Hampstead, who are passing through a bad spell, met with another reverse on Saturday. As they were playing Leyton, the Amateur Cup holders, at Leyton, defeat was not unexpected, but the severity of it - eight goals to two - must give food for thought. There may have been heavier defeats in the history of the club, but one would have to dive deeply into the past to find a match when their goal-keeper was beaten eight times.

Four new men were included in the Hampstead team, and it must be said at once that S.R. Smith, who replaced Goodwin, was in no way to blame for the heavy defeat. There was only one occasion when he seemed at fault : there were at least a dozen times when his work stamped him as a good custodian. He kept goal for Leyton in a couple of matches earlier in the season. He was played on Saturday with a view to qualifying for Amateur Cup games, it being thought advisable to have a second string to the bow.

In the continued absence of Parsons, who is having hospital treatment for an injury to his nose, D. Deane partnered J. Shorland at back. He is a young player from Mill Hill of considerable promise, but he was set too hard a task in facing a side of the stamp of Leyton at his first venture, and it was weakness in defence on the left wing that led to trouble, particularly as Captain Wardlaw was not at his best.

A new centre-half was introduced in W.N.D. Stevens, of Ilford, and, like Smith in goal, he justified his selection. He was an untiring worker and had a good idea of what was expected from a pivot. W. Bishop, who played against Barnet, again appeared at right-half. It was hoped that Pease, who has been on the injured list, would have filled that position, indeed his name was on the programme, but we understand he did not take kindly to the decision of the selection committee and decided to stand down. The forwards, running from right to left, were O. Reinke, S. Cogan, H.W. Shearcroft, J.Smy and D. Levy, a rest being given to Freddy Young. Cogan was certainly worth his place, while the return of Levy (who has had a domestic bereavement) certainly strengthened the side, some of the work on the left wing deserving high praise.

Leyton put a remarkably strong side in the field. Hawkings, one of their best players, who had done remarkably well, was the victim of a bad accident in the second half. In a collision he had the misfortune to fall and break his collarbone. That the opposing side was in no way to blame can be judged by the fact that no free kick was given. Later on a penalty was given against Hampstead but it was for a mild offence, and Leyton did not seem to be sorry when the spot kick failed.

[Parts of the next three paragraphs are difficult to read owing to very faint printing, but the best reading currently available is given below. It is hoped that a better copy will be found in the future.]

The game was one of the pleasantest that Hampstead have taken part in this season. Both teams were able to play clean football and the referee had a very easy task. For the first quarter-of-an-hour Hampstead played very well. Certainly Smith had more shots to save than Jack Burr, the ex-Wood Green and Barnet goalkeeper, Leyton playing a fine open game and kicking with better judgment than Hampstead. However, there were some very good movements on Hampstead's left wing, Smy finding satisfaction in the [?] return by Levy. Cogan also showed good [?] but Reinke seemed out of place on the extreme wing. After Smith had saved well [?] and again from the left wing he was beaten by Hall, who scored from the rebound following a well placed corner.

Shearcroft gave Burr his first real test, but it was evident that he would not be easily beaten. He seemed to delight in taking shots shoulder high, and showed shrewdness in times of danger.

Leyton's second goal was scored by Cable from a pass by Hall and a third came from a corner, the ball passing through Smith's arms as he was lying on the ground.

Three goals down Hampstead continued to play pluckily against a much superior side, and good work on the left wing eventually brought its reward. Burr saved a really hot shot from Levy but before he had time to recover was well beaten by Smy, this being one of the best goals of the match. A little later Shearcoft tried one of his head shots. It was well directed, but it lacked sting.

The interval came with Leyton leading by three goals to one - a lead thoroughly deserved on the run of the play ; and to prevent the game being abandoned through bad light, the teams did not leave the field.

Early in the second half Leyton got a fourth goal, but their goal was counter-balanced by one from Cogan, who netted from a corner taken by Levy. After that success, however, Hampstead fell away completely, and it was only a question as to the number of goals Leyton would have at the close. Notwithstanding the loss of Hawkings, they subjected the Hampstead defence to great pressure, and Smith did remarkably well in keeping Leyton's score down to eight. Having regard to the absence of Hawkings, it was good policy on the part of Leyton's halves to keep Collins and Hall well employed, and both men were a continual source of trouble. So too, was Avey, but his marksmanship was not good. However he scored two goals in this half, Hall also getting two and Smith one. With most of the shots that took effect the Hampstead goalkeeper was practically powerless. Just on time Leyton were awarded a penalty kick. This was taken twice owing to Wardlaw running through too quickly. At the second attempt the ball struck the cross-bar and was sent out of danger. If any consolation can be found by Hampstead for this heavy defeat it is in the fact that they were up against the strongest side they have met this season. It is questionable whether even with their strongest side they would have won, but with Parsons and Pease available they might have escaped more easily.