Golders Green were not outplayed on the Barnet ground on Saturday, but their defeat [by 1-0] came through lack of cohesion in the forward line and poor understanding between the halves and the forwards. This was largely accounted for by the well-known weakness at centre-forward, but also by the fact that an injury to Sharp led to his transfer from the halves to ouside-left, F. Boston dropping back. The result was not a happy one, but there appeared to be no alternative.

It is also true to say that Golders Green were somewhat cowed by the whistle, which was heard with disturbing frequency and generally against the visitors. A large proportion of the crowd interpreted the whistle as a justification for a vociferous attack on Golders Green, who played no better for the lively signs of antagonism around the ropes, There was certainly poor sportsmanship amongst the spectators.

Golders Green fielded an unchanged team, in which the honours went to Barlow and Broadis, who undoubtedly saved the team from a heavier defeat. True, Barlow was open to some criticism for letting through the only goal, but after this he put up a grand display, while Broadis seemed at times to be the whole defence apart from the goalkeeper. Caswell was off form, and W. Boston, though clever at times, was not up to standard. Sharp, injured and moved out of position, had no chance to show his best side, and Breagan, though working hard all the time, did not achieve a lot. Of the forwards, Walker was about the best, though the outside men, Leahy and F. Boston, did a lot of good work which was rendered valueless by the weakness in the centre. Browne's display was not so tidy as could have been wished, but he probably suffered from the general effect of disorganisation.

Barnet were fast and prompt in the acceptance of opportunities, while their passing was generally a joy to watch, but their weakness was in marksmanship, though there were enough shots between the pasts to give Barlow some busy times. Finch's danger on the left wing was chiefly due to the fact that the defence did not mark him well enough. McCarthy gave a fine display at centre-half, and the backs were sound.

Barnet won the toss, and played up the slope. The ground was on the heavy side. Golders Green went into attack almost at once, and F. Boston broke away to test Kimber, who was ready for the shot. Boston got in another, but Kimber cleared, and though Leahy recovered the ball he headed outside the posts. Walker gave Boston another opening, but he got too far under the ball and drove high.

A free-kick gave Barnet their first opportunity, J. Richardson reaching Barlow, who cleared without difficulty. Then Kelleher shot over the top, and the goal-kick sent Golders Green down the field again, but the attack ended weakly, Walker hanging on too long and spoiling a good bit of work between Leahy and Browne. Breagan served Walker again, and he shot through in the centre, but could not beat Kimber.

At the other end Finch brought off some promising runs, but his best shots went close past the upright.

Then J. Richardson shot well from a difficult angle, and Barlow only partially stopped the ball. MacFarlane nipped in to finish off, and Barnet took the lead after ten minutes' play. Barlow's mistake was probably waiting for the ball instead of coming out.

Soon afterwards Barlow did well to hold a header from J. Richardson, and thereafter he gave a grand performance under frequent pressure.

Browne and Caswell took shots for Golders Green without success, and Walker was presented with a golden opportunity by Browne, but he encountered mud and shot wide with the goal open.

Barnet were giving beautiful displays of passing on the left wing, while Jordan's speed was causing the Golders Green defence some trouble. Barnet should have increased their lead when Kelleher headed to the centre of the goal with Barlow out of position, but Broadis had slipped back in time to clear. Finch also had hard luck in striking the upright with a beautiful shot taken on the run.

Golders Green got going again, but Stovell was ruled offside, and shortly afterwards came the injury to Sharp, which incapacitated him for the rest of the game.

The Barnet goal had a near escape from Browne, but by this time Golders Green had lost most of their danger, and their own goal was frequently in danger for the rest of this half. Barlow pushed a shot from MacFarlane over the top, came out to gather another from the same player, and cleared a surprise header from Kelleher. He also held a stinging shot by Finch after another brief attack by Golders Green had failed.

F. Boston was injured, and had to leave the field, but he soon returned.

Jordan looked like increasing the Barnet lead when he received from McCarthy and streaked away, but when close in he was baulked by Caswell, and though Kelleher brought the ball in again, Broadis cleared.

Walker and Stovell put in a nice piece of work which ended with Stovell shooting close past the upright, and close on half-time Walker lifted the ball over the crossbar after Leahy had delivered a well-judged centre.

Half-time arrived with Barnet holding the one goal, and it was no surprise that the score remained unchanged during the second half. The game became scrappy and wholly uninteresting. Golders Green had no sting, while Barnet could not shoot, much good work being spoilt by poor finishing. The only interest was contained in the fast pace maintained, though the speed proved aimless. The referee's whistle played almost a chorus at times, and the game began to be fought out as much behind the ropes as on the field.

But there were still a few jewels amongst all the wasted effort. Kelleher headed neatly to the under side of the crossbar, Barlow leaping up to push the ball over for a corner, and MacFarlane took up a perfect centre from Finch, only to scrape over the crossbar. F. Boston placed a corner kick perfectly, but Kimber punched out from the resulting shot. Fresdh hope came for Golders Green when Leahy changed position with Stovell, but, though he beat the defence on a number of occasions, Kimber was able to deal with his shots. Towards the end Golders Green put up some more spirited attacks, but quick tackling by the home defence stopped them, and the nearest approach to the equaliser was when Walker shot close across the goalmouth.