In a strenuous game last Saturday at the Avenue ground, Hampstead Town obtained ample recompense for their recent defeat by Finchley, who were the visitors in the fourth round of the London Senior Cup, and were good value for their victory by 2 goals to 0 on this occasion. The proximity of the headquarters of the two clubs naturally aroused keen local interest, and some 1,500 enthusiasts were rewarded with a bustling game. The Town were quickly on the aggressive, T. Ballard, the well-known Finchley goalkeeper, being called upon to repel many hot shots, which he did in his usual masterly style. Profiting by the experience gained in their previous encounter, the Town defence successfully checkmated the movements of the opposing forwards. This was particularly noticeable in the case of Crowden, Finchley’s speedy right winger, who had a great deal to do with the Town’s downfall in the previous game, but who on this occasion was rarely in the picture, being carefully guarded by G. Garlick, who is temporarily assisting the Town at left half, but will shortly resume his proper position at outside-left. No score ensued until nearing the interval, when Tomkins (who is proving very successful at inside left) netted from a mix up in the goalmouth, and the referee allowed the goal despite Finchley's protests to the contrary. At the other end Belson got in a red-hot shot, which, luckily for Hampstead, cannoned off a defender. After the interval the light - never good - became worse and it was a matter of extreme difficulty to follow the play. For a time, Finchley had the better of the play, but failed to press home their advantage, and seldom looked like scoring. Injuries to Heath and Parker caused stoppages but both players pluckily resumed. Wiseman put a grand shot, which Matthews saved. Hampstead then took up the attack, and eventually scored through H. Hyde. Matthews gave a good display in the Town goal, and Horbury, who has been operating with the “A” team and got his chance with the first eleven through the indisposition of W. H. Hooper, more than pleased the crowd at left back. A Finchley writer states that the visiting defence was not the department of the team at fault. Ballard was good as usual; Woolner was the best back on the field, and Springall tackled well. Lizziemore was the most prominent of the halves, but the line was not so virile and effective as that of the Town and showed a falling off from recent form. The forwards never touched the level of the last few games. Crowden failed to centre quickly enough; Heath showed some clever touches, but neglected to shoot; Belson was a trier, but had few opportunities; and the left wing suffered from the inability of the Rev, H. S. McClelland to fill the injured Vine’s position adequately.

Finchley having raised a technical objection regarding the eligibility of the Town’s left back, C. J. Horbury, in the tie, in which they were beaten on their merits, the protest has been upheld by the Association, and the replay will take place on the Finchley ground on December 27th. There is considerable feeling in Hampstead as to whether this taking advantage of a technicality of the law due entirely to oversight, is in accordance with the highest code of sportsmanship.