Hampstead Town are giving their supporters many surprises at the present time as they are finding it easier to pick up League points away than at home. While they have won games on the grounds of West Norwood and Uxbridge, they have on successive Saturdays been beaten at home by Barking and Bromley respectively. Admitting that these clubs are of above average strength, Hampstead Town, on the run of the play, should have won both games. The result on Saturday was particularly disappointing, inasmuch as the play during the first twenty minutes led one to think that Bromley would be beaten handsomely. The home forwards, however, were innocuous, and it was not until quite near the end of the game that Reinke got through, Bromley having already two goals in their keeping. The first goal, obtained by Hill, was from a breakaway, the Hampstead defence being at fault, and by this goal Bromley led at half-time. In the second half Hampstead had a good opportunity of equalising the scores, a penalty kick being awarded against Bromley for handling, but Osborne, the visiting goalkeeper, saved smartly from Cousins, and soon afterwards A. Morris, Bromley's inside-left, and one of the smartest men on the side, scored with a splendid shot. Hampstead reduced the lead, as stated, through Reinke, but they never looked like saving the game.

Orton, who figured for Hampstead, hails from Market Harborough. While in time he may be a useful player, his inclusion on Saturday did not stengthen the side. Cousins, who usually operates at outside-right, moved over to the left wing in order that Orton might take up the position to which he is accustomed, but in the second half there was a reversal of places in the hope of some improvement in the play being effected. Of the forwards Wise alone showed to advantage. He kicked strongly and tried very hard throughout, making some good passes to the wings, but much of his work was wasted. There were, it is true, a number of shots which fully tested the goalkeeper, but far too many went high over the bar. Reinke seemed quite unable to do himself justice, and the work of Ashby was not improved by a nasty shaking in the first half. Corner kicks were not taken with the usual accuracy, but it must be admitted that the defensive work of Bromley was first-class, Baird, on one occasion, just getting his foot to a shot from Wise as it was going at a terrific speed netwards. There were no outstanding players on the Hampstead side, even the customary leading lights failing to shine brilliantly, and after Bromley had got over a bad twenty minutes at the beginning of the game they thoroughly deserved their win.

The return match takes place tomorrow (Saturday) and it is hoped Hampstead will reverse the result.