Though Golders Green took a reserve half-back line with them and made a further change at the last minute at Redhill on Saturday, they secured full League points against an opposition not good enough to provide a really worth-while game. At the same time, Golders Green gave a pleasing display, and the work of the halves proved altogether satisfactory. The forward line, with Bucci at inside-left owing to the absence of Walker - who was resting - attacked well for the greater part of the game, and the backs booted the ball well and thus saved Barlow a lot of work when Redhill did show some force and determination.

Weaver gave a first-rate performance at centre-half, Marrable worked hard and well, and R. Ward, who took the place of Bloxham at right-half, amply justified his inclusion. Breagan came in at inside-right, vice Browne (also on the resting list) and worried the Redhill rearguard a lot, while being always ready to strengthen the Golders Green defence.

The Redhill team, who included S.R. Smith, the former Golders Green goalkeeper, seemed to be lacking in pep, and they missed many opportunities which came from bursts of speed on the wings. Their passing and scheming were often good, but the finishing was weak.

Golders Green were early on the offensive, and Graves had hard luck with a first-timer, the ball scraping outside the upright. Bucci shot over the top after taking up a nice centre from Leahy, who was put off by Parrott when about to pass in again after a speedy run on his own.

At the other end Sheppard got away well and centred for Friend to try a cross-shot, which took the ball a few inches too high. Barlow stopped a low drive from Faggetter, and his clearance sent Golders Green into action again, Weaver pushing the ball out to Leahy, who gave Graves a welcome opening.

GRAVES fell as he shot, but Smith also slipped, and a simple goal for Golders Green opened the score after ten minutes of play.

A combined effort between Graves and Bucci was upset by offside, and Golders Green next suffered a temporary misfortune by an injury to F. Boston, who fell on his head, but he soon recovered. Bucci started another promising movement, which ended with Graves heading from a couple of yards out from one of Leahy's centres, but Smith reached the ball.

Redhill several times broke away, but they were weak in front of goal, the nearest approach to a score being a neat header by Cooper. Barlow cleared, and the Golders Green left wing treated the crowd to a fine demonstration of team work, which deserved success, but West turned aside Graves' shot. Marrable also tried for a goal, but found Smith ready for him. Following another short raid by Redhill, in which Pratt tested Barlow, Golders Green attacked again on the left, F. Boston putting in some clever footwork before swinging the ball across to Leahy, who took a shot on the run and failed.

Marrable was giving a good account of himself and stopped many Redhill movements developments.

For a spell the Golders Green attack degenerated. F. Boston was trying ineffectively to reach thre goal instead of centring, and while Graves was getting through his shots lacked force. But the recovery came in a movement started by Marrable and Breagan, whose work earned them shares in the second goal, scored by GRAVES, who took a sudden chance and beat Smith hands down.

Changing over with two goals against them, Redhill never looked like wiping out the odds. Thje second half was practically all in Golders Green's favour, and with a little more spirit of opportunism they could have piled up a sizeable goal margin. There were occasional breakaways by Redhill, in one of which Barlow had to clear from Marlow, but generally they showed a lack of cohesion and determination.

Redhill had a narrow escape in a mix-up around their goal after a cross-shot from F. Boston. Smith fell in punching out, but the ball was scrambled away and Redhill pressed on the left, Cooper finishing up with a header which Barlow was able to hold. Goldedrs Green came back, and Leahy forced a corner, which led to another on the left. Marrable received the ball from Boston and passed to Graves, who turned in a powerful drive, but did not beat Smith.

Here Redhill lost Pratt, who was injured in falling, and though he came on again after treatment he showed signs of his severe shaking.

F. Boston came near to scoring with a cross-shot which must have beaten Smith, but the ball swerved just wide of the post. At the other end Marlow was unlucky to hit the crossbar.

Finally Graves pushed a long pass out to F. BOSTON, who worked through on his own to give Golders Green their third goal and the last of the match.

(Hendon Times, 14/01/1938, p. 4)