifying competition of the Amateur Cup Hampstead Town were called upon to entertain the Casuals in the first round proper on Saturday at Cricklewood-lane, and to their credit they emerged victorious from a gruelling game by two goals to none. In view of the strong team put in the field by the Casuals - the eleven included some players who have appeared in the colours of the Corinthians - it was a fine performance, but it was generally agreed that Hampstead thoroughly deserved their victory.

Indeed, it is looked upon as one of the best performances in the history of the club. It was recognised that their form would have to be of the very best to win, but they rose to the occasion. Individually some of the Casuals were superior to the home side, but as a team Hampstead worked with cohesion, and all are entitled to credit for the victory.

Particularly pleasing was the manner in which the defence came through the ordeal, Brazier and Bloxham both playing splendidly at back, while Sweetman and Harris operated successfully both in defence and attack. The value of Harris against a very strong left wing was pronounced. Sweetman had to leave the field during the first half, but happily his injuries were not serious, and upon his return he played as well as ever.

Hampstead Town fielded the team which, in the absence of Field, whose return this season is improbable, is now regarded as their best, and the Casuals, who were a hefty lot, included six internationals. The ground was very muddy, a veritable quagmire in places, but this was not the deciding factor, and if anything the conditions favoured the visitors.

Although play was fairly even during the first half, the Casuals had more opportunities of scoring than Hampstead, indeed had their inside forwards taken advantage of some well-placed centres by Pinfield and Sleightholme the visitors should have established a good lead at the interval. During this period Middleboe, the old Chelsea amateur, at left-back, did a wonderful amount of work. He was always in the thick of the fight, and did not fail to use his weight, although it was quite legitimate football. At times his work was made easier by the fact that the Hampstead forwards passed too frequently in front of the goal. The condition of the ground, however, was responsible for many failures in both teams. There was difficulty in lifting the ball, and not infrequently players missed it altogether and slithered for yards in the mud. Every pair of eyes seemed to be centred on Middleboe, and there were derisive cheers when he failed, either deliberately or by accident, to keep the ball in touch. The most dangerous forward on the Hampstead side was Wise, who was not content to let others do the fetching and carrying, and he plied Smith with some beautiful passes. Although the Casuals had most of the play, there were times when it hardly seemed possible that Melville would keep his charge intact. Once there was a terrific scrimmage in the goalmouth, the attack having been initiated by Harris, and how the lines were cleared remains a mystery. When Sweetman left the field, Young, who acted as captain, went into the half-back line, the attack being weakened, but Hampstead held their own in a surprising manner, and during this period Melville was much troubled. At the interval no goals had been scored.

In the second half Hampstead gave a much improved display. Their forwards were quicker on the ball, and, owing to their fast play, the Casuals' defence was frequently in difficulties. The first goal was scored a few minutes after the restart by Wise, who had no difficulty in beating Melville from a few yards out after Middleboe had charged down a shot from Seabrooke, and to Harris a share of the credit for this goal was due. Having given proof that the Casuals' defence was not impregnable, Hampstead played up with remarkable keenness, and there was promise of a second goal when Irwin, who did exceptionally well in the second half, was fouled just outside the penalty line. The free kick did not mature, but Hampstead forced a number of corners, and more than held their own. One noticed that Wise was not given much freedom, his goal-scoring abilities being well known to the Casuals, but they could not completely hold him in subjection. Midway through the second half Hampstead scored their second goal. Irwin put in a shot, and Middleboe, in attempting to clear, steered the ball into the net. During the last ten minutes the Casuals made a great effort to reduce the lead. Middleboe moved up with the forwards, and although the larger share of the play was in front of Hampstead's goal, the defence was brilliant, and shots by Pinfield and Sloley were dealt with easily by Goodwin, who was in his best form.