Hampstead Town opened their home programme on Saturday by entertaining Enfield in the Athenian League. In the last home game of 1921-2 Enfield were beaten at Child's Hill by 6-1; on Saturday the visitors lost by 2-0, but the result was rather flattering to Hampstead, who did not get the upper hand until well towards the end. Both goals were obtained by that thrustful and resourceful young centre-forward, Travers Day, who throughout was very energetic, ever watching his opportunities.

Disappointment was felt at the enforced absence of Cecil Wise, the captain, through illness. The forward line was much weakened thereby. G.H. Perry, at inside left, was recognised as one who did very good service for Hampstead in several matches at centre forward two years back. Among the visitors was H.G. Baxter, an old-time Hampstead player, who last year appeared in Enfield's forward line. He had a good reception, but the crowd did not forget to remind him to "play the game" when he was penalised for fouls. It was, however, a clean game, as the majority of Athenian League matches are.

The match was devoid of special incident, and did not inspire enthusiasm. Enfield, with the advantage of the wind, had the better of the play in the first half. Both teams had difficulty in controlling the ball, which was very lively on the hard ground. Some good chances for Enfield went astray, but apart from inaccurate shooting, the defence of Hampstead was sound, Hughes (the old Barnet player) being cool and collected in emergencies. Hampstead had reason to be grateful to Lewis Smith: he was the conspicuous figure on the home side, and he broke up many dangerous movements before his colleagues had settled down. Enfield seemed to be much quicker on the ball, and danger was often threatened from the left wing. It seemed very difficult for the home vanguard to get going. Briscoe was watched very closely, and one saw but little effective work by him. At half time there was no score.

As soon as the game was re-started Hampstead showed greatly improved form, and the spectators, who had been very quiet and uncomfortable in the first half, saw goals looming ahead. It was some time, however, before anything tangible resulted. Travers Day made several good atttempts, and on one occasion he was fouled when he was moving rapidly towards goal. In the end he was successful, although much of the credit was due to the man behiind him, Lewis Smith, who literally forced his way through the defence and got into such a position that he placed the ball practically at Day's feet. Soon afterwards Gear, Enfield's centre, looked like equalising, and Hughes had to concede a corner, but this was abortive. Just before the end, from a centre by Howell, Travers Day netted again with a grand shot.

Although, as we have said, the game did not inspire much enthusiasm, Hampstead's supporters need not be pessimistic. Comapred with last season's results, they are one point to the good in the Athenian League. There is now a preponderance of youthful players in the side, and as they appear to have the requisite ability, and are not lacking in pace and stamina (they were much more lively at the end of Saturday's game than Enfield), good results may be confidently anticipated.