The fact that all the goals in this match were scored in the second half proved once again that Golders Green are possessed with strong staying powers. In the first half, with the wind in their favour (a privilege conferred by St. Albans, who won the toss), they had a good share of the play, but found a stalwart pair of backs and a clever goalkeeper too much for them.

The change-over was made with St. Albans favourites, but a somewhat lucky goal in the first minute (Wallage seemed at fault) gave Golders Green a lead to which they stuck tenaciously. Never looking back from this stage, they scored three more without reply, and thus registered their fourth Cup-tie victory with a goal average of 24-4.

The score does not do justice to St. Albans. They played far better than the score represented, and we are inclined to think that in the first half they played better football than Golders Green, but in front of goal they were not brilliant. Though Kimber had a good deal to do, he was not severely tested.

Golders Green can attribute their victory to a magnificent defence and to the ability of Green, their centre-forward, to snap up chances. He scored three goals (now six in three matches) and by so doing silenced the critics who have been inclined to make invidious comparisons with other centre-forwards. He certainly does many strange things, but week by week he is getting more accustomed to his position as leader of the line, and he certainly has the gift of opening up a game by his timely passes.

Though he did not score, Browne shone in the forward line. He was responsible for the movement which brought the second goal - the best of the four. A through pass to Breagan, who centred, and a header into goal by Green brought congratulations to the three - and well deserved they were.

Of the half-backs we can only say that they were the backbone of the side. It was some time before Bloxham got into his stride. He had not played too well at Bromley the previous week and it was feared he was going to have another bad day. But as time went on he reminded us of his palmiest period. Broadis was a great stumbling block to Rand, the City centre-forward. He is having a great season, and his absence from the team was largely responsible for the defeat at Enfield in the replayed London Challenge Cup. Incidentally Broadis got the third goal from a penalty. Bucci, the captain, compared favourably with any other man on the field. His tackling was great and although he was up against a good right wing he was not often beaten. Moreover he can give lessons in shooting.

Hayward, the new left-back, solidified his position in the side. Resisting the temptation to mingle with the half-backs, he proved his value by sound judgment and strong kicking, and on that form the departure of Cliff George, great player though he was, will not be greatly felt.

W. Boston maintained his reputation as an intrepid and dependable right-back. His manner of play subjects him to some danger, and scarcely a match passes without first-aid treatment being required by him. In this match this again happened. He fell so awkwardly and lay on the ground so long that a broken leg was feared. However, it must have been but a minor injury, for in a few minutes he was kicking as well - if not better - than before. His removal from the field at this stage - his side led by a bare goal - would assuredly have meant defeat.

Kimber, as we have said, had many shots to clear, but he has met far deadlier forward lines. This was the fourth time this season he has been undefeated.

The score was no reflection on the defence of St. Albans, which was perhaps the strongest part of the team. Martindale, at right-back, stood the test exceptionally well. There was little difference between the teams until well in the second half, and they may meet a dozen times without either side being beaten so decisively.

There was much good football despite a strong wind and a hard ground, but it was spoilt somewhat by the exceptionally large number of free kicks. The referee, no doubt with good intentions, blew his whistle for the slightest offence and even when no offence was apparent to the crowd. There were occasions when it was difficult to say which side would be penalised.

St. Albans brought a following of about 600, and the attendance was officially given as 3,814, representing takings of £113 3s. 9d. The figures are slightly higher than those for the Cup-tie with Barnet.

The opening exchanges were slightly in favour of Golders Green, for whom Breagan, cleverly beating his man, forced a corner, while there was one magnificent shot from F. Boston on the other wing. W. Boston also took a free kick which spelt danger. After a time St. Albans rallied, and some of their passing was a real delight to witness, but their shooting was poor, the best attempts coming from the right wing.

Some really good efforts were made by F. Boston, who did not find the task of beating the opposing half too difficult, but many chances from his centres went astray. As a matter of fact, play in the first half was on the dull side, particularly to those who like to see the ball frequently in the net.

St. Albans did not benefit by the wind in the second half so much as was expected. They had an unpleasant surprise a minute from the re-start, GREEN beating Wallage from close quarters. It looked as though his shot should have been saved, but the goal came so quickly that few saw exactly what had happened.

Just afterwards came the accident to W. Boston, and while he lay on the ground one began to wonder what the issue would be. To play one short would be a dreadful handicap. However, cheers soon called attention to the fact that he was in action again, and later events showed that he was no worse for his collision.

Exciting incidents at both ends followed, St. Albans showing strong determination to recover lost ground. But Golders Green's defence never faltered; if the backs were beaten Kimber filled the bill, one or two of his saves calling for admiration.

Following a brave but unsuccessful attempt by Browne to convert a pass by F. Boston (one of many in this half) came the second goal, in which Browne took the initiative. He made a ground pass to Breagan, who, without the slightest hesitation, returned the ball into the centre for GREEN to head into the net. A brilliant goal!

Before many had realised that the "Greens" were two ahead came another goal - perhaps a foortunate one, because the referee consulted a linesman before awarding a penalty kick for handling.

At one time no one seemed anxious on Golders Green's side to take a penalty kick, because it failed more often than not. Now it is a matter of course for BROADIS to be called upon. He had already converted four this season. This, his fifth, was not obtained without a second kick. The first was sent direct to Wallage, but the ball came back to Broadis, who this time found the net.

There were still 20 minutes to play, but one felt that something miraculous must happen if St. Albans were to recover lost ground. As a matter of fact, they lost further ground, GREEN, from a centre by Bloxham, scoring another goal, making his third.

This completed the scoring, but there was still some remarkably good work in the closing stages.

Golders Green's defence was severely tested and one felt that the visitors really deserved a goal. But sentiment does not play any part in Cup-tie football. Kimber and his co-defenders played as determinedly as if the issue was really in doubt; while there were several occasions when it looked as though Wallage would have to pick the ball out of the net again.

At the end St. Albans officials sportingly congratulated the home officials on the result, but stating, as well they might, that the score did not represent the run of the play.