Hampstead sustained another Athenian League defeat on Saturday at the hands of Sutton United, who have now taken four points from them this season, and have forced them in the last place but one in the League table. On the Sutton ground on Saturday, Hampstead, after showing very good form in the first half, and later getting on level terms, lost by five goals to two, Sutton, in the closing stages, playing a very forceful game and beating the defence three times, notwithstanding a fine display in goal by S.R. Smith and some brilliant work by the backs.

With a continuation of the reconstruction process, Hampstead tried three new men in the first team. These were A.M. Wilson, who had shown good form with the Reserves the previous week, at outside-right; W.C.H. Neil, from Bedford Town, at centre-forward; and A. Owens, of Guildford, at left-back.

While Wilson is a promising youngster, he was not quite equal to facing a team of the calibre of Sutton, and there was a weakness on the right wing. Neil did very well, but the man who shone most was Owens, who impressed everyone with his powerful and accurate kicking. Shorland has not had a better partner for some time. We understand that, despite what has been said to the contrary, Parsons, who has been sadly missed, has not severed his connection with Hampstead, and will, provided he is required, play again as soon as he has fully recovered from his injury.

Up to a certain point Hampstead gave a satisfactory display, and at half-time, when, having played against the wind, they were only one goal down, it was asserted, and not without reason, that no better form had been shown by the team in any match this season. Despite the result we are not sure that the same claim cannot still be made, and the few Hampstead supporters present at the match came away with a certain measure of satisfaction, and hopes are high that the worst period is over.

The play in the first half was on fairly even lines, twenty-five minutes elapsing before a goal was scored. This was brought about by a free kick being given against Smith, Hampstead's goalkeeper, for carrying the ball too far in clearing. Smith stopped the shot, but Goddard secured and drove the ball at a great pace into the net, Smith falling in trying to save.

Until this happened Hampstead had held their end up well, although Sutton, with the help of the wind, had had most attempts at goal. Shorland's diving for the ball, in nine cases out of ten successfully, was much admired by the Sutton supporters, and with Owens kicking well, Smith was not greatly troubled. Young has also developed into a serviceable half, and was by no means the least effective of the line. The weakness in the front line, however, was still apparent : even Smy was not in his happiest mood. Playing a fine open game, the Sutton forwards, skilfully led, made many dangerous raids, but were not successful in close quarters, although all the five may be said to have been in turn unlucky. One of the best shots came from Savage, and Smith came in for some well deserved applause for keeping his charge intact.

After the scoring had been opened by Sutton, Hampstead attacked strongly, Shearcroft making a fine attempt to equalise, but Lever and Bennett defended well, and at the interval Hampstead were one goal behind.

In the second half the spectators were treated to a series of thrilling incidents. Sutton opened with a hot attack which boded ill for Hampstead, Long, at outside-left, being prominent. He sent across one shot which should have brought success, but a few minutes later, after Smy had made rather a feeble effort, his shot lacking power, Savage scored for Sutton from a centre by Long.

Following this Shorland had to receive first aid treatment, but after he had recovered his wind Hampstead came into their own with a couple of goals within a minute or so of each other. The first was obtained by Neil, but nine-tenths of the credit must be given by Levy, who, receiving from Smy, dashed like a greyhound down the left wing and put in a centre which was not difficult to convert. Levy, who is not unknown to Sutton folk, got a full measure of applause. It was the best spectacular work of the match, but after this he was watched carefully. The second goal came from a free- kick close in, Reinke apparently putting on the finishing touch.

At this juncture hopes ran high among the Hampstead supporters, but the visitors did not remain for long on level terms, and their play in the closing half-hour brought Sutton a victory which was well deserved. They went ahead through the instrumentality of Long, who, in this half, was at the top of his form, Owens helping the ball into the net through his anxiety to save. White scored Sutton's fourth goal after Savage had just missed, but before the end Savage registered another goal. Hampstead made one or two good attempts, Reinke making a valiant attempt to reduce the lead, but Bedford was sound in goal.