No better all-round side than Wealdstone has visited Claremont Road this season, and therefore it was a good performance on the part of Golders Green to beat them by two goals to none in the first round of the Middlesex Charity Cup, of which Golders Green are the holders.

Some may have left the field under the impression that the result was 3-0 in favour of Golders Green, F. Boston having netted the ball a second or so after the whistle had sounded for time. There were, as is often the case, many prepared to say that the time had not been exceeded when the whistle went, but though in some cases the ruling of the referee might have proved of great importance it was not so in this case.

It was one of the best games of the season. The teams were well matched, and though Wealdstone were two goals down at the interval, they had had a good share of the play, and the fact that quite early in the second half they took no fewer than five corners showed that the team did not lack fire.

Golders Green have to thank their defence for victory. Kimber is having a wonderfully good season, and in W. Boston and Hayward were two backs whose kicking was sound. They were faced by nippy forwards, who were quick to take advantage of mistakes, but they were few. Hayward improves each week, and it is good fortune for the club that he was able to step into the place so well filled by George.

For this match a change was made in the half-back line, Bloxham acting as pivot in place of Broadis, who played inside-left in the hope of giving the necessary punch to the attack. This change did not weaken the first line of defence, Bloxham, after a week's rest, doing wonderfully well. The first to acknowledge this would be Bunce, Wealdstone's centre-forward, who found few loopholes in Bloxham's armour. At left-half Bucci was not found wanting, and often upset the calculations of Bidwell and Brown, a clever pair. The fact that they did not score is some tribute to the part he played. Ward, at right-half, justified his further trial, and when he speeds up a bit his usefulness will be increased.

The forward line worked much more successfully. Some measure of this success may be attributed to Broadis, but he has played as a half-back so long and so successfully that it could hardly be expected that he would prove as efficient in another position. To Eric Duffield must be given the chief credit for the improvement in attack. As a right winger he seems to have been given his rightful place. He has speed, can tackle well, and is able to judge whether to pass or shoot at goal. Browne displayed his usual cleverness. Green, in addition to scoring, was always in the thick of the fight, and from F. Boston we had some of his old-time shooting without any luck. He was quite a match for Loveday, the International, and the manner in which he forced corners was most amusing.

Wealdstone's team differed in several respects from that which appeared at Claremont Road last season, and the changes have certainly strengthened the side. At left-back was R. Ellis, who served Golders Green for a considerable time, and at left-half was R. White, who had also played in Golders Green's colours.

The opening exchanges were somewhat in favour of Wealdstone. The first good shot came from Broadis. This passed just over the bar. Then Bloxham came into prominence, first by anticipating a very dangerous movement and then by heading out from a free kick. Ward was responsible for another clearance.

At the end of eight minutes came the first goal through the co-operation of F. Boston, Green and BROWNE, the last-named giving the final kick. This early goal inspired the Greens to big things, and for some time they dominated the play.

Duffield, whose form so early was encouraging, had hard luck in seeing a shot go across the goalmouth without a player to give it a touch, and from the other wing we saw some fine shots from Boston, but in two instances Green was given offside.

Ellis had to receive first-aid treatment through being struck by the ball with great force by Broadis.

Bucci headed out finely from Wealdstone's first corner kick, and then, at the other end, there was some great work by F. Boston. One of the best shots we have seen from him for some time was cleverly saved by Martindale, who, like Kimber at the other end, displayed sound judgment.

Just before half-time Golders Green scored their second goal, GREEN, some distance out, sending the ball into an empty net, Martindale apparently thinking he was serving his side best by running out to clear.

The second half opened with a strong attack by Wealdstone. They forced five corners in almost as many minutes. It was at this stage that we had reason to congratulate Golders Green upon a sound defence, every man pulling his weight. Kimber was a real star. Some time elapsed before Golders Green got the measure of their opponents, but Wealdstone also had a capable rearguard.

Golders Green were somewhat handicapped owing to F. Boston feeling unwell, and twice he received the attentions of the first-aid brigade. He did not leave the field, but it was quite apparent he was not too happy.

The closing minutes proved very exciting, but despite determined efforts by Wealdstone, Golders Green managed to keep a clean sheet.