A goal from a corner kick in the last minute of the game gave Hayes the victory in the Athenian League match at Claremont Road on Saturday. Thus in three successive matches Golders Green have been beaten on the post, Enfield having won the F.A. Cup-tie against them in the closing stages.

It must be admitted that Hayes adapted themselves to the conditions far better than Golders Green, several of whose players seemed unable to keep their feet on the rain-sodden ground. Green has difficulty in doing so when the ground is in a perfect state; therefore, on Saturday, it can be imagined how often he was floundering in the mud.

Two changes were made in Golders Green's team in the hope of effecting an improvement, A.J. Breagan and J. Bloxham standing down in favour of J. Chaventre (outside-right) and [L.]R. Ward (right-half). The desired effect did not materialise, this being due to the fact that Ward was far from well. He carried through under difficulties, and as a result the other new player was not given the opportunities that should have fallen to him. He showed, however, that he is worthy of another trial. He has speed and can control a ball. Ward, though starting well, fell into the error of getting out of position so frequently that J. Hunter and J. Friday (the opposition left wing) had far too much freedom, and it was from this wing that much of the trouble came.

Quite early in the game Broadis wore a worried look. In addition to facing L. Townsend (who has been scoring heavily for Hayes), he had to do a share of Ward's work. Fortunately, however, there was not much amiss with the rest of the defence, and it was felt that Golders Green, in being only a goal down at half-time, had done well seeing that Hayes, by winning the toss, had had the advantage of a strong wind.

The first goal was scored at the end of 12 minutes by TOWNSEND, who snapped up a pass by Friday without a second's hesitation. They deserved this score because up to this time they had had more than a fair share of the game. Just after the start W. Boston headed out two shots, that from Trevor Jones, the old Uxbridge player and Welsh International, being a particularly good one.

Green was fouled when getting near goal, but while the free kick brought no result the same player soon afterwards forced a corner kick, which, though well placed by F. Boston, was cleared.

A free kick was given against Bucci, but in this case the judgment of the referee seemed at fault. It may be mentioned that there were more free kicks than is usual at Claremont Road, but most of the offences can be attributed to the fact that players could not keep from slithering over bad patches.

Getting a goal early inspired Hayes to great things, and Hunter, so often unmarked, put in many shots, but while some went wide, he was a constant souce of trouble to W. Boston, while Kimber was never long idle.

The best chance that fell to Golders Green in this half emanated from F. Boston, whose shot went right across the goalmouth. Not one of the other men was near enough to give it a touch into goal. There was, however, another good effort by Boston, the ball striking the crossbar from a corner kick.

Generally speaking, however, the Golders Green front rank fell much below the standard of the visitors' attack. They were much slower on the ball and there was little or no cohesion in their methods. F. Boston and Browne were the pick, but even these two did not put the required amount of punch into their work. Browne had one good opening, but shot so weakly that Saphin saved.

Juzt before the cross-over Kimber made a magnificent save from a free kick, the ball being tipped over the bar.

With the wind in their favour, Golders Green re-opened strongly, and in a few minutes had obtained the equalising goal. Four players shared in this success. In the first place F. Boston prevented the ball from going over the touch-line and passed it to Browne, who in turn gave it a touch to Duffield. GREEN finished the movement.

From this point Golders Green had a full share of the play, although at no time did they appear to be playing well enough to ensure victory.

For a few minutes Trevor Jones was off the field owing to injury, and had he been unable to return the result might have been reversed, because throughout he had played a sterling game.

Well served by their halves, Hayes made a great effort to regain the lead, but Golders Green put up a strong defence. Hayward again proved his worth to the side as a left-back, and on the other wing W. Boston kicked strongly and judiciously, and even attempted to score. One of his long shots almost beat Saphin. Hayward also took a sporting chance.

When a division of the points seemed the only possible ending of the game, so well was the defensive work, Hayes forced a corner, and this was placed so nicely by Hunter that Trevor JONES was able to score. The victory went to the visiting team.

The loss of this match, though not entirely unexpected in view of the form shown by Hayes in recent matches, comes as a big disappointment to Golders Green. It was hoped that this season they would be well in the running for the League championship, even if they could not carry off full honours, but the dropping of six points (four at home) in their last three League matches makes their position serious.