One will have to go back many years to trace such a severe home defeat as was experienced by Hampstead on Saturday, a team from Tottenham Hotspur being winners by seven goals to none. Big as the score was, the 'Spurs were value for every goal, and indeed, a few more, and when we say that S.R. Smith, Hampstead's goal-keeper, was in his best form, it will readily be gathered that the visiting forwards were a very hot lot. Hampstead should have scored at least twice, but chances were fumbled, Shearcroft making a huge blunder when at close quarters he failed to shoot into an open goal.

Although the game was one-sided as far as figures went, it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The "gate" ran into about £50, not a bad figure for a friendly match in these days when there is so much competitive football. The change was an agreeable one. The 'Spurs brought an exceptionally good team, and unlike some professional clubs, played the game throughout, that is to say, they did not ease up when they found they had got the upper hand. Too often there is much fooling about in friendlies by the stronger side. Play was keen but thoroughly clean, scarcely a foul being awarded throught the game. Moreover the referee turned a blind eye to cases of handling where he believed it was unintentional, and consequently little was heard of the whistle, which was quite refreshing. A few more friendly games of this type would be acceptable.

The action of the 'Spurs executive in sending such a strong team was a compliment to Hampstead which was much appreciated. We understand that no portion of the gate was claimed by the visiting club. Probably it was recognised that there was a moral obligation to do Hampstead a good turn for depriving them of the services of Jimmy Smy, who has been sadly missed.

Moody was unfortunately absent from the home side, [which is shown below.] This was Gibbs' first appearance for Hampstead : he has for a long time been found in Barking's defence.

There were two changes from Tottenham's advertised team, Handley and W. Grainger giving place to L. Graves and E. Bungay. [The team is shown below.]

Tottenham soon proved they were unquestionably the better side. The forwards, keeping well in position so that passes did not go astray, were fast and clever, a nice shot by Hartley, who has not been long in the professional ranks, being the first to test Smith seriously. Hartley and Graves made an effective pair, but the right wing pair commanded even more respect, and Parsons had a trying time. Fortunately there was evidence that he hs almost completely recovered his old form. After one or two spasmodic efforts by Hampstead, which did not spell success, Hartley opened the scoring for Tottenham with a magnificent shot which proved much too good for Smith.

Half-an-hour elapsed befote Tottenham scored again, and in the meantime Smith covered himself with glory. He has given many good exhibitions for Hampstead, but he has never been called upon to face such a fusillade of shots - many of the highest order - as he had in this match. Ably led by Galloway, the forwards passed with great judgment. Some of their moves were of the surprise order, and Smith was often doubtful from which of the five trouble would come. Fortunately for Hampstead, the visiting forwards were not always on the mark, and there was much good humour when the ball went flying over the bar. Now and again one also heard a cry of "Windy!" when the ball was put over the touch-line to prevent danger.

From a left wing pass Davis scored the 'Spurs second goal a few minutes before the interval, this again being a shot which would have beaten most custodians. On the run of the play Hampstead were fortunate in not being more than two goals down at the change of ends.

In the second half Hampstead put up a much better fight, although in the matter of goal-scoring they fared worse. Not many minutes had passed before Davis again found the net, and Crompton in double quick time got a fourth. Before the next goal came Hampstead put in some very good work, but Shearcroft was not at his best, and wasted a number of chances by getting offside. The 'Spurs backs kicked strongly and consistently, and supported as they were by a fine trio of halves, the Hampstead forwards played without very much hope. When chances came they were missed, and nothing could have been more galling than the manner in which Shearcroft failed to find the net when all opposition had been beaten.

An injury to Wardlaw, which compelled him to retire, to return later to exchange places with Moore, did not help matters, and in the closing stages Tottenham scored further goals through Hartley, Crompton, and Graves, the final score being 7-0 against Hampstead.

The 'Spurs made Hampstead look a sorry side, but we venture to say they would have beaten most amateur teams. To play against such an eleven was an experience for most of the Hampstead men, and no doubt they will profit thereby.

Smith, Webb and Parsons did well in defence, despite the score ; and Bucci was the best of the halves, although we should have preferred to see Moody as pivot. The forwards have done nothing striking in the last few games. Sherman did well at outside-right, and Gibbs showed adaptability in a new position, but there has been a falling off in other positions.