Hampstead beat Barnet, for the fourth time this season, at Claremont-road, on Saturday, by four goals to one - a score which was in accordance with the run of play, Hampstead being decidedly the better side, particularly in the first half, although in that period they scored only once. Barnet did better after the change of ends as far as attack was concerned, but Hampstead got another couple of goals before the visitors opened their account, and in the closing minutes obtained their fourth.

This was a "friendly" match in the sense that nothing was at stake, but unlike most matches of the kind, it was as interesting as if the possession of a cup depended upon the result. The players were keen, but clean in their work. The "gate" was on the small side, due largely to the bitterly cold afternoon.

The game was arranged in consequence of both sides being without a League fixture. It was fortunate that this was so, as calls had been made upon both clubs for players to represent the Athenian League against the Corinthians at Crystal Palace. Hampstead had to give up Smith and Shearcroft, while Sparrow and Garrett were selected Barnet players.

Hampstead welcomed the return of Wardlaw (who has completed his honeymoon) and Parsons, the latter giving Owens the chance to recover from a shaking-up at Enfield. The centre-forward, who comes from Botwell Mission, is deserving of a further trial, as also is Graves, who, after playing for the Reserves, got his chance of appearing in the first eleven because Smy had accepted the invitation to play for Tottenham Hotspur against Southampton Reserves. Graves is a most promising youngster. That he was called "Tich" indicates that he is on the small side, but if that is his only fault all will be well. He certainly showed a good deal of vim.

The appearance of Burr in goal for Barnet caused some surprise. H. Wright was to play in that position, but we understand that he, like Smy, also had a call from Tottenham, and those responsible for the Barnet side were in a quandary on Saturday morning. Happily for them, Burr, who is one of their old players, consented to fll the gap. Barnet have not been happy with goal-keepers this season. With the capture of Thornett it was thought they had got one of the best custodians in amateur football, but his form in recent matches has been disappointing, and he has for the time being dropped out of the side. Jack Burr's worth in goal is well known. Despite long service, he has retained his form in a remarkable degree, and, but for accidents, would probably have been keeping for Leyton at the moment.

It was largely due to Burr that Hampstead's goals were limited to four. The first half was well advanced before he was beaten, although he was never idle for any length of time. He had at least six shots to Trevers's one. Without Sparrow, Barnet's forwards were weak, and Hampstead's familiar half-back line, as strong as ever, had a comparatively easy time. When they were beaten, Webb and Parsons were ready, and although Parsons was not too sound in his kicking, and was prone to concede corners, Trevers, on such a cold day, had an easy job. Probably, as the weather was cold, he would have felt happier with more work. Hampstead's only goal in this half came through Shone, who accepted a pass from Graves, who was very near the corner flag before sending the ball across. It was a good goal, and the combined success of the two youngsters was recognised. Until then Burr had dealt in a capable manner with all kinds of shots. Much good work was done by the extreme wingers, Sherman and Moore, but it required more seasoned players to turn their centres into goals.

In the second half Barnet did better, but at no time looked like winning the game. From corner kicks taken by Sherman, Wardlaw scored two goals, and between these a fine shot by Shone almost took effect. Morris, with a good shot, brought the score to 3-1, but in the closing minutes Bucci got through for Hampstead, giving them a victory by the same score as brought them through the Middlesex Charity Cup match at Barnet on December 1st.

The work of Hampstead's half-back line was in a large measure responsible for the victory, and had Moody and Wardlaw been available the previous Saturday Hampstead would not have gone down so badly against Enfield and dropped two valuable League points.