Putting up a splendid fight against opposition of a higher class, Golders Green fully deserved the point which they brought home from Walthamstow Avenue on Saturday.

Golders Green took the lead in the first five minutes, but after 16 minutes' play the Avenue were ahead by 2-1. Golders Green equalised soon after half-time, but Walthamstow replied with a third goal at once, and went further ahead midway through this half. With six minutes to go, Golders Green scored their third, and the equaliser came one minute from the final whistle.

It was a grand struggle, watched and admired by a crowd of over 3,000, and Golders Green gave the impression that, with a little more time, they could have won.

It was a blow for the prophets, who, supported by Walthamstow's early-season record of no lost points, foretold a certain victory over the visitors. Certainly the Avenue played with a better style and were superior so far as the attack was concerned, but brilliant work along an almost machine-like forward line sometimes counted for nought through faulty marksmanship, while Golders Green were often running rings round the home defence.

In fairness, it must be said that the Avenue team suffered last minute changes to the extent that F. R. Hicks was not available at right-back, his place being filled by T. Johnson. He was a disappointmernt, but this was made understandable in view of the fact that in the reserves last year he was an inside forward.

Alteration, however, could not be used as the excuse for Walthamstow's failure to win.

Golders Green produced much of the form that was hoped for at the opening of the season, and never showed an inclination to lose heart, even when the odds were 4-2 against them in the closing stages. They kept their end up by hard work and cheerful persistence against a team whose combination and uncanny accuracy at passing should in theory have beaten them hollow.

Golders Green, though less brilliant and lacking the " cunning " touches of their opponents, showed some of the best front line work they have displayed this season, while the halves supported them well, and the backs functioned well under heavy pressure at times. Hill's work in goal was generally quite sound.

Play opened with Golders Green in thrustful mood, and they forced a corner, from which Broadis headed over. But Walthamstow worked through on the right, and after Magner had lost the ball to Caswell, Collins retrieved it, swerved in at full speed and shot, but Boston cleared. Bucci passed forward to Leahy, and Golders Green started the attack which led to their opening goal. First Walker shot, but Childs intercepted and passed out to Davis. Breagan stopped him, secured the ball and passed foward to Leahy, who worked the ball well into the Walthamstow area with the support of Snazel. Barlow came out too far, and LEAHY's shot left him lying flat, giving Golders Green the lead after five minutes play.

Vincent led the Avenue attack in a spirited reply, and finished up with a good solo run, but failed to score. Childs struck a bad patch here, and his weakness was reflected in the opportunities that fell to Leahy, who came near to scoring several times, but could not find the mark. Soden also shot wide after work which deserved success.

At the other end MAGNER took up a beautiful pass from Mathews, spurted ahead and took a running shot which struck the underside of the bar. Hill leapt to gather the ball, but it slipped down over his shoulder, and Walthamstow were on equal terms. Almost from the kick-off, Vincent had a piece of bad luck when, working in perfect combination with Davis, he ended by heading close over the crossbar. The goal-kick sent Golders Green down to attack again and after Walker had failed to convert a pass from Breagan, Soden tried a snapshot, but Johnson turned the ball aside.

A sudden burst of speed on the Avenue right wing led to Magner giving them the lead when the game was only sixteen minutes old. Davis had brought the ball into the visitors' territory and turned the b all in to Magner, but he was well marked and passed back to Oliver. MAGNER, well-placed, took up Oliver's pass and shot through to find the net.

Collins and Magner came again, but Bucci broke up the movement. The Avenue forwards were giving a fine example of team work, and their ball control was remarkable, but when Golders Green forced them back the weakness of the home defence was at once evident.

Golders Green's equaliser nearly came when Broadis dropped a well-placed pass to Soden, who got away at grteat speed and centred close up for Snazel to take a shot, but he could not turn the ball in. A moment later Soden shot right across the goalmouth.

Walthamstow returned to the attack, their right wing playing with calmness and method, and Mathews always waiting ready in the centre, but the shooting at this time was faulty. They did find the goal once more before half-time, but offside was given. Vincent was injured at this point and went to outside-left.

The first half closed with high excitement, a free-kick leading to a literal bombardment of the Golders Green goal. Hill punched clear twice and Boston and Caswell each stopped a shot before the pressure was eased.

The second half opened with Golders Green pressing, good movements being seen on both wings, and the reward came when BROWNE got through to give Golders Green their second goal.

Golders Green re-arranged their forward line, Browne going outside, Walker taking Browne's place, and Soden moving to the centre, and the re-shuffle seemed to be satisfactory despite the fact that Walthamstow gained a lead of two, COLLINS scored by striking the far upright, the ball rebounding into the net, and VINCENT was marksman for the fourth, driving in with a fairly long cross shot.

Golders Green lost a good chance when Barlow fumbled the ball in saving from Leahy, but no one was close enough in the centre to follow up.

In another attack by Walthamstow, Davis shot a fraction too high and the ball skimmed the front of the crossbar, coming into play again. Boston cleared, and the Golders Green forwards started a great effort, which gained them their share in the points. Barlow was frequently reminded of his duties in goal, and six minutes from time a penalty for hands by Johnson gave Golders Green their golden chance. BROADIS took the kick and gave Barlow no chance.

For the final goal, scored with one minute to go, Bucci shared the honours, putting Snazel into possession with a perfect opening, of which SNAZEL took advantage with a beautiful shot low down. It was a good goal and a thrilling finish.