Though without their captain, G. Bucci, from whom a telegram was received that he was unable to play, Golders Green won by the large score of seven goals to none at the RAF Stadium, Uxbridge, on Saturday. They always seem to do better on this well-appointed enclosure than on the Depot ground close by. We have to go back many years to find Golders Green winning so handsomely on foreign soil, and the victory afforded some consolation for the heavy reverse against Walthamstow Avenue a week earlier, but there was no comparison between these two opponents. While the Avenue are proving one of the best amateur clubs in London (we need only refer to their F.A. Cup win over Northampton in confirmation of this), Uxbridge on present form are one of the weakest sides in the Athenian League. They were hopelessly outclassed on Saturday by a team which even the most enthusiastic supporter of Golders Green would not regard as the best they have had.
Finding Bucci did not appear, W. Morton, who played for Golders Green some years ago, came onto the field ten minutes after the start, and played inside to Duffield on the right wing, Breagan dropping back into the half-back line. Morton did not play badly having regard to the fact that he was almost a stranger, but perhaps it was fortunate that the opposition was not stronger.
At no time did Uxbridge look winners, but 20 minutes elapsed before Golders Green scored. The forwards got together well almost from the start, but the shooting was poor. F. Boston had more chances than usual, but failed to hit the target, and, on the other wing, though doing well in the field, Duffield was disappointing with his final kicks.
Kimber, in contrast to Godding, an old Golders Green man keeping for Uxbridge, had comparatively nothing to do. Not often did the Uxbridge men get near goal, thanks to W. Boston, who cleverly intercepted many passes, and Hayward, playing as soundly as ever.
The game was so much in Golders Green's favour that a goal was inevitable, and this came at the end of 20 minutes. Soon after F. Boston, from a pass by Green, had hit the crossbar, GREEN, retrieving the ball from going out of play, shot from a point between the goal and the corner flag. Godding touched the ball, but failed to keep it from going into the net. Godding made a number of good saves, but he seemed to lack confidence.
Half-an-hour passed before the first corner was conceded. This was taken by Uxbridge, but the ball was cleared by W. Boston. Then his brother hit the post close in and Browne a little later shot over the bar.
Ten minutes before the change-over F. BOSTON, from a pass by Green, scored the visitors' second goal. A free kick by W. Boston almost brought a third.
Changing over with a lead of two goals, there was no doubt as to the issue, but it was hardly expected that Golders Green would get five more without reply. There was little or no improvement on the part of Uxbridge. Certainly Kimber had rather more work, but the good shots were few and far between.
Two minutes from the restart F. BOSTON with one of his finest shots, again beat Godding, who just managed to get the ball but could not clear. Eight minutes later there was another goal by GREEN from Duffield's pass, and we should like to give Duffield full credit for the part he played in getting this point.
Breagan was put out of action for a brief spell through getting the full force of the ball in his stomach, but upon restarting continued to play a serviceable part.
Kimber made one of his best saves from a free kick, and for a minute or two it seemed that possibly Uxbridge might open their account, but most of their finishing work was quite unworthy of an Athenian League team.
On the other hand we saw some fine, even if ineffective, shooting, and by F. Boston in particular. He struck the upright, skimmed the crossbar, and put other shots only inches wide. Green also did excellent work. Once, quite on his own, he took the ball from near the centre, only to find the whistle had gone for a foul before the ball entered the net. At times the passing of Golders Green recalled that which was seen at Walthamstow in the previous League match.
Golders Green's fifth goal came from BROWNE, who accepted a pass by F. Boston, and although Uxbridge never gave up trying, they had to suffer further punishment. F. BOSTON, with a right-foot shot (unusual for him), scored perhaps the best goal of the match. The seventh and last came from DUFFIELD.
The Uxbridge side has been radically changed since last season, and there are many weak places in the side. W. Bramley, who was making his first appearance for them, is the former Golders Green and Finchley player. He did nothing outstanding.
Golders Green's score has to be viewed in the light of the opposition. The victory came at a time when League points were wanted, but the attack does not seem deadly enough to justify undue confidence.