Hampstead Town had the privilege of visiting Luton Clarence for the opening of their new ground at Rounds Green, and were defeated by two goals to none. The match was for points in the Athenian League, in which Hampstead have started badly, two points only being registered in four games. Many changes have been made in the Clarence team since last season but a capital eleven was fielded, it being decided to make the opening match on the new enclosure a successful one.

Hampstead had a small but enthusiatic following, but they found little to make the trip a happy one. Although the visitors had a little better of the opening exchanges, it was not long before Luton, who had the advantage of a strong wind, scored the opening goal through Ford, and soon after Hoar scored a second.

The ground was by no means in perfect condition, and although the home side were handicapped, Hampstead Town were more so. The strong wind was also difficult to overcome, and there was very little good football. Some half-dozen balls were in use at some time or other during the game. In the first half there were a good many free kicks, and the relationships between the players were not very harmonious. In due time, however, a better feeling prevailed, and the Hampstead players were truly sorry when Ford, who had been showing excellent form, had to be removed to hospital through an unfortunate accident in which three of the players (including Evans) were involved.

Hampstead, it was thought, would, with the change of ends, trouble the Clarence defence. Shawyer had not been playing with too much confidence in goal, and it was hoped that Wise, at any rate, would test him severely. Even with ten men, however, Luton held their own. For the most part Hampstead had the better of the play, but it was impossible to get the ball into goal. How Wise on one occasion failed is a mystery. The left wing was well marked, Wise's reputation as a deadly shot being well known. He had a very good partner in Smith, but the front line as a whole was not convincing. In an attempt to improve matters Briscoe took up the centre-forward position, but still the much desired goal did not come. Hampstead had very hard luck, but on the whole the Clarence deserved to win.