Though Hampstead, after a terrific struggle, have been beaten for top place in the Athenian League race, they have scored more goals than any other side, and with the exception of the leaders (Walthamstow Avenue) have proved to be soundest in defence.

Of 26 games, they have won 15, drawn 6, and lost 5, with a goal average of 82-35. Their total of 36 points is two fewer than Walthamstow's, but two more than those of Barnet and Barking, who are placed third and fourth.

Coupled with the fact that Hampstead Reserves have won the Reserve Section of the League with 39 points, one more than Sutton, it has been a successful season for Hampstead.

Their match on Saturday at Claremont Road was against Uxbridge Town, who had twice this season beaten them; by 3-2 in the Middlesex Senior Cup, and by 2-1 in the League. Except for the latter defeat Hampstead had not suffered a League reverse since the middle of March.

Hampstead atoned on Saturday by winning 4-1, but Uxbridge had more of the play than the score would indicate. But coupled with the fact that the visitors were bad finishers, Smith kept goal splendidly, as he has done many times this season. This was fortunate, because Hampstead's backs were not at their best.

Hampstead had the usual team with the exception that C. Drinkwater, who has been playing fairly regularly for Hendon, made his first appearance at Claremont Road in Hampstead's first team. He played at outside-left, a position that has been difficult to fill, and while it cannot be said that Drinkwater was an outstanding success, he played slightly better than one or two he had displaced. Broadis was again at left-half, and though repetition becomes wearisome, those watching the game will endorse our view that success was once again largely due to the play of the halves, Bucci, as the pivot, being exceptionally strong in both attack and defence.

Evans and Breagan shared the goals, but apart from this we single them out as the two best forwards, although Rowe, who stood down the previous Thursday, did much useful work. Breagan, however, looked thoroughly worn out towards the end of the game.

Uxbridge Town through this defeat have, with Bromley, to seek re-election to the League, but any change in the personnel next season is unlikely, despite the fact that some strong clubs, including Finchley, have applied for admission. We understand that Uxbridge could have had the assistance of a number of players belonging to other Leagues for Saturday's game had they desired, but they preferred to play their usual men, and we think that attitude deserves commendation. At the last moment they brought in a reserve player, A. Hollister, who did fairly well at centre-forward.

Play opened in favour of Hampstead. Indeed, Smith's position in goal for an appreciable time was almost a sinecure. There was a tendency on the part of Hampstead to give Drinkwater a chance of showing his worth, but he was not too successful. Goodwin had a taste of Spalton's shooting powers, and his clearance was commendable. At the end of 10 minutes Hampstead opened the scoring though Breagan following a corner kick by Drinkwater. This was well placed, as indeed were a number of others from the corner flag.

Uxbridge retaliated, but, thanks to a fine header from Bucci, were foiled, and then Evans scored for Hampstead, Goodwin being out of position. He could hardly be blamed, however; had he kept at home he would undoubtedly have been beaten before Evans had been given his chance.

After this the play was fairly even. Those who were hoping that Hampstead would pile up a big score which would result in their being League champions on goal average if Walthamstow should fail against Romford were disappointed that no further successes came before the interval. Their forwards were not too impressive. Their chief trouble was that they could not master the wiles of Gower and Carr, who persistently put them offside. This tended to spoil the game for the onlooker.

The second half opened in favour of Uxbridge, and some of those from the West Middlesex town seemed confident that they would win. But another goal from Breagan put the issue beyond doubt, despite the fact that the persistency of the visitors eventually had its reward, Trevor Jones, at outside right, from a pass by Ballard, beating Smith. Uxbridge well deserved this goal, as they had had a good deal of bad luck.

The last goal came from Evans, after running from a point near the centre of the field. It was a clever bit of work. Just previously he made a similar run and finished by striking the side of the net.

Uxbridge made a gallant rally in the closing stages, but Smith effected another grand save.

To signify the splendid way in which they had finished their League programme the Hampstead players received loud cheers on retiring to the dressing room.

This was the closing match at Claremont Road, but Hampstead have yet another fixture. This is at Wealdstone tomorrow (Saturday), when they will meet Hayes in the final of the Middlesex Charity Cup. The kick-off is at 3.30.