A record crowd witnessed a thrilling encounter at Avenue Ground, Child's Hill, on Saturday, between Hampstead Town and the Gnome [Athletic] F.C. in the fourth qualifying round of the English Cup, the result being a draw, 1-1.

Child's Hill was en fete for the occasion, and thirty motor char-a-bancs gaily decorated with club colours etc., brought Gnome's supporters to cheer their team. Long before the kick-off the stand and enclosure were packed, and every inch of space round the playing pitch filled with enthusiastic spectators. The Child's Hill Prize Band, as usual, enlivened the period of waiting with a fine selection of music.

The teams took to the field promptly to time, the shout which greeted Gnome being re-echoed with interest when the Hampstead players entered. From start to finish the play was keen, fast, and exciting with Hampstead predominating in attack to such a degree that two extraordinarily fine chances of scoring somehow miscarried. One, a splendid final " tap " by D.R. Bullough with the goalkeeper beaten, was scooped out, if not from the goal itself, as some declared, then from the goal line by an amazing effort on the part of Gnome's left back, A. Willis. Finally G.F. Blackburn, with a grand individual effort, gave Hampstead the lead with a gorgeous shot. The Town suffered a bit of bad luck when J.H. Parker (right-half) had to temporarily retire with injuries, fot it was during this period that Gnome's sharpshooting inside-left, J. Dillimore, who had previously been well cared for, got through and scored a good goal right on half-time.

The exchanges were very even in the second period, with Hampstead again more dangerous in attack, and sound in defence. W. McKee, who played a grand game in goal for the visitors, saved his side from defeat when he left his charge and pluckily snatched the ball from the foot of D.R. Bullough who had completely beaten the defence and was dribbling at top speed with the goal at his mercy.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Hampstead will be on view at the Avenue Ground in an Athenian League encounter with Summerstown F.C., one of the leading suburban senior clubs.