Golders Green put up a much improved performance last Saturday, beating Finchley in the first round of the Herts and Middlesex League Challenge Cup, at Summers Lane, Finchley, by 4-1.

The Green's defence was as sound as ever; the forward line, with several alterations from the previous week, was livelier and more forceful.

Golders Green were for the greater part of the game able to call the tune, although there were periods of heavy Finchley attack which had the visiting defence at full stretch. On the run of play, the Greens' victory was well deserved.

Golders Green took the lead after a quarter of an hour. Mitchell gave Peacock a beautiful through pass, and the winger centred well for Griffiths to head past Parker.

Soon afterwards, Finchley were awarded a penalty, but Young's shot went well over the bar. Their equaliser came, however, after half an hour, when Gassman converted a centre from Popperwell. The Green's second goal came just before half time, Griffiths converting a good centre by Fair.

After the interval, Finchley rearranged their attack and were frequently dangerous, but after half an hour Golders Green got their third point, when Young, trying to pass back to his goalkeeper to relieve the pressure, kicked too hard, the ball entering the net.

Finchley had an excellent chance of reducing their arrears when they were awarded what seemed a doubtful penalty for hands. But the shot went straight to Roberts, who gathered and cleared. Then just before the end, Topp got a ball to Griffiths, who turned quickly and scored the Green's fourth - the best goal of the match.