In winning by two goals to one on the Leyton ground last Saturday, Hampstead accomplished ther best feat of the season: indeed, we have to go back a long time to find them doing so creditably. They secured two much-needed League points despite the fact that once again a substitute had to be found at outside-right for Sherman (it looks as if they will no longer have his services); and an injury to Butland also weakened the side in the second half.

It is not to be disputed that Leyton had the bigger share of the play, but this statement simply means that the Hampstead defence came out of the ordeal with distinction. Victory can be in large measure be traced to the improved play of Mead and Elwell. The latter has had ankle trouble, but now that this drawback has been removed we can look forward with confidence to more displays equal to that against Leyton. He had the more dangerous wing to tackle, but his kicking was stronger, and when danger was too pronounced he preferred putting the ball in touch instead of giving his opponents a loophole. Mead did great work as pivot, and skilfully frustrated many movements by the clever Leyton forwards, who were more conspicuous for their work in midfield than for deadliness in shooting.

But this does not imply that Smith did not have to be constantly on the look-out. He was anxious to do well. He has never forgotten that his first appearance for Hampstead was on the Leyton ground, and that he was then beaten eight times. This blot has now been wiped out.

Dean played another fine game at right-back, and splendid work was done by Young and Butland. When Butland was injured he and Moore changed places, it being necessary to concentrate more on defence than on attack. Moore did not let his side down, but Butland was then incapable of effective work. Many players would have retired after such an injury, but Butland does not lack grit.

L. Berry took the position of outside-right, as Gardner (first choice in place of Sherman) was unfit, although he was on the ground. Berry's usual position is outside-left, and therefore he may be pardoned if his performance was not particularly striking. But he gave evidence of skill, and it was from one of his centres that Evans scored the first goal. Evans and Walsh did well, but Moore suffered through the weakness of Shearcroft, who seemed troubled by the ground, the condition of which was not improved by a boys' match earlier in the day.

Leyton have lost several good players this season, but they have been fortunate in replacements, and their League record of 13 points from nine games placed them second in the table. Preston and Goldsmith continue to serve them well at back, they have a sound half-back line, and the two Collinses make an effective wing. Marchant, the old Cheshunt player, who was on the extreme left, hardly came up to expectations.

The game started in a sharp rain storm, and the conditions generally were depressing. With a strong wind blowing, the ball played all manner of pranks, and although by winning the toss Hampstead derived some advantage, there were drawbacks, the ball often travelling too fast for even a swift runner like Moore.

For quite a long time Hampstead were on the defensive, chiefly through Leyton's right wing, E. Collins being exceptionally smart. Occasionally Hampstead would get in the home half, but they found Preston and Goldsmith a formidable pair. Accurate shooting was difficult, and Leyton's goal-keeper was not greatly troubled. Leyton should have scored after Smith had only partially cleared, but in some remarkable way Smith, at a second attempt, while on the ground, got the ball out of danger. He made a number of other good clearances, but considering the amount of work done by the Leyton forwards, one might have expected that he would be beaten at least a couple of times in the first half.

Just before the change of ends, after a period of play which was encouraging to the Hampstead following, Evans scored a fine goal from Berry's pass.

There is no disguising the fact that on the run of the play Leyton deserved to lead at the interval, but the soundness of Hampstead's defence could not fail to evoke admiration.

Leyton started in a manner which boded ill for Hampstead, but the defence held out for ten minutes. In the meantime Moore had hit the post with a good shot, and Evans had made two or three dashing runs. Unfortunately, on one occasion, he was travelling without the ball, an incident which caused laughter.

The equalising goal was headed by Morris, from a centre by Marchant; but the scores did not long remain level. With a hard drive Walsh hit the post and the ball glanced into the net. It was due reward for much good work.

There was no further scoring, although with Butland lame Hampstead had difficulty in retaining the lead. Among the great shots cleared by Smith was one by Margetts. How he managed to clear probably Smith does not know. At the other end the Leyton goal also had one narrow escape, a desperate scrimmage being closed with a free-kick against Hampstead for impeding the goal-keeper.