Thursday 08 December - Another Reserve victory

Hampstead Resrves brought their season to a successful end on Friday, when they beat Bromley Reserves, at Claremont Road, by six goals to nil. The pitch was extremely slippery, and rain fell heavily throughout the greater part of the first half. The visibility towards the end was none too good. These adverse conditions combined to make the game, especially during the last half, slow and uninteresting. After ten minutes Hampstead opened the score through Griffin. Only three minutes elapsed before the home team again netted. Watson and Edwards took the ball up the right wing, and after a fine display of passing Watson shot, the ball glancing off the goalkeeper's fist into the net. The interval score was 2-0. In the second half further goals were scored by Edwards, Watson and Meche. Easily the most conspicuous player on the field was Holton, left-half for Hampstead. He seemed to be everywhere and did the greater part of the hard work. He tackled well and shirked nothing. Dean, the right-back, also did good work, saving the situation on many occasions. Cornell was a competant goalkeeper. Broadis, at centre-half, made himself useful. Towards the end of the game Griffin was making some good solo efforts. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 06/05/1932, p.16)

Posted at 22:07

Friday 29 April - Reserves victorious again

The Hampstead Reserves continue to triumph. At Bromley, on Saturday, they won by seven goals to two. As Hampstead started playing aganist the wind and sun, it was not surprising that Bromley opened their score, through Lewis, after 10 minutes' play. Five minutes later he again netted the ball. Hampstead then began attacking strongly. Lloyd took the ball up his wing and passed to Meche. Irish, the Bromley goalkeeper, ran out to meet the ball, thus leaving the way clear for Watson to score. Hampstead's equalising goal was the result of a solo effort by Lloyd, who ran up his wing eluding all opposing players with some fine dribbling. As a result of a foul by a member of the home team near his own goal Hampstead obtained the lead. Elwell sent the ball to the feet of Broadis, who sent it into the net. Watson, who had been conspicuous on Hampstead's right wing, then carried the ball right into Bromley's half, and passed across to Meche who found the net with a strong shot. After half-time Hampstead had the upper hand. From a melee in the Bromley goalmouth Meche scored again. This was followed by a fine piece of passing by the Hampstead forwards, Lloyd scoring the sixth goal. Griffin added the final goal of the game. Although Hampstead's score was so much higher than that of Bromley, the victory was not easily come by. In the first minutes of the game the home team outplayed the visitors, and it looked somewhat black for them. Once Hampstead got used to the adverse conditions, however, they soon settled down. Bromley pressed hard throughout the game, but the strength of Hampstead's defence was too great. In the forward line of the winning team Lloyd was conspicuous, and in the second half Abbott, right-half, did some good work. Elwell and Dean, the full-backs, played their usual competent game. Cornell was good in goal. Of the Bromley team the defence was the strongest point. Harding and Alder, the backs, and Irish, the goalkeeper, being especially good. Hampstead : Cornell; Elwell, Dean; Abbott, Broadis, Joyce; Watson, Davies, Meche, Griffin, Lloyd. Bromley : Irish; Harding, Alder; Ellis, McLennan, Taylor; Daniels, Spicer, Marsh, Lewis, Swan. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 29/04/1932, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 22 April - Good win for Reserves

Hampstead Reserves added yet another to their long list of victories on Saturday, when they beat Sutton Reserves by four goals to nil. The field was very slippery, and this caused many mistakes, but the Hampstead players seemed happier under the conditions than the visiting side. Five minutes from the commencement Hampstead scored their first goal. The ball had been carried into the home team's half, but the attack was foiled, and the Hampstead forwards, conspicuous amongst whom where Meche and Lloyd, took the ball up to the Sutton goal, and after some swift passing Watson sent a shot into the net. The ball was kept mainly in the opposing team's half after the kick-off, and the Hampstead attack was strong. Fifteen minutes after the scoring of the first goal the home team netted the ball for the second time. Lloyd, who had run up the wing with the ball, passed to Edwards, who in turn sent a fine shot across to Joyce, who scored. The third goal was the result of a solo effort by Lloyd. He once again took the ball up the wing and shot for goal. The ball hit the bar and rebounded, but he shot again, the ball travelling into the net. Hampstead scored their fourth goal shortly after the change-over. Meche, Edwards and Watson brought the ball swiftly into the Sutton half, and after some passing Edwards, with a neat hook shot, scored. A little later Cornell, who had played a consistently good game in the Hampstead goal, made a brilliant save. An accidental foul by two of the home team players gave Sutton a penalty kick. Cornell gathered the ball, fell in the mud, and managed to push it round the post. He was injured, however, and had to leave the field, his place being taken by Abbott. He returned after a few minutes. In the last moments of the game the speed did not slacken and right up until the final whistle it continued to be exciting. Without exception the whole of the Hampstead team played a fine game. Holton, left-half, was conspicuous for some fine tackling, Lloyd had many good solo efforts, and he was ably backed up. Meche, although he did not score, had a share in most of the goals. The defence was also strong, the two backs, Elwell and Dean, and Cornell, all playing good football. The visiting team did too much shouting to one another, and wasted time appealing to the referee. They missed many chances and gave Hampstead easy victories by stopping play to appeal. Knight, their goalkeeper, alone gave a performance of merit. Hampstead : Cornell; Elwell, Dean; Abbott, Broadis, Holton; Watson, Joyce, Meche, Edwards, Lloyd. Sutton : Knight; Williams, Hosking; Pearman, Van Loock, Collins; Mason, Brown, Thomson, Brocklesby, Pratt. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 22/04/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 15 April - Reserves defeat Leyton

Despite the inclemency of the weather, and the fact that the International was being played at Wembley, and broadcast, there was a fairly large gathering at Claremont Road on Saturday when, in an uninteresting game, Hampstead Reserves beat Leyton Reserves by two goals to one. Play opened with Hampstead playing one short. Later they were joined by Holton. For the first 30 minutes of the game play was even. Both goalkeepers did splendid work and saved some dangerous shots. Then Hampstead opened the scoring, Edwards sending a shot out of the goalkeeper's reach. Five minutes later Leyton scored their first and only goal. The forwards carried the ball into the Hampstead half and the outside-left sent in a swift shot. Cornell slipped in the mud, the ball rolling a short way in front of him. Deans, playing inside-right, was thus able to tap it in. Hampstead scored their second goal just before the whistle to terminate the first half blew. The play had been carried into the opposing half, and there was a tussle right in the Leyton goalmouth. Out of this Mecke scored. The second half was devoid of any incident of interest, and only one fine run through by Mecke, Hampstead's centre-forward, and a brief exhibition of pretty football by Lloyd, saved the match from being exceedingly dull. Of the players, both goalkeepers, and the Hampstead backs, Elwell and Dean, alone are worthy of mentions. These four played a fine game and saved the situation for their respective sides on several occasions. The principal deficiency of the home team was their lack of speed. Hampstead : Cornell; Elwell, Dean; Abbott, Broadis, Joyce; Watson, Holton, Mecke, Edwards, Lloyd. Leyton : Cornford; Clelland, G. Carpenter; Andrews, Mead, Dalton; Hayward, Deans, Goldsworthy, Knight, A. Carpenter. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 15/04/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 18 March - Reseerves drop points at Barnet

Hampstead Reserves visited Barnet last Saturday with four new men in the forward line, and as was to be expected were beaten by two goals to one. Playing down the slope, Barnet did most of the pressing in the first half and should have scored at least three goals had they been steadier when in front of goal. Cornell played well, and is to be complimented on his display, as was Painter in Barnet's goal. Hampstead's forwards did not show to any advantage in spite of the help given by their halves, many good opportunities being frittered away. Pullen, at outside-right for Barnet, was a source of trouble to Hampstead, and he eventually scored both of Barnet's goals, the second being a fine one, netting with a hard drive at the second effort after Cornell had stopped a hot one at short range. Hampstead's defence played very well, but lacked support in the front line. Towards the end Lloyd moved to the inside berth and he livened things up a bit by beating Painter with a good shot, and a few minutes before the end came near to scoring a second time with a dropping shot which Painter did well to clear. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 18/03/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 26 February - Reserves' stiff fight at Barking

In spite of Hampstead Reserves not being at full strength they put up a good fight at big odds at Barking last Saturday. Two new players were included in the side and Edwards was absent. Barking had five first team men in their side owing to their first team having no other engagement, and it speaks well for Hampstead's fighting spirit that after being three goals down they lost by the narrowest of margins. The pace was very fast indeed and for most of the first half Barking were on top, but Hampstead would not give up trying and had they been able to seize their opportunities might have crossed over on level terms. In the second half they had more of the play and worried Barking's defence a great deal, which eventually brought its reward, Morton netting twice, and had they had a little luck might at least have drawn level, as it was they lost the game by three goals to two; beaten, yes; but not disgraced. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R.Dean; L. Le May, S. Bloxham, W. Joyce; R. Sear, A.G. Potter, F.Iles, G. Meeke, W. Morton. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 26/02/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 12 February - Another away victory for reserves

Hampstead pursued their winning way last Saturday by beating Romford Reserves away from home by four goals to one, thus strengthening their position in the League table. Play in the first quarter-of-an-hour was fairly even, but Romford were very weak in their shooting, and it was up to Hampstead to show them the way. Sear, operating at centre-forward in the unavoidable absence of Shearcroft, snapped up a forward pass by Bloxham and opened the scoring. Ten minutes or so later Edwards, after some tricky work, sent in a hard shot which Romford's goalkeeper could only just reach but could not hold. End-to-end play ensued for a time, but Romford's forwards showed no grit when in front of goal and Cornell was not sorely tried. About ten minutes from half-time Potter raced along on the right wing, and, tricking the back, sent in a fine shot to score Hampstead's third goal. A penalty kick for hands shortly afterwards looked dangerous for Hampstead, but Cornell saved well. The second half was for the most part of a scrambling order with Romford showing bad spirit and fouls were frequent, and from a free kick finely placed by Bloxham well in front of goal Edwards netted another goal. A further spot kick was awarded Romford for a doubtful case of hands, and Cornell unfortunately could not field the ball a second time, but Hampstead ran out easy winners. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 12/02/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 05 February - Reserves climbing League ladder

There was an exciting match at Claremont Road on Saturday, when Hampstead Reserves beat Barking [Town] Reserves by six goals to two. Many of Barking's attacks were foiled by the excellent work of Cornell in Hampstead's goal. Only three minutes from the commencement Edwards, gathering a pass, opened Hampstead's score. Barking then began to press hard, but the home team again carried them back into their own half. A good shot by Joyce was excellently saved by Vallance, but six minutes after the start, from a skirmish in Barking's goalmouth, Battarbie found the net from Shearcroft's header. Barking missed several chances, but eventually W. Cornell, beating the home team's backs, scored the visitor's first goal. There followed a period of midfield play, in which Edwards was conspicuous for a fine display of pretty football. Barking, however, broke through, but a brilliant save by Cornell saved the situation. The home team's third goal was scored by Edwards from a tussle in the goalmouth, the goalkeeper having deserted his post. The second half opened with Barking pressing. The home team, however, broke through, and following some fine play by Edwards, Battarbie was able to score the fourth goal for his team. The fifth goal was headed into the net by Edwards from an excellent pass by Potter. Barking's second goal was scored by F. Shelito, and Hampstead's final goal by Edwards. Hampstead Reserves : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; S.A. Coles, S. Bloxham, W. Joyce; A.G. Potter, H.J. Battarbie, H. Shearcroft, J.F. Edwards, J. Hooper. Barking Reserves : A. Vallance; G. Sargeant, A. Patterson; E. Harris, W. Newman, W. Palmer; L. Platford, R. Rainbow, W. Cornell, F. Shelito, S. Clement. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 05/02/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 29 January - Reserves' splendid win

The encounter between Hampstead Reserves and Hayes Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday provided a very interesting game and those who took the trouble to go to the match were well rewarded. Neither team was at full strength, J.W. Bloxham being away at Portland assisting the first eleven, and Hayes being without their usual goalkeeper. Before the end of the match the teams were even weaker, as Parker, of Hayes, was rather badly hurt and had to retire about twenty minutes before the finish, and a minute later S. Bloxham, of the home team, was injured and also had to retire. Hayes had rather the better of matters during the first part of the match, the half-time score being 3-2 in their favour, but Hampstead had the greater share of the game in the second half and they won fairly easily by five goals to three. Hayes won the toss and scored in the first seven minutes through Haines. A few minutes laster Ewers added a second goal with a shot which Cornell failed to hold. Hampstead got a little of the play and Edwards, receiving a pass from Halton, headed the ball into the net. This was less than 15 minutes after the commencement of the match, so that the game had been fought out in a brisk and interesting pace. There was a melee round the Hayes' goal, as a result of which Prior was slightly injured. Sear had a clear field shortly afterwards but was called back for offside. Cornell was prominent with a good save, and he survived the charge which followed. Sear and Abbott indulged in a little combination which almost resulted in a further goal. Hayes transferred paly and the ball was netted, but the referee ordered an offside kick. Joyce had a hefty kick at the Hayes' goal, Prior saving. Hayes' third goal was scored by Kershaw from a pass by Haines. Sid Bloxham beat several men in a nice dribbling effort in the centre of the field, and ultimately the ball was passed to Sear. The wing man passed to Edwards, who scored his and Hampstead's second goal. Play was of a very equal nature in the first few minutes of the second half, both teams missing chances through the ball being kicked wide of the posts. After about seven minutes' play, however, Sear received a pass from Edwards, ran through, and while a Hayes' back was appealing for offside scored. The referee allowed the point and thus the scores were equal. Less than five minutes later Eagles worked his way through for another good goal. Halton put the ball into the net after further pressure by Hampstead, but he was ruled offside. Parker, of Hayes, received a kick to the head and had to retire with slight concussion. With one man short Hayes were at a decided disadvantage. Sid Bloxham was hurt a minute later, however, and had to retire, so that matters were equal. Rushing up at a good speed to his fellow-forwards after a fall, Sear scored his second goal, making the score 5-3 in favour of Hampstead. A minute later the final whistle was blown. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; F.W. Abbott, S. Bloxham, S.A. Coles; R. Sear, J. Edwards, A.R. Eagles, E. Halton, W. Joyce. Hayes : A. Prior; D. Matthews, A.R. Cole; J. Smith, H. Atlee, W. Brown; A.F. Parker, L.G. Kershaw, J. Ewers, W.G. Haines, F.H. Long. (Hendon Times, & Guardian, 29/01/1932, p.12 - with corrections to Hampstead's players' initials where necessary)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 15 January - League points for Reserves

Romford were late for their League match with Hampstead at Claremont Road, the game not starting until 3 o'clock. Hampstead had the greater share of the game from the commencement and won by 4-0. Eagles kicked off in the enclosure direction and in the first minute J.W. Bloxham made a good attempt at goal, the effort failing, however. A little later Eagles had a try from the corner, but the angle was too great. Romford made their first pressing movement seven minutes after the commencement and Watson failed with a shot at goal from a fairly easy position. Eagles quickly took the ball up the wing and a minute later, when in a favourable position for a passing movement, he weakly kicked towards the goalkeeper. He made amends soon afterwards, however, when he scored the first goal, fourteen minutes after the start. Dawson started a good movement and neatly centred, but the advantage was not pressed, and Romford transferred play. The visitors were now playing much better, intercepting a number of passing movements and having quite a fair proportion of the play. Hampstead were quicker to take best advantage of their opportunities, however, and Sear, running strongly on the wing, scored from a difficult angle after a single-handed effort. Sarjeant, of Romford, had a good chance on the left wing a minute later, but he slipped, with the result that the ball went wide. Adams failed with a subsequent kick from a central position. Elwell made a dangerous pass back to Cornell when tackled and the goalkeeper failed to gather the ball properly, Romford almost getting through. Hampstead led 2-0 at the change-over, play being resumed almost immediately. Hooper had a good chance at goal from a favourable position, but he kicked wide, and a minute later he again failed. Turner was given a clean run through, but when well placed his shot went outside the post. J.W. Bloxham made a better attempt after further pressure by Hampstead, the ball hitting the crossbar and going out of play. Sid Bloxham was later prominent with a nice dribbling and passing movement which gained his team a good deal of ground. Alderton, for Romford, took a shot at goal from a considerable distance, the ball going over the crossbar. Eagles scored his second goal 15 minutes from the final whistle, when to some he appreared to be offside. Sear scored the best goal of the match when, showing a good turn of speed, he beat his opponents easily to score in the corner. He gave the most promising display of the match, other outstanding players being Eagles and Joyce. Hampstead Reserves : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, S. Bloxham; C.E. Turner, J.W. Bloxham, W. Joyce; R. Sear, J.F. Edwards, A.R. Eagles, J. Hooper, H.V. Dawson. Romford Reserves: R. Connelley; P. Banks, W. Widdows; R.T. Jones, J. Adams, J. Glanville; R.T. Alderton, G. Watson, V. Leach, W. Shaw, A. Sarjeant. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 15/01/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 08 January - Reserves' sorry show

A poor show was put up by Hampstead [Reserves] against North Middlesex Gas in the second round of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup on Saturday. It is true Hampstead were below strength owing to injuries and the call of the first team; even so, had they taken advantage of their opportunities early on things might have been different. Apart from a burst or two in the early stages, when it looked as though they would score any minute, they were completely outplayed and thoroughly deserved to lose. Eagles had a glorious chance, but Picking was on the spot, and it was not long before Middlesex Gas were one up, and this was followed by Hooper putting the finishing touch to a fine effort by Eagles. After this goal Hampstead simply went to pieces, and before half-time were well-beaten, and they crossed over three goals down. Hampstead re-arranged their team on the resumption and were able to put up a better fight and only one further goal came to Middlesex Gas through a spot kick, and the Gas Co. ran out good winners by five goals to one. S. Bloxham played well for Hampstead at centre-half and was well supported by Turner and Joyce at back, and apart from Eagles at centre-forward no Hampstead man did himself justice, and it was extremely hard on Cornell to be so weakly supported. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 08/01/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 01 January - Reserves drop points

At Wealdstone, on Boxing Day, Wealdstone Reserves beat Hampstead Reserves by 5-1 in the Athenian League. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 01/01/1932, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 25 December - Defences too strong

After the fine win of a fortnight ago Hampstead [Reserves] were placed second in the League table, and with but one change in the team Hampstead hoped to gain two points, but this was denied them, and a draw of one goal each was a fair result of the game with Walthamstow Avenue [Reserves]. Neither side was able to give of their best owing to the bad state of the ground, and many scoring chances were missed by both sides. Walthamstow opened the score when Wynne hit the far post and the ball rebounded into the net. Hampstead tried hard to equalise, but some thirty minutes had elapsed before Iles neatly headed in from a corner kick by Dawson. Scrappy play ensued throughout, but both defences played well and there was little to choose between the two teams as a whole. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 25/12/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 11 December - Reserves' record score

In spite of Hampstead's wonderful victory [of 11-2 over Uxbridge Town] at home on Saturday, it cannot be said that it was easily gained. Each goal was scored only after a hard tussle, and had it not been for weakness in the visiting team's defence the story might have been much different. The forwards of both teams played fast and the game never slackened in pace. Hampstead's defence was excellent and many swift and dangerous attacks by the visiting forwards were repulsed. The game opened with the home team pressing hard. After fifteen minutes Eagles, at centre, taking a pass from Dawson, scored a good goal. Ten minutes later Sear, who played consistently good football throughout, scored a second goal for Hampstead with a long dropping shot from the right wing. The third goal followed quickly from Hooper, and the fourth from Dawson from a centre by Sear. [Half-time: Hampstead 4, Uxbridge 0.] Rain fell heavily during the interval and when the players returned to the field it was decidedly slippery. The half opened with some fast midfield play and a certain amount of sliding by the players. Following the fifth Hampstead goal, scored by Edwards, there was some exciting football, Sear breaking through several times. Uxbridge's first goal was scored by Cheater [5-1], but this was followed shortly by four Hampstead goals scored by Edwards and Eagles (3) [9-1]. Shortly afterwards the Uxbridge centre-forward [Goodman] gained possession, and with only Cornell to beat drew the goalkeeper out and scored easily [9-2]. A little later, however, Sear scored again for Hampstead [10-2]. The final goal for Hampstead, bringing the total to 11, was scored by Coles. Towards the end of the game the light failed badly, but the game continued to be exciting right up to the final whistle. Hampstead Reserves: E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, S. Bloxham; S.A. Coles, J.W. Bloxham, W. Joyce; R. Sear, J. Edwards, A.R. Eagles, J. Hooper, H.V. Dawson. Uxbridge Reserves: W. Berry; O'Neill, Bryant; Blackman, Barrett, Ackerman; Sampson, Wade, Goodman, Handy, Cheater. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 11/12/1931, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 04 December - Uphill fight by Reserves

The heavy state of the ground spoilt the game somewhat last Saturday, when the Reserves opposed Southall. Both sides were very much at fault when in front of goal, but had Southall been steadier when well placed they might have made certain of two points, but as it was they only led at the interval by one goal by March. Both goalkeepers played finely, especially Slade in Southall's goal, and he is to be complimented on his display in what was his first game for a senior club. He kept his charge intact until well on in the second half, when he was beaten by Love after a misunderstanding between Southall's defence. This goal encouraged Hampstead, and with Sear, at inside-right, continually worrying Southall's defence, goals were bound to come. Several fine efforts by Sear brought its reward, Sear nipping in and scoring the best goal of the match. A few minutes later Butterfield put Hampstead further ahead following some fine wing-to-wing play by Hampstead. [Result: Hampstead 3, Southall, 1] (Hendon Times & Guardian, 04/12/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 13 November - Reserves' big victory over Redhill

Although Hampstead were set to face the sun and wind in their game with Redhill [Reserves], for whom Gatland (the old Dulwich and Barnet player) turned out and gave a very spirited display at right-back, they overran Redhill by four goals to nil. It was partly due to Gatland's efforts that Redhill were not beaten by a bigger margin. Hampstead were not at their best, partly owing to last-minute changes and some new faces. They certainly took advantage of the opportunities which came their way, whereas Redhill failed badly when well placed owing to the failure of their forwards, and Cornell was not called upon to save many dangerous situations. It was after some ten minutes' play that Redhill took charge of the game for most of the first half, but failed to drive home their advantage, whereas Hampstead seized on any chance that came their way. Some twenty minutes had passed when Bloxham (who played a good game at centre half) made ground, and placing the ball between the backs, let in Rowe, who running on cleverly, side-stepped Foden, who came out to meet him, and placed the ball into an unguarded net. Edwards, some minutes later, beat G.F. Smith in a race for the ball and sent in a fine shot which Foden partially saved, but the ball, striking the inner side of the post, entered the net. Following some further midfield play Butterfield slipped the ball to Hooper, who, cutting in, beat Foden for the third time. After change of ends the game became very scrappy and Hampstead were on several occasions caught in the offside trap set by Gatland, and with the exception of Bloxham, who tried several long shots, Hampstead did not look like scoring again, but within some quarter-of-an-hour of the finish Edwards, after a good run, again netted, and Hampstead gathered in another two points. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 13/11/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 06 November - Points won at Southall

Hamptead Reserves picked up a couple of useful points by defeating Southall Reserves last Saturday by three goals to one. It was thought that in the absence of their captain, Elwell (who was called upon at the last moment to fill Compton's place in the first team) that they would have a hard tussle against Southall, but Hampstead were fortunate to be able to call upon an old stalwart in Sid Bloxham, who filled the vacant position with credit and showed he has not yet finished with football. Southall have a very useful side of robust youngsters, and they played up well, and had their passes not gone astray so often and had they not been so weak in front of goal, a different story might have had to be told. In the first few minutes Edwards missed a great chance for Hampstead by not steadying himself and his shot hit the crossbar, but Eagles shortly afterwards got a nice goal with a low shot into the corner of the net. There was no further score before the interval. Immediately after the resumption Hampstead added to their score when Potter pushed the ball into the centre and Butterfield, running in, easily beat Southall's goalkeeper. It was now Southall's turn and they tried hard to reduce the lead. They were eventually successful and a little later they had a great chance to draw level when a penalty was awarded them, but relief came when the ball sailed over the crossbar. With about ten minutes to go Hampstead secured their third goal, Edwards making amends for his earlier failure by heading a good goal and thus they ran out winners by three goals to one. Hampstead's team : E.G. Cornell; H.J. Blackman, S. Bloxham; S.A. Coles, J.W. Bloxham, A.G. Potter; E.G. Holton, J.F. Edwards, A.R. Eagles, J.F. Butterfield, J. Hooper. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 06/11/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 23 October - Reserves' goalkeeper injured

Following their win of the previous week, it was generally expected that Hampstead [Reserves] would put up a good show against Bernet [Reserves]. They certainly did so despite an unfortunate accident to Cornell, who in the first few minutes came in contact with Barnet's centre-forward, and when lying on the ground injured Barnet found the net. The referee allowed the goal to stand despite strenuous appeals. Cornell was rather badly hurt and had to be carried off the field. It was feared that he sustained some bad injury, but while this was not the case it was some time before he was able to resume. In the meantime Barnet scored a second goal, Elwell, who deputised for Cornell, having no chance. Hampstead tried hard to retrieve the game, but Edwards was next injured and had to take the outside position, and with Morton not feeling sure of himself things began to look somewhat black. However, Edwards soon recovered and, making a fine run down the wing and cutting in, scored a brilliant goal for Hampstead, and half-time came shortly afterwards with no further score. In the second half Hampstead had far the better of the exchanges and were constantly in front of Barnet's goal, and were extremely unlucky in not finding the net. Too much playing to Morton on the right wing and his endeavours to score spoilt many a good chance. The inside forwards should vary their tactics and give the opposite wings a chance on occasions. Following some very good midfield play by Bloxham, who was ever trying a shot, Coles sent in a good centre right across the goalmouth and Hooper made no mistake with his header, and Hampstead thus drew level and should have won had they taken advantage of their opportunities when in front of goal. Hampstead team: E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, A. Batchelor; S.A. Coles, J.W. Bloxham, W. Joyce; W.G. Morton, J.F. Edwards, A.R. Eagles, A.G. Potter, J. Hooper. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 23/10/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 16 October - Easy cup-tie victory

Playing at home, Hampstead [Reserves] easily accounted for Hendon [Reserves] in the first round of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup by beating them by five goals to nil. Hendon were very unlucky to start the game with only nine men, but this handicap did not account for their defeat, as only one goal had been scored before the side was complete. This goal came from Coles after only five minutes' play, Coles firing in a fine shot which entered the far side of the net. Hendon rarely looked like scoring and their few efforts were broken up by Hampstead's halves, who dominated the game almost throughout, and had it not been for the very fine form of Hendon's goalkeeper, who showed up remarkably well and saved his side again and again by fine judgment and anticipation, they would have been defeated by a much larger margin. At half-time Hampstead led by three goals and during the second half netted twice more, the goalscorers being Coles, Edwards (2) and Hooper (2). In the next round Hampstead meet North Middlesex Gas Co., who defeated Firestones Athletic by six goals to two. Hampstead's team was : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, A. Batchelor; S.A. Coles, J.W. Bloxham, W. Joyce; E.G. Holton, J.F. Edwards, J. Hooper, A.G. Potter, R. Moxley. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 16/10/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 09 October - League points dropped at Enfield

Hampstead [Reserves] were set to face a strong sun at Enfield last Saturday, and this proved a severe handicap, as although they had the better of the earlier exchanges, they had considerable difficulty in trying to detect the flight of the ball, which Enfield was ballooning nearly all the time in their efforts to clear their lines. Elwell, in endeavouring to pass back the ball to Cornell, gave away the first corner, which was luckily placed behind, and this habit of his should be checked, as it is not policy and very often places the goalkeeper in difficulties. Enfield's right wing, Little and Drew, were playing very well together. Drew was a bundle of tricks and gave R. Dean much to think about. After 25 minutes they opened the score, Bennett giving Cornell no chance whatever, the ball entering the far corner of the net. Towards the end of the first half Clark secured the second goal, while Edwards netted for Hampstead while Enfield were appealing for offside. A change came over the game in the second half, Hampstead being all at sixes and sevens and rarely got together. Just prior to the finish a most puzzling decision by the referee put paid to Hampstead's chance, a penalty kick being awarded Enfield. Cornell got his fingers to the ball but was unable to hold it, and as the final whistle was due Cornell pushed a shot from Drew to the feet of Bennett, who promptly tapped it into the net. Hampstead thus lost the game by four goals to one. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 09/10/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 02 October - Decisive win for Reserves

In the Reserve Section of the Athenian League, Hampstead, at Redhill, proved too strong for the home club and won a good game by three goals to nil. After some fairly even play a nice combined movement by Hooper and Potter brought its reward. Potter raced through and a square pass across the goal enabled Milburn to open the score. A few minutes later a similar movement on the right wing ended with Bramley scoring the second goal. In the second half Redhill strove hard to retrieve the game. They had the misfortune to see a penalty kick hit an upright. Bramley made sure of the result by cutting in and scoring the third goal with a fine shot when everybody expected him to lob the ball into the middle. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 02/10/1931, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 25 September - League points lost

Saturday's game proved very disappointing to Hampstead, as during the first half they dominated the game and were good enough for a three goals lead. But in spite of good play by Hampstead, Wealdstone took advantage of the middle line being open and opened the score. Hampstead continued to keep Wealdstone's defence well employed, but no luck came until after 25 minutes' play, when Bramley (who was playing extremely well on the left wing) sent in a fine drive from twenty yards out and made the scores level. Hampstead continued to press but no further score accrued up to the interval. In the second half Wealdstone had the advantage of the wind behind them, and they improved considerably. Hampstead, however, kept them at bay and on occasions endeavoured to find the net at the other end, several good chances being thrown away by over-eagerness and lack of understanding with one another. A draw of one all appeared to be the result when with but a couple of minutes to go a fine volley by Wealdstone's pivot gave them the points. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 25/09/1931, p.12)

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Friday 18 September - Five goals for Reserves

In this Athenian League [Reserve Section] match at Sutton, a sensational start was made by Sutton, as within 10 seconds they were a goal up. This certainly was a surprise for Hampstead, and for a while Sutton looked very dangerous, but Hampstead soon drew level through Eagles. Sutton, in response to the calls of the crowd, again secured the lead, and before very long were leading by three goals to one. Eagles was in excellent form, however, and racing through secured his second goal. A penalty kick awarded Sutton looked dangerous, but Cornell was equal to the occasion. All the five goals were really worthy of their seniors. After change of ends Hampstead secured the upper hand, Sutton appearing to tire, and before long Edwards made the scores level. Hampstead were now definitely on top and with some fine combination kept Sutton on the run, and Eagles, showing rare pace in the mud, secured the hat trick. Shortly afterwards he was again going through when he was brought down just outside the penalty area, and a nicely-placed kick by Bloxham scraped the bar. The issue was put beyond doubt when Rawdon's centre was pushed into the net by Sutton's custodian and a very fine game under trying conditions ended in Hampstead's favour by five goals to three. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 18/09/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 11 September - Reserves do well

A spirited game was seen at Walthamstow last Saturday, the reserve teams of Hampstead and Walthamstow Avenue playing with a will to win, and a draw of three goals each was a fair result. From the start the Avenue played with determination and Platford, on the wing, was put away, and from his centre McKockel opened the score after seven minutes' play. This was replied to by Hampstead almost immediately. Butterfield slipped the ball to Lloyd, who ran on and centred for Eagles to deflect the ball past Stanshall. Bloxham, in the pivot position, showed up well and generally did that which was expected of him, and was ably supported by his wing halves and backs. Wilkinson put Hampstead further ahead, but before half-time the Avenue got on level terms, McKockel again beating Cornell. The second half opened well for the Avenue and Hampstead for a time were on the defensive, and following a scramble in front of goal McKockel netted again, thus doing the hat trick. Hampstead fought back, however, and Eagles, snapping up a fine forward pass, rounded the back and beat Stanshall with a fine shot into the far corner of the net, and thus brought the scores level again. Some of the new material showed promise and in time should become good reserves to the first team. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 11/09/1931, p.12)

Posted at 18:00