Reserves News, 1932/1933

Friday 05 May - Reserves are League Champions!

At Leyton last night Hampstead Reserves beat Leyton Reserves by 3-0. This gives them the championship. (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 05/05/1933, p.10)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 21 April - Four points for Reserves

At Claremont Road, on Good Friday, Hampstead Reserves beat Enfield Reserves by 2-0 in the Athenian League, and on the following day, at Hayes, secured another victory by 3-1. (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 21/04/1933, p.16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 14 April - Reserves have an off-day

Hampstead Reserves had a decidedly off-day when they visited Bromley on Saturday and were defeated by five goals to one in an Athenian League game. This heavy defeat has robbed the team of their secure lead in the League, and although they still head the table, Walthamstow - who beat Wealdsone - are only two points behind with one game in hand. For the first five minutes of the game play was fairly even, then Brind got clear and opened the scoring for Bromley. Before half-time he had obtained two further goals for his side. Changing over with a 3-0 lead against them Hampstead made a determined effort, but could not score. About 15 minutes from time a misunderstanding between Broadis and Joyce gave Coulson an opportunity to score again for Bromley, and within a few minutes a mistake on Cornell's part let Brind in with the fifth. Some ten minutes from time a foul against Butler awarded Hampstead their only goal. Broadis took the kick just outside the penalty line and scored with a fine shot. Hampstead, as has been said, had an off-day, and some of the team did not play up to their standard. Cornell, in goal, was greatly handicapped in the first half by the glaring sun and he could not be blamed for the heavy defeat. Elwell was not so good as usual. He was again playing too far up the field and left the wingers with an opening. His playing out of position was the cause of more than one goal. Dean worked very hard and kept his position well. He was had pressed all the time, as most of the work fell upon him and Joyce, who was not playing with his usual sparkle. Broadis, after good work at half, changed his position to centre-forward, but finding that this did no good he fell back to his former position. Butt, in his first League game, put up a hard fight. The forwards did well, but were up against a defence which proved too big for them. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; H. Butt, A.C. Broadis, W. Joyce; G.H. Preece, J.F. Edwards, V. Rowe, A.H. Butler, C. Dickinson (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 14/04/1933, p.16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 31 March - Reserves on top at last

The Reserves won yet another Athenian League victory on Saturday, when they defeated Hayes Reserves by five goals to nil at Claremont Road. The score was not an indication of the play. Hampstead did not deserve to win by so big a margin. For fifteen minutes of the first half play was even, neither side breaking away, but after V. Rowe had opened the scoring for Hampstead with a fine goal play took a turn in the home team's favour. The game was fast and exciting and after a few minutes Rowe netted Hampstead's second goal. Porrett had passed back to Joyce, who sent in a long shot towards goal. Rowe trapped it and placed it past the goalkeeper. The game was now well in Hampstead's favour, but the half-time whistle went without further excitement. In the second half Edwards scored after the goalkeeper had partially cleared. The fourth goal [came] as the result of another melee in the Hayes' goalmouth, Sedgewick pushing the ball into his own net, and Hampstead's fifth goal came from Rowe immediately prior to the final whistle. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; W.L. Seeney, A.C. Broadis, W.Joyce; G.H. Preece, J.F. Edwards, V. Rowe, A.H. Butler, L.C. Porrett. Hayes : F. Sedgewick; C. Stevens, E. Atkins; J. Davis, E. Deanes, A. Moulden; J.W. Gordon, R. Gardiner, A.H. Noakes, A. Burton, T.H. Long. (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 31/03/1933, p.18)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 24 March - Reserves' eyes on the Championship

Hampstead Reserves won yet another Athenian League victory on Saturday, Southall Reserves losing by five goals to one at Claremont Road. This win virtually places Hampstead at the head of the table. With one game in hand, they have the same number of points (33) as Wealdstone. The pitch was very slippery after two days' of heavy rain, and this if anything was in the favour of Hampstead, who seem to excel in the mud. Within five minutes Hampstead had scored through Butler. Porrett had taken a corner and there was some cross-kicking in front of the goal before Butler found the net with a strong shot. Hampstead now had most of the play. They were passing extremely well and keeping the goalkeeper busy, but half-time was near at hand before V. Rowe scored Hampstead's second goal. Porrett had taken the ball up his wing in a spectacular run and passed across to Butler, who in turn tapped the ball on to Rowe. When the second half opened Southall made a determined effort to reduce the home team's lead of two goals and Hampstead's position did not seem to be quite so secure. Rowe, however, eventually netted Hampstead's third goal from a fine pass by Preece. Following an injury to Joyce, which necessitated his withdrawal from the game for some minutes, Southall scored their only goal. There was a melee in Haampstead's goalmouth, out of which Milburn scored. Preece was responsible for the fourth goal, running up his wing and shooting across to Rowe, who again scored. Porrett added Hampstead's fifth goal following a spectacular run by Preece and Edwards. Luck and weather conditions were in favour of Hampstead, but they backed these up with good play. Cornell, in goal, was very safe, and but for the fact that he slipped Southall might never have scored at all. Elwell and Dean were apt to play up too far and at times Dean was running up almost to the opposing goal. This left the field clear when Southall broke through. On the half-way line Broadis was sure and strong, while Joyce worked extremely hard. Seeney was not on top form and placed the ball rather badly at times. Preece, in the forward line, played a sparking game, and the other forwards were extremely competent. Slade, in goal for Southall, played a fine game. The forwards were fairly strong, but were unable to round off any movements. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; W.L. Seeney, A.C. Broadis, W. Joyce; G.H. Preece, J.F. Edwards, V. Rowe, A.H. Butler, L.C. Porrett. Southall : W. Slade; T. Dymott, F. Gardner; D. Reid, H. Stafford, W. Johnson; T. Atkinson, S. Milburn, T. Walker, O'Crotty, F. Spink. (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 24/03/1933, p.18)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 03 February - Reserves again winning

Hampstead Reserves entertained Sutton [United] Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday in the Athenian League, when the local side added another victory [this time by 2-0] to their already long list. The state of the ground played strange tricks with the ball, and to this can be attributed some of the mistakes made by the players, several of whom sustained nasty falls on its hard surface. Within a few minutes Hampstead were attacking. But for excellent play on the part of Sutton's goalkeeper, the home team must have scored on more than one occasion. Time and again the Hampstead forwards took the ball right up to the Sutton goalmouth, only to lose it. Finally Preece captured it and ran up his wing, sending across a splendid centre, which was deflected into the net by Radford. But for the fact that Sutton's goalkeeper had been badly shaken by a fall just previously, the ball might never have come to rest in the net. The second half was singularly uneventful. Hampstead continued to press, and fifteen minutes after the kick-off again scored, Broadis heading the ball in from a melee in the goalmouth following a corner. From then until the final whistle there was nothing of note except for a number of penalties against one of the Sutton players. Hampstead suffered from the loss of two of their regular players, Porrett and Butler, who were with the first team, although Dickinson and Gowers, who substituted, put up plucky fights. Edwards and Preece made a strong right wing combination, and between them put through some of the finest movements of the match. Had Preece been fed a little better the result might have been an overwhelming victory in Hampstead's favour. Edwards is a pretty player, and did some intricate footwork with complete success on Saturday. The forward line was excellently supported by the half-backs, amongst whom Broadis, as usual, stood out as a tower of strength. Seeney and Joyce gave him excellent support. Elwell and Dean, on the back line, played highly satisfactory games, and Cornell, in goal, was a match for what few attacks reached him. Sutton suffered from a weakness in the forward line, but their defence was fairly strong. James, in goal, played a splendid game and made some brilliant saves. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; W.L. Seeney, A.C. Broadis, W. Joyce; G.H. Preece, J.F. Edwards, G.S. Radford, Dickinson, Gowers. Sutton : E. James; G.J. McGregor, S. West; C.E. Van Loock, A. Potts, P.J. Roche; J.F. Roche, D.W. Beaven, J.H. Pettitt, G.T. Birch, H.G. Skinner. (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 03/02/1933, p.16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 27 January - Reserves have off day

Hampstead Reserves will have to play much better than they did last Saturday against Redhill if they are to maintain their position in the League table. Although they were without the services of three of the regular team, they would have beaten Redhill had the inside forwards parted with the ball more often. Their dilly-dallying caused two valuable points to be lost. This tendency has been evident all the season and apparently they cannot break themselves of this bad habit. A blank first half was livened up a bit when Rogers neatly ran through to open the score. Redhill evened matters up some time after when Dean unfortunately sliced the ball in clearing and let in West, who centred for Gamble to find the net. Redhill were soon again attacking and the other West put his side one up. Right on time a penalty was awarded Hampstead, and although Broadis shot hard and true French made a marvellous clearance, and before the corner kick was finished the final whistle blew. (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 27/01/1933, p.16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 20 January - Another League victory

Hampstead Reserves thoroughly deserved their four to one victory at Uxbridge, for despite the absence of Porrett and Seeney, on duty with the first team, and Elwell, their captain, arriving late on the ground, they were two goals up in twelve minutes. The first goal came within two minutes and was obtained by Rogers. The ball was swung over from the left wing and Rogers shot towards the far corner of the net. Uxbridge's goalkeeper got to it, but owing to the wet state of the ball could not hold it, and it passed into the net. Edwards, some ten minutes later, cleverly tricked two or three men, and then rounding the back shot into the opposite corner to score a fine goal. This early success with only ten men proved very valuable and it served to rouse Uxbridge to fight back, and they took charge of the game for most of the remainder of the first half. As Elwell was now on the field Uxbridge did well to pen Hampstead in their own half. From this pressure Uxbridge was awarded a penalty, but the spot kick was neatly cleared by Cornell for a fruitless corner. The teams crossed straight over at half-time and Hampstead at once set about strengthening their lead. Following some stern play Neill put through his own goal from a centre by Preece, and a few minutes later a penalty was granted Hampstead for a foul on Butler. Broadis made no mistake with his kick. With just two minutes to go Goodman broke through for Uxbridge to score their only goal. For Hampstead, Dean played very well in breaking up Uxbridge's attacks. With the able help of Broadis, who shadowed Goodman throughout, Edwards led Uxbridge's defence a dance, and helped materially towards Hampstead's victory. (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 20/01/1933, p.16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 06 January - Reserves beat Romford 9-2

Early in the game between Hampstead Reserves and Romford Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday, things certainly looked black for Hampstead, but they soon settled down and eventually emerged with a victory of nine goals to two. Hampstead took the field with only ten men, Seeney, the right-half, being absent. They did not seem at home on the slippery field and played a ragged game. The forwards, however, gradually worked up and were soon in front of Romford's goal. Rogers, centre-forward for the home team, scored their first goal. Joyce, left-half, headed a throw-in which was captured by Rogers. He took the ball on his own, eluded the opposing defence, dribbled past the goalkeeper and tapped it into the net. It was a spectacular goal. Hampstead now kept the play mostly in Romford's half and within a few minutes had scored again. A foul against one of the home team's forwards gave them a penalty, which was taken by Elwell. This shot was impossible to save. Another foul - this time one of Romford's backs saved the ball from going into the goal with his hands - gave Hampstead their third. Elwell again took the kick. Before half-time the fourth goal had been scored, this time by Preece, the outside-right, who sent in a fine shot which hit the top bar and went in. A few seconds after the kick-off for the second half Rogers, taking a pass from Porrett on the left wing, netted the ball for the fifth time. Elwell (2) and Edwards had scored three further goals between them before Romford opened their scoring. They had taken the ball into Hampstead's half and from a melee in the goalmouth Millburn, the inside-right, sent a shot past the goalkeeper. Their second goal followed shortly through Shaw, who took the ball up on his own and from a melee scored. Rogers scored again for Hampstead, bringing their total up to nine as against Romford's two before the final whistle blew. The Hampstead team, in spite of the fact that there were three new players, kept well together. Of these new players Rogers, at centre-forward, was the most spectacular. He put through some pretty movements, but must learn to pass more before he becomes a real asset to the team. W. Cannon, wfo filled Seeney's place, was competent, while Bird, who was in goal in place of Cornell, who was injured, made some fine saves. Butler, at inside-left, played an excellent game, as did the other forwards. Broadis, the centre-half, was not his usual self, but Joyce, who supported him, worked hard. Dean, on the back line, played a thoroughly good game. The Romford team had a weakness in the forward line, but in the goal N. Stanshall put up a good performance against heavy odds. Hampstead : Bird; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; W. Cannon, A.C. Broadis, W. Joyce; G.H. Preece, J.F. Edwards, H. Rogers, A.F. Butler, L.C. Porrett. Romford : N. Stanshall; F. Betts, A. Blackshaw; B. Cannell, W. German, W. Donnington; T. Goodchild, G. Millburn, W. Sanders, A.S. Cushion, W.M. Shaw. (Hendon Times & Borough Guardian, 06/01/1933, p.16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 23 December - Reserves beat Southall

The team spirit of Hampstead Reserves was the stumbling block of Southall Reserves at Southall. Hampstead were victorious by two goals to nil. Throughout the game every attack by Southall was foiled for no other reason than that their opposing players were playing for their team and not for themselves. Within a few minutes of the commencement Hampstead had forced a corner. This was taken by Porrett, who sent the ball in front of goal. Edwards, taking no chances, jumped and with a fine header netted it. Hampstead's second goal followed a neat piece of solo play by Edwards, who, eluding the Southall players, carried the ball well into the opposing half. Here he was forced to pass out to Porrett, who in turn sent to Preece, who, trapping the ball, sent it sharply into the net. Southall entered the second half with the advantage of the wind, but failed to break down Hampstead's defence. The visitors, far from falling on defence, took the offensive, and but for some bad luck and the splendid work of Slade, Southall's goalkeeper, must have increased their score on more than one occasion. Cornell, In Hampstead's goal, also had some work to do, but was equal to all attacks. Hampstead kept together splendidly throughout the game and there was some fine passing. At each match they seem to settle down more and more and are rapidly becoming as compact a team as one could wish to see. The forward line worked well together, but Preece, on the right wing, was given too little work. Spalton, after his promising display against Uxbridge, proved somewhat of a disappointment. The half-back line did stalwart service, but Seeney was too well marked to be able to do much. Elwell and Dean allowed few men to get a shot at goal, but when they did Cornell was impassable. Southall gave Hampstead a good game, as was denoted by the score, but they lacked the speed and passing of their opponents. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; W.L. Seeney, A.C. Broadis, W. Joyce; G.H. Preece, J.F. Edwards, T. Spalton, A.F. Butler, L.C. Porrett. Southall : W. Slade; F. Gardner, G. Lapworth; A. Johnston, T. Chapman, A. Dickson; B. Higgins, W. Lafford, H. Perton, E. Gorman, G. Stockings. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 23/12/1932, p16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 16 December - Heavy scoring by Reserves

The few stalwarts who shivered in the stand at Claremont Road on Saturday were amply rewarded for the discomfort they suffered, because the match between Hampstead Reserves and Uxbridge [Town] Reserves, in the Athenian League, although it resulted in a victory of nine goals to one for the home team, was one of the most interesting played by the Reserve team this season. It was interesting because it was such a splendid example of team play, the passing being excellent. No player kept the ball too much to himself. From the beginning the play was fast, but the strong wind played strange tricks with the ball, causing some mistakes on the part of both teams. The game opened with Uxbridge only fielding ten men. The play was much in midfield, both teams striving to find a break in the opposing defence. By sheer weight Hampstead gradually carried the game into the Uxbridge half and forced a corner. Preece sent the ball wide to Broadis, who with a swift shot made the ball pass under the bar. Goals now fell thick and fast for Hampstead. Four came their way through Edwards (2) and Spalton (2). Within a few seconds of Hampstead's fifth goal Uxbridge opened their score through Haberson. Edwards added Hampstead's sixth goal before half-time. After the interval the game continued to be fast and Hampstead, in spite of the fact that they were now playing into the wind, maintained their lead and added three more goals through Edwards, Spalton and Broadis. The whole Hampstead side played an excellent game. Cornell, in the goal, did not have very much to do, but was equal to all attempts by the opposing team. Elwell and Dean played their usual satisfactory games at back. Of the half-backs Broadis, at centre, was as usual a tower of strength. His accompanying halves, Seeney and Joyce, supported him ably. In the forwards T. Spalton was a useful addition in the centre position, and after a game or two should prove a steady player. The wings were both strong combinations, their passing being a feature of the game. Uxbridge had several individual players of merit, but lacked the combination of Hampstead. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, R. Dean; W.L. Seeney, A.C. Broadis, W.Joyce; G.H. Preece, J.F. Edwards, T. Spalton, A.F. Butler, L.C. Porrett. Uxbridge : J. Thomson; W. Biddle, F. Odell; C.O. Brown, W. Odell, E. Wade; F. Pratt, F. Munroe, E. Woodman, H. Wadje, D. Haberson. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 16/12/1932, p.18)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 09 December - Reserves beat Hendon in friendly

Hampstead Reserves visited Hendon Reserves in a friendly fixture at the Welsh Harp on Saturday. Both sides took the opportunity of trying out new players, but Hendon were unfortunate in being able to field only tem men. The ground was in bad condition and there was little brilliant football. Hampstead were the better side, but did not score until about ten minutes from the end. [Reported under Hendon F.C., not under Hampstead F.C.] (Hendon Times & Guardian, 09/12/1932, p.18)

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Friday 18 November - Reserves' narrow win

There was an exciting but disappointing game at Claremont Road on Saturday, when Hampstead Reserves beat Bromley Reserves by one goal to nil. The bad light and slippery condition of the field hampered play, but did not allow for the many failures by Hampstead to score when within a few yards of the goal. Time after time the forwards carried the ball to within scoring distance only to lose it. Occasionally the loss was due to bad luck, but this excuse could not be offered every time. The game opened with Hampstead attacking strongly and within a few moments they were mixed up in a melee in Bromley's goal. This kind of play continued throughout most of the first half, Hampstead keeping the ball mostly in Bromley's end of the field. It may have been the state of the field that accounted for the lack of vigour displayed by most of the players at that time, but the game was slow and rather uninteresting. The first half closed without either team having netted the ball. The second half opened with Bromley pressing strongly but with no result, the Hampstead defence being much too steady. At last, however, the ball was netted. Following a foul against Butler, Broadis, Hampstead's centre-half, took the kick from the penalty line. The goalkeeper was hopelessly beaten. From this moment Hampstead made a determined effort to increase their lead, but the extremely bad light hampered the players and the final whistle blew without any further score. The weakness in the home team was in the forward line, where almost every week there is a new player who nearly always prioves a disappointment. A. Luck, this week's newcomer, was not conspicuous. Butler put up one of the most spectacular performances, keeping up a good connection with his winger Porrett. Together they put through some nice movements. Preece, on the right wing, shows nice speed and plays pretty football, but suffers from the fact that a new inside man each week forbids the working up of a good partnership. Edwards was a good centre-forward. With a treular man in the inside-right position the forward line should be strong. The half-line continues to play a highly satisfactory game. Broadis, the centre-half, is a tower of strength and a sure player, whilst his supporters, Seeney and Joyce, work hard with excellent results. Elwell and King made a good pair of backs, whilr Cornell, in the goal, did what little work he had with his usual style. Hampstead : E.G. Cornell; A.H. Elwell, F.W. King; W.L. Seeney, A.C. Broadis, W. Joyce; G.H. Preece, A. uck, J.F. Edwards, A.F. Butler, L.C. Porrett. Bromley : H. Burnett; D. Lennard, F. Walters; J. Abbott, S.Osborne, R. Bishop; J. Daniels, A. Hills, A. Round, R. Mills, G. Whiting. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 18/11/1932, p.16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 11 November - Exciting Reserve match

Hampstead Reserves again drew with Walthamstow Avenue Reserves when they visited Walthamstow on Saturday, the score being one goal each. The game throughout was exciting, the teams being evenly matched. Although the game was comparatively fast there was not a lot of shooting and for periods it was uninteresting. The first goal came just before half-time, when, after Walthamstow had carried play into Hampstead's half and after some passing in front of the goalmouth, the centre-forward, W. Heath, sent a good shot into the net. The second half opened with Hampstead pressing strongly. They were repulsed, however, and thereafter the ball swung from end to end of the field. The Hampstead forwards, playing a good game, frequently took the ball into their opponents' half only to be foiled by the defence, who were much too big for them. As time went on the pace increased, Hampstead striving to make up on Walthamstow and the latter striving equally hard to maintain their lead. Towards the end Hampstead after repeated efforts scored. There was a melee directly in the goalmouth following some cross-shooting, and finally Edwards, accompanied by half the Hampstead team, veritably fell into the net. Hampstead then redoubled their efforts to take the lead, but the final whistle blew with the scores one goal each. Perhaps the most conspicuous player on the field was S.R. Smith, who played in Hampstead's goal. He made some truly brilliant saves and won the acclamation of the crowd. Frequently he captured the ball from the very feet of the opposing forwards, sending it out to one of his own team and thus relieving some awkward siuations. He was well supported by Elwell and Dean, the full backs. On the half line was Broadis, putting on his usual competent display. Joyce, the left-half, worked hard, putting through some nice movements. Seeney, the right-half, also played a satisfactory game. In the forward line Porrett and Butler, on the left wing, kept up their excellent partnership and did good work. Butler made some spectacular runs and frequently won the applause of the crowd for a neat piece of work. Porrett, although at first a bit shaky when capturing the ball, soon settled down to a good game. On the other wing Cove and Preece, although unused to one another, made a fairly good partnership, Preece being especially conspicuous. Edwards made a competent centre-forward. Of the Walthamstow side the goalkeeper, Kinkin, again put up a fine performance. The defence played well and were much too big for the Hampstead forwards. Hampstead : S.R. Smith; A. Elwell, R. Dean; W. Seeney, A. Broadis, W. Joyce; G. Preece, J. Cove, J. Edwards, A. Butler, L. Porrett. Walthamstow : A. Kinkin; J. Webb, L. Bartlett; A. hitchens, G. pattle, G. Datchelor; G. Harris, A. Fearns, W. Heath, A. Read, A. Webb. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 11/11/1932, p.20)

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Friday 04 November - Reserves home draw

Things looked decidedly black for Hampstead Reserves when they met Walthamstow Avenue Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday. It was only a few seconds before the final whistle when the ball was netted for the second time by the home team, thus equalising Walthamstow's score of two goals. An unfortunate mistake by Broadis, centre-half for Hampstead, gave McKorkle, inside-left for the Avenue, an opportunity to score. By half-time McKorkle had scored again and Walthamstow were leading by 2-0. When the second half opened the home team made a determined effort to make up leeway. The game became exceedingly interesting. After some hard playing Butler scored, and a few seconds before the final whistle King scored from a penalty. Hampstead : J.C. Cole; F.W. King, R. Dean; W.L. Seeney, A.C. Broadis, W. Joyce; W.C. Lushey, J.F. Edwards, H. Shearcroft, A.F. Butler, L.C. Porrett. Walthamstow : T. Kinkin; J. Webb, W. Bartlett; A. Hitchin, G. Pattle, G. Datchler; G. Andrews, W. Fern, E. Read, P. McKorkle, S. Harris. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 04/11/1932, p.18)

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Friday 28 October - Victory over Leyton Reserves

In spite of an early reverse and the unfavourable condition of the ground, Hampstead Reserves secured a victory of four goals to two against Leyton Reserves at Claremont Road on Sataurday. At the beginning Leyton seemed much more at home on the slippery surface than did Hampstead, and to this could be attributed the fact that within a few moments the visiting team had scored. After a fine movement by the forward line the ball was fed out to Margates, the right-half, who took a long shot at goal, giving Leyton the lead. Leyton was at this time the superior team, Hampstead seeming as if they could not find their feet. Twenty minutes after the commencement of play, however, the Hampstead forwards broke through and after some good passing in front of the goal Butler equalised. Leyton's second goal was the result of a solo effort by Goldsworthy, the centre-forward. Before half-time Hampstead had taken the lead. Shearcroft scored two goals. Between these two successes Cornford, Leyton's goalkeeper, in saving a goal, injured his back on a goal post. Thus disabled he offered no obstacle when after some quick passing Shearcroft tapped the ball past him. After this he retired and his place was taken by Colvert, inside-left. The second half opened slowly and it was some time before Porrett scored Hampstead's fourth goal from a skirmish. From this time forward Hampstead were easily superior, but in spite of the fact that Leyton were playing with only ten men they put up a plucky fight. Broadis, centre-half for the home team, played his usual forceful game and worked hard throughout the match. Some of his powerful long shots, however, were misplaced. Edwards, the inside-right, although shaky at first, soon settled down and played an interesting game. Butler, too, was good. Dean put up his usual satisfactory display at back, and Cole was useful between the sticks. Cornford, in goal for Leyton, played well before he was disabled, and Colvert put up an excellent fight when he substituted. Hampstead : J.C. Cole; F.W. King, R. Dean; W.L. Seeney, A.C. Broadis, W. Joyce; G.R. Preece, J.F. Edwards, H.W. Shearcroft, A.F. Butler, L.C. Porrett. Leyton : M. Cornford; P. Wilkins, W. Andrews; W. Margates, S. Fridaya, G. Armitage; W. Haywood, G. Bartripp, W. Goldsworthy, J. Colvert, E. Braund. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 28/10/1932, p.18)

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Friday 21 October - Another away point

At Romford on Saturday the home side started by attacking strongly and it was fortunate for Hampstead that Shaw did not beat Cornell early on. In fact, Romford threw their chances away by being too impetuous. Several times Cornell was brought to his knees and four or five corners came their way, but without result. Hampstead got away on the left and Porrett, receiving from Shearcroft, neatly tricked Betts and running on placed the ball out of the reach of the home custodian. From this point a very ding-dong fight ensued between the two sides with Romford being just a shade better than Hampstead, both their wingers being extremely fast and dangerous. Betts was in good form for Romford at right full-back and it was rarely possible to get by him. The second half continued to be very interesting and it was only after half-an-hour's play that Shaw netted for Romford from a throw in near the corner flag and thus made the scores level. Both more and Edwards sent in good shots just before the end that deserved a better fate, but it was not to be and Hampstead were only able to secure one point [with a 1-1 draw]. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 21/10/1932, p.18)

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Friday 14 October - Points for Reserves

The Reserve game at Barking was always very interesting and keenly fought out and the issue was very uncertain right up to the finish. Shearcroft, at centre-forward, kept his line well together and fed his wings to good advantage. Barking had the better of the early exchanges and several corners came their way, but these were easily cleared, and it fell to Broadis to open the score for Hampstead with a fine drive. Broadis was playing a very good game indeed, and in addition to breaking up Barking's attacks was putting the ball nicely through the middle and at times had a go at the goal. Credit is also due to the wingers, Preece and Porrett, who worried Barking's defence continuously, and Preece was extremely unlucky in not scoring. Barking's front line was very dangerous at times and had they had not hesitated when in a scoring position might have turned the tables on Hampstead. Shearcroft added a second goal for Hampstead shortly after the interval, Preece putting through nicely for him to round off the movement. Barking towards the end became very dangerous and Bainbridge eventually beat Cornell with a hard drive. This success roused Barking and they might easily have drawn level had they steadied themselves and not put over the bar so often. Hampstead thus won a hard game by two goals to one. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 14/10/1932, p.18)

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Friday 07 October - Reserves defeated

Hampstead Reserves were defeated by seven goals to three at Barnet on Saturday. The weather conditions were all against good football, the early rain having made the surface slipppery and ball control seemed to be out of the question. At the commencement Barnet, playing down the slope, found each other well. Hampstead, on the other hand, almost invariably gave the ball to a member of the opposing team, and within ten minutes of the opening they were two goals down. Barnet's wing men were extremely dangerous and showed rare speed. Hampstead were able to reduce their score through Moore, but by half-time were losing by four goals to one. Although Hampstead had advantage of ground in the second half matters did not improve, and before long Cornell was again seen picking the ball out of the net. They found themselves for a little while, however, and during the later stages of the game were able to reduce the lead somewhat, both Moore and Edwards scoring. Just prior to the final whistle Barnet scored again from the penalty spot, making their score seven to Hampstead's three. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 07/10/1932, p.18)

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Friday 30 September - Reserves first defeat

It was unfortunate that owing to the calls of the first team the Reserves were not at full strength when they visited Redhill last Saturday, and in consequence two valuable League points were lost, Redhill winning by three goals to one. Even with the additional handicap of two new players a good fight was put up, and Redhill had to go all out during the first half to keep Hampstead at bay, but even so the Reserves drew first blood when Snell shot through a crowd of players into the far corner of the net, Sisson making strenuous efforts to handle the ball during its flight and so force a penalty kick. Hampstead were able to hold on to their lead until after the interval. In the second half Redhill scored three times. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 30/09/1932, p.17)

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Friday 23 September - League Champions beaten

Hampstead Reserves travelled to Enfield on Saturday to meet the Enfield Reserves, last season's League champions, and returned victorious with a score of 2-0. As was expected, the game was of a cup-tie order, owing to the positions of the two teams in the League table, Enfield being only one point behind Hampstead. The early exchanges were in the nature of feelers, both sides trying to get the measure of each other, and some fifteen minutes elapsed before Hampstead took the lead, a well-placed centre being deflected into the net by King. The game was somewhat marred by the too frequent use of the whistle, and free kicks were numerous. Dean and Broadis continually broke up the attacks of the Enfield forwards and set their own line going. Prior to the interval a nice movement on the left and centre by Porrett enabled King to add to the score. The play in the second half became extremely ragged. Both teams were feeling the effects of the heat and the pace, and very little good football was seen during this period. Enfield broke away on a number of occasions, but were never really dangerous in front of the goal, while Cornell, Hampstead's goalkeeper, was always safe. Dyson, Atterton and Preston were the pick of the Enfield team, while Cornell, Dean and Broadis played well for Hampstead. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 23/09/1932, p.14)

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Friday 16 September - Reserves win at Sutton

An excellent game was seen at Sutton on Saturday, when Hampstead Reserves beat Sutton Reserves by two goals to one. Sutton attacked strongly from the start and set the pace, but as is often the case Hampstead scored first by breaking away and going the length of the field with pretty passing on the left wing. The ball was centred across the goalmouth to be missed by two of the forwards before Preece rushed in from the right wing to score with a good shot. This livened the game up and gave the defences of both teams considerable work. Smith, in the visiting team's goal, played magnificently, saving shot after shot sent in by the Sutton forwards, who on one occasion all but beat him. The pressure was relieved by Elwell, who punted the ball into midfield. There was at this juncture considerable midfield play. The only real shot at the Sutton goal came from [R.] Dean, who sent in a long shot from the halfway line. After the interval Hampstead began to use their wings to some advantage, but they were now playing against the wind and finding things difficult. They pressed into the Sutton goalmouth, however, and the goalkeeper was called upon to save three successive shots before Judge, at left-half, beat him with a good cross-shot. The home side then adopted storming tactics and quickly reduced the lead of two goals by eluding Smith with a ground shot. Hampstead were, however, able to maintain their lead and in the end won a hard fought game by two goals to one. This was Hampstead's third successive League win. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 16/09/1932, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 09 September - Win for Reserves by 5-2

The rain had ceased when the players took the field at Claremont Road, but it had left the ground rather slippery and the players had difficulty at times in keeping their feet. Hampstead were soon aggressive and a pretty bout of passing by the right wing ended with a fine centre by Preece, which was only saved by Deal leaving his goal to clear. Keeping up the pressure, Hampstead were soon one up, Moore scoring with a good shot. Barking then came into the picture with a dangerous attack, which gave the home defence some anxious moments, but the pressure was relieved by Broadis cleverly tackling at the right moment and sending his forwards away with a good ground pass. However Barking soon equalised by Elwell miskicking and letting in the opposing centre-forward to shoot past Cole. Hampstead's forwards got going again, both wingers sending over some fine centres, but the forwards were unable to get the ball past Deal. Just prior to the interval Hampstead added two quick goals through Porrett and Batchelor. Hampstead were always on top during the second half, further goals coming through some very good movements by both wings, the ball being finally being put into the net by Batchelor and Moore. Barking made several desperate efforts to get through the home defence, but without severely testing Cole. Broadis was very conspicuous on these occasions, playing an inspired game, time and again setting his forwards going with well placed passes. Some ten minutes before the end Barking secured a further goal, and the game ended in a victory for Hampstead by five goals to two. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 09/09/1932, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 02 September - Reserves open season with a win

Hampstead Reserves opened their season on Saturday with a visit from Barnet Reserves in the Athenian League. A thoroughly good game was seen and two valuable points were secured, Hampstead winning the game by two goals to one. Hampstead's team only contained four of last season's players, but the newcomers acquitted themselves very well indeed and deserve full praise for coming through such an ordeal in the hot weather and against such opponents. Barnet were the first to get warmed up to it and they certainly were much faster in all departments than the home team, but Hampstead should make a very good side if they can only be kept together. After some fifteen minutes' play MacDonald finished off a good attack by opening the score for Barnet, and it was a further ten minutes before Judge netted for Hampstead, and so brought the scores level. Barnet had the better of the later exchanges and should have gone ahead had they shown a little steadiness in front of goal. Smith was playing a good game and on one occasion brought off a fine stopping movement when Constable seemed certain to score. A nice piece of work by Hampstead's right wing ended with Batchelor scoring a very good goal, and Hampstead were able to maintain their advantage to the interval. The second half quietened down somewhat owing to the heat and lack of condition of the players, and there were several stoppages for accidents, fortunately not serious except on one occasion when Burd collided with Smith. There was no score during the second half and Barnet were rather unlucky not to at least have drawn level. (Hendon Times & Guardian, 02/09/1932, p.8)

Posted at 18:00