Finchley's supporters - and also many of Hampstead's who were present - were given a good exhibition of clever forward play when Hampstead visited Finchley on Saturday for a friendly game in connection with the opening of the new grandstand on the Summers Lane ground. Hampstead had things all their own way and had little difficulty in winning by 5-2.

The game was fast and keen and was somewhat of a trial match for the benefit of the Finchley selection committee, who, if they wish their team to obtain a "gate" worthy of the stand, will have to make alterations to effect the production of a first-class team. Finchley have three matches this week, and these three will exact all the effort and energy possible from the players. It seems as if they have got the centre-forward they have been looking for and J.C. Brooks, of the Reserves, made a favourable impression on Saturday. With Cox and Garrett as the wingers, only two good inside forwards are needed for the completion of what should be a first-class forward line, which should be given time to settle down together. Jaggs is not ideal at centre-half, and it is unfortunate that both Barr and Judd, the right-half, have been dropped.

In the Hampstead team the outstanding players were Evans and Moore in the forward line, and Young at right-half.

On Saturday Finchley played Brooks at centre-forward instead of Bush, who moved to inside-left. J. Smith played at outside-right in place of Garrett, who moved to the inside position. Mealand played at right-half in place of Judd.

Hampstead made two changes. J. Stimpson, of the Reserves, came in at right-back, and another reserve player, J. Edwards, took the place of C.H. Walsh at inside-right.

The referee was Mr. D.N. Griffiths. Mr P.T. Harrison (surveyor to Finchley Council) kicked off.

About ten minutes after play commenced Hampstead scored, Young, the right-half, finding the net with a long drive and high shot. Two minutes later, from a corner, Bucci centred for Shearcroft to score. Shearcroft added a third by heading in from Evans' pass. Hampstead forced another corner, which proved fruitless, Robinson heading out after Wicking had failed to intercept the ball.

The clever and swift combination play of the Hampstead forwards kept Finchley, for the most part, on the defensive. Shearcroft sustained a slight injury and then there was a fumble round the Hampstead goal when Bush missed a chance to score. Another pretty forward movement by Hampstead was broken up by the Finchley backs.

Robinson on several occasions deserted the back line to go and play with the Finchley halves, but this was not a good policy. At half-time the score was: Finchley 0, Hampstead 3.

Early in the second half Brooks scored Finchley's first goal - a nice sharp close-up shot. The Finchley forwards had a brief period when they came into the limelight. Bush and Brooks broke away for Garrett to receive and send in a nice low shot which was well cleared. In another effort Bush shot hard and Smith saved well.

Then Hampstead regained their supremacy in the game and Moore shot across the goal. There were several exciting moments when Bush nearly scored for Finchley, Smith clearing his shot, and just afterwards the latter was injured, but able to resume after attention. Evans scored for Hampstead and Brooks another for Finchley when he received from Cox, who had in turn received from Bush. Smith made another fine save in goal for Hampstead before Bucci, scoring for the visitors, brought the final score to Finchley 2, Hampstead 5.