The F.A. Cup-tie between Hampstead and Chesham United at Claremont-road on Saturday provided one of the best games there this season, and it was thoroughly enjoyed. Chesham United came with an unbeaten record, and left with it untarnished. For this they have to thank above all their goalkeeper, Dewick, who gave a masterly display. He was unfortunately injured in the closing stages, but pluckily stood his ground. The result was a draw of two goals all, which meant that Hampstead had to visit Chesham United.

The gate was in a measure satisfactory - it was in the neighbourhood of 3,000 - but no records were set up, as would probably have been the case had Hampstead been serving up good football this season. As they have not, some have dropped their support, which is to be regretted, but the form shown in this match should be the means of bringing the fickle kine back to the fold. In the hope of strengthening the side Hampstead introduced three reserve players in Shorland, Centa and Watkins, who supplanted Allwright, Bucci and Ryding. While Centa and Watkins did useful work, Shorland was the new man who caught the public eye, and his form in this match should ensure him a place for some time.

Of the Chesham United side it may be stated that Barnes (the captain), Easter and Gomm were last week chosen to represent Berks and Bucks against Hertfordshire, the outside-left being appointed captain. Gomm, Ringsell and Wright were in the Berkhamstead team that met Hampstead last year in the same competition. There was a good number of visitors from Chesham, who gave their favourites a rousing cheer as they entered the field clad in claret and blue. Hampstead also had a good reception, and the applause for them was repeated when it was found that Wardlaw had won the toss, and was thus in the position of being able to take advantage of the wind.

Howell soon got away on the left, but was pulled up before getting dangerous, and it was not long before it could be seen that his reputation had reached Chesham, because he was closely watched. At the other end Woolford sent in a shot from a pass by Barnes, and then came the first of a number of free kicks against Chesham. Wright was spoken to by the referee, which seemed to put him off his balance, as at the end it could be said he was the weakest forward on his side. Easter neatly stopped an attack, and the first corner fell to Chesham off Shorland. The place kick was badly taken, a remark that applies to most of them. From a pass by Wardlaw, Shearcroft, who was very dashing in his new position at inside-right, headed by, and then some bad kicking by Hampstead in front of goal boded danger.

Play was fast and ran on very even lines, danger being scented at both ends, but although Chesham displayed the prettier football, Gomm, in particular, giving his forwards some nice touches, Hampstead were more dangerous. From a corner, forced by Young, Wardlaw headed by, and Howell was also ineffective although his intentions were good. Nice work between Channer and Barnes left Anderson guessing - it was so more than once - but the first really good shot came from Howell, the save by Dewick being remarkably good. A minute or two later, however, Howell nicely placed the ball for Shearcroft to open the scoring. This point was obtained at the end of ten minutes. Chesham played very determinedly, and beating Shorland, Barnes, whose footwork was extraordinarily deft, tested Goodwin, who, happily, was in good form. Gomm, a fine pivot, then shot over the bar. Taking up the attack once more, Dewick almost failed in dealing with a good shot by Howell, and accepting a pass by Young, Shearcroft struck the side of the net. In dire straits, Ringsell almost put through his own net, but Dewick pounced on the ball just in time.

The next goal, which came midway through the half, was credited to Chesham. Woolford sent in a hot shot, which Goodwin managed to stop, but it was claimed that in doing so he crossed the line, and despite protests, the referee pointed to the centre.

With the scores level there was a good deal of excitement, and some of the players were guilty of little infringements which might not have happened in a less important match. Chesham, perhaps wisely, relied largely on the cleverness of the left wing, Barnes being plied with passes, although some of those from Woolford could not be kept inside the line. Easter intervened when it looked as if Dewick would be tested with one of Smy's sharp-shooters, and on one other occasion, when he was just outside the penalty line and was working his way through, he was pulled up illegally. From a free kick the ball was headed by for a corner, but Hampstead, like Chesham, did not use these place kicks to advantage. Dewick later dealt ably with a free kick taken by Parsons.

Parsons, who was, as usual, in fine form, and was able to concentrate on his own side thanks to the usefulness of Shorland, cleared well from Barnes' effort, and Woolford tried desperately hard to get the lead for Chesham, his head work being very good. Just on half-time Young forced a corner, which he took himself, but it was badly placed.

The teams retired for a welcome rest, as the pace had been very hot, on even terms, and on the run of the play we do not think either side deserved to be even a goal down.

The second half was equally interesting and spirited, and considering the fierceness of the attacks it speaks well for the defences that only two goals - one for each side - were scored. the original formation of the Hampstead front line was not strictly adhered to in this half. From a free kick Shearcroft, with one of his surprising turns with the ball, narrowly missed beating Dewick in the first few minutes, and from another free kick Goodwin stopped a fine shot by Gomm. Parsons also made a timely clearance in the goal-mouth from Lacey. Dewick saved from Howell, but Watkins, when nicely placed after some good work on the right, shot feebly. Parsons and Shorland worked well together, the former putting in some noble kicks. After clearing once, he went spinning for yards, to the amusement of everyone, including himself. Twenty minutes from the restart Hampstead took the lead for the second time, Shearcroft scoring from a good shot by Smy. It was strongly contended that Shearcroft handled the ball, but the point was allowed. Shortly afterwards the scores were again equalised by Barnes, who scored after Goodwin had saved from Lacey.

Chesham continued the pressure, and Goodwin had to give away a corner. After some give-and-take play, Dewick made a grand save, and in this attack Shearcroft dashed against the goal-post, injuring himself to such an extent that after receiving treatment he was carried off the field. This was a slice of hard luck for Hampstead, but fortunately, he was able to resume before many minutes had passed. Chesham at this stage were having the better of the play, and Birch took a couple of corners, Wright having proved that he was unlucky in his placing. Channer headed over from Barnes, who was continually giving his inside men chances. Soon after the return of Shearcroft, Dewick was injured, and the game was temporarily stopped. Although evidently in much pain, he persisted in remaining on the field. A little later he was again hurt, but kept his charge intact, one save from Smy being of the tip-top order.

It may not seem a feather in Hampstead's cap to allow a Spartan League team to run them so closely on their own ground, but Chesham have always been in the front rank of the Spartans, and this year, despite the loss of one or two able players, have been able to get together a very workable team under the leadership of one who is not only clever himself, but can get nearly 100 per cent. out of his side. Dewick, Easter, Gomm, Woolford, Lacey and Barnes had reason to be well satisfied with their efforts.

There were no outstanding players on the Hampstead side, if perhaps we except Parsons, and no conspicuous failures. It can be described as a useful side, capable, of course, of improvement, but somewhat better than has operated in other matches this season. It was clearly demonstrated, however, that Smy's position is at inside-left, and if the club wants to get the best out of him he should remain there.