Match Report

Wealdstone
0
Hendon
3
Date:
Saturday 18 April 1942
Competition:
Hertfordshire & Middlesex League
Attendance:
Unknown
Venue:
Wealdstone

Match Report

Golders Green visited Wealdstone for their Herts and Middlesex League fixture last Saturday and came away wth a decisive, if somewhat surprising, 3-0 victory. Wealdstone had paid two visits to Claremont Road recently, and had more than held their own.

The Green were without Stroud, playing for the League at Barnet, and Goodchild, who was unfit. F. Holmes deputised at outside-right, and H. Edwards at outside-left. Wealdstone were without Barker, but had J. Wilson, one of their pre-war stars, at inside-right.

A feature of the Green's display was a magnificent performance by Alexander at centre-half. His strong tackling and long, well-judged clearances continually turned defence into attack. Fisher and Breagan kept the "Stones'" dangerous left wing under control, and Dolding, a fine outside-left, had very few chances. Once again Bucci's presence in the forward line was of enormous value, and generally the Green played a sound, open and strong game.

Though playing up the slope and into the sun in the first half, the Green made the running. After a quarter of an hour's sustained attack, Bucci worked out to the wing, beat his man and put in for Edwards to shoot home. Pulling actually touched the ball with his head on its way into the net, but the winger's shot was a goal all the way.

Wealdstone tried to hit back, and Stidder brought off a great save from Russell. After about 40 minutes' play, Holmes put over a centre; Bunyan tried to clear but miskicked, and the ball went to Bucci, who scored with a beautifully judged shot.

In the second half Wealdstone, in an endeavour to pull the game round, made positional changes in the forward line. After Doherty had saved from Bucci and Edwards, Wealdstone attacked and Lewis succeeded in getting the ball into the net, but the whistle had gone for offside.

Gradually the Green wore down the home side's thrusts and took up the attack again; twice Pulling got through; once Doherty dived at his feet to clear, and once he shot over the bar. Then, after half an hour had gone by, the Green put the issue beyond doubt. Breagan took a corner kick on the right, Fontana gained possession and centred across for Pulling to dash in and head the third goal.

Wealdstone had a narrow escape soon afterwards. Bregan took a free kick just outside the penalty area. The ball was sailing into the net away from Doherty, but Leeming headed out just in time. The Green thoroughly deserved their win; they played with more purpose than their hosts, were faster on the ball and stroner both in attack and defence.

Golders Green will have their last fixture of the season on Saturday, when they entretain Leyton.

The Will Mather Ciup match has still to be arranged, and it is also hoped that a few friendly games will be played.

Report by Hampstead and St John's Wood News and Golders Green Gazette, 23/04/1942, p.2

Golders Green

1
A Stidder
2
Bill Fisher
3
Colin Rodwell
4
A J "Billy" Breagan
5
Frank Alexander
6
Tony Munday
7
Frank Holmes
8
Les Fontana
9
Les Pulling
10
George Bucci
11
Harry Edwards

Match Events

16''
Harry Edwards
42''
George Bucci
76''
Les Pulling

Wealdstone

1
M Doherty
2
B Leeming
3
Unknown
4
P Bunyan
5
Unknown
6
Unknown
7
Unknown
8
J Wilson
9
L Lewis
10
D Russell
11
L Dolding