An ice-bound pond was the only condition comparable to that under which Hampstead Town took the field against Summerstown, at Earlsfield, in the Athenian League on Saturday, and in these circumstances, with a hard ground, frost, and leaden skies, although there was not enough wind to influence play either way, both sides were unusually restrained, so that it would be unfair to criticise individuals. As it was, Hampstead certainly deserved their win by two goals to one. Their combination and speed in the forward line was unquestionably superior, but in spite of the fact that Summerstown were nearly always the defenders around goal, until the last few minutes of the game a draw seemed inevitable and was only avoided by a whirlwind rush by the Hampstead forwards, a clever pass from Cousins and a steady shot in goal by Turner.

The home team won the toss and if there could have been an inferior half of the pitch, Hampstead were unlucky to have it. Their forwards, led by Reinke and Turner, attacked right from the start, but were held up by the Summertown backs, who throughout played well. When the game was ten minutes old a high shot from Howard beat the Summerstown goalkeeper and opened the scoring for Hampstead. From now on both sides were infused with new zest and Hampstead for a time were overwhelmed by their heavier opponents, who found in the brilliant goalkeeping of Goodwin a formidable barrier. Pease soon stayed the attack and with a magnificent kick transferred the play to Summertown's half. Hampstead's forwards were not slow to follow up the lead and Ball had a good shot at goal. Open play resulted for some minutes with Hampstead's forwards finding some dificulty to keep their feet, on one occasion Barnes failing to hold the ball when an opportunity presented itself. Howard suddenly shot through and pressed down towards the Summerstown goal, but with the exception of Cousins on the outside, met with little support, and was unable to hold his ground. A pretty display from Reinke at this stage deserves mention, he tricking his opponent with a subtle piece of fielding and a splendid pass that was almost like a game of billiards in its exactness. The most deplorable failure on Summerstown's part was their lack of combination. Again and again a man found himself isolated around Hampstead's goal, the decisive clearance of Pease, the old Summerstown centre-half, in almost every case neutralising any attempt at attack upon Hampstead's goal. Just before the interval the home side equalised, Bradbury succeeding in netting the ball whilst in a position which looked questionably doubtful.

The second half was conspicuous for the splendid combination of the Hampstead forwards, Cousins especially on the right wing never failed to centre with a clean kick, which, but for the soundness of the Summerstown defence, would have been many times converted. Reinke was especially unlucky, he placing a pretty pass from Turner just above the cross-bar when it looked as if a goal was certain. Much of the play now was of the give and take kind, Goodwin, in goal, being responsible for many splendid saves. Clarke, the right Hampstead back, worked hard and rarely failed to cover his goal. Barnes received a nasty jolt in his side and shoulder when attempting to take a ball at speed, without by any means detracting from his later play. As much as Hampstead pressed and as well served as they were, it seemed impossible for them to take the lead and the crowd had resigned itself to a draw when there were but five minutes to go. Once more their forwards pressed with even greater alacrity, and Cousins gave a grand finale to an excellent day's play with a low pass to the centre, wvhich Turner in a second had diverted into the Summerstown goal at a great pace, giving a well-deserved victory to his side.