St. Albans City turned the tables on Hampstead at the Child's Hill ground on Saturday, defeating the Town in the divisional semi-final of the English Cup by four goals to two. In the corresponding match last season Hampstead visited and ousted the City from the competition in a memorable encounter, and a good match was therefore anticipated on Saturday. The record gate of over 5,000 included two special train-loads of supporters from the City. It was obvious from the start that Hampstead were much below their general standard, and the visitors, more energetic and dangerous throughout, put them on the defence far more than was expected, a situation in which the slippery turf and the sun considerably worried the Town.

At the kick-off Hampstead got away hopefully, but two glorious chances of scoring were missed, and P.E. Pierce then opened the account for the visitors with a pretty shot, receiving a centre from H.R. Miller. Pierce and Miller played well on opposite wings, and soon added to the score, Pierce again getting in. Play now went round to the City goal, and Briscoe, receiving the ball from Wise, put in a hot shot, but sent over the bar. Following a clear run down by White, Wilson (one of the Town's reserves) obtained possession with an open field and reduced the lead, but in spite of a determined effort Hampstead made no further headway before half-time arrived.

After change of ends the City attacked strongly, and E. Miller called Evans out to save. Evans was compelled to give away a corner, but subsequently brought off a nice save. The City were playing a fast yet cool game, and Evans was tried again and again, but proved himself a splendid goalkeeper, and saved his team from a heavy defeat. After some good passing Butcher added a third for St. Albans. Hampstead made an effort and reached the visitors' ground, but Kirby failed before the goal after taking a centre from Briscoe. Again the home team were driven back, and after saving two hot shots Evans was beaten by Minter. It was clearly all up with Hampstead, but shortly before the whistle sounded Wise raised their score to two.

The visiting halves, particularly H. Figg, and the whole of their forwards, were on top form, and St. Albans thoroughly deserved the victory in a clean and enjoyable game.