Sterling Athletic gave up the right of playing the London [Challenge] Cup tie with Hampstead on their own ground, and paid the penalty, Hampstead winning by seven goals to one. A good crowd gathered on Monday evening at Cricklewood-lane: their mid-week games give many who cannot spare a Saturday afternoon [a chance] of seeing good football. Sterling Athletic came with a good reputation, but they proved no match for Hampstead, who would probably have beaten them on any other ground. There was one change in the home side from that which did duty on Saturday at Enfield, A.L. Baker playing at outside right as partner to Lakin. Before the close, however, the two changed places. Baker has a fine turn of speed, and sent in some good shots, but many would have preferred Briscoe.

A feature of the first half was the fine understanding between the left wing forwards, Wise and Howell. The latter took advantage of the captain's deft passes, and centred most accurately. Many good chances, however, were missed. Lakin was sadly at fault on one occasion, but he was not the only offender. Now and again the Athletic got away, but Evans has seldom had an easier time than he experienced in the first half hour. Eventually Wise opened the scoring, and to him alone goes the credit. He worked his way through two or three opponents, and put the ball where it ought to have been at least half a dozen times before, judging by the pressure which had been exercised. Just before half time Wise got another, with a good shot, and had hard luck in not completing the hat trick before the change of ends, the ball striking the cross-bar. Owing to the fading light, the teams did not retire at the interval.

In the second half the visitors shaped somewhat better, but fared worse so far as keeping Hampstead at bay was concerned. Goals came rapidly. From a corner kick Brewer headed the third. Lewis Smith scored from a penalty. Day accepted a pass from the left wing, and headed in. Lakin was doubtless encouraged by obtaining No. 6, and Wise got the seventh and thus did the hat trick. This was the end of the scoring by the home side. Just before the close Sterling obtained their first and only goal, through Feathers, and the spectators could afford to be generous with their cheers.

It may seem strange to criticise the forward line when seven goals are scored, but there was room for improvement. As on Saturday, many excellent chances were thrown away. It was heart-breaking to see opportunities wasted. True, luck was often on the side of the victors, but the home team had only themselves to blame for not piling up a big score before the change of ends. The club that wants to get to the top of the Athenian League must not throw chances away. On Monday's form most of the clubs Hampstead have to meet in the League could beat Sterling Athletic easily.