We shall see few better games this season at Claremont Road than that between Golders Green and Hayes in the Athenian League last Saturday. The issue was in doubt until the end. Both teams must be congratulated upon their determined play when they were battling against odds.

Golders Green found themselves two down against the run of the play, but before half-time they had got on even terms, and not long after the change-over were two goals ahead. Hayes in their turn equalised, and there was a fine struggle for the next goal. This fell to Golders Green, but their task in maintaining that narrow lead was by no means easy.

Both teams were well matched, and the game was fought out in a fine sporting spirit.

With Drinkwater playing for his works team at Oxford, Golders Green had to make one change in the forward line, Fallon taking the inside-left position, with F. Boston on the extreme wing. Hayes have made several changes in their side, one of their most notable captures being M. Batchelor, of Wimbledon, who is proving his worth at centre-forward.

Winning the toss, Golders Green started with the benefit of the wind, but for some time play was singularly uneventful, neither goalkeeper being troubled. As play progressed, however, it ran in favour of Golders Green. Once there was a strong appeal for hands against Hayes in the penalty area. This was negatived, and one could not help noticing the many occasions on which the referee ignored claims.

Golders Green wingers were doing well, but there was a tendency to play too close a game, and there was a lack of punch in the goal area.

White brought off a number of fine saves, one of the best being from [F.] Boston, who was filling Drinkwater's place most satisfactorily. Evans was also responsible for a brilliant effort after well beating his man, and this brought a corner, but it did not bear fruit.

While Golders Green failed to score, Hayes did not give the impression that they would win, and perhaps their nearest chance of scoring was when Bucci, hard pressed, almost put through his own goal with a header. Happily, Miles was not caught napping.

Quite against the run of the play Atkins, at outside-right, scored for Hayes. This player was unmarked, and was given rather too much scope by Bucci, who was often ill at ease. A few minutes later R. Brown registered a second goal for Hayes.

This unexpected turn of events did not disconcert Golders Green too heavily, and they maintained pressure on the visiting defence, but while there were many good shots, there was something lacking in the attack. Hayes had hard luck when Atkins struck the crossbar, and had this shot taken effect we are afraid there would have been little chance of Golders Green saving the game.

Walker, who has been a distinct find for Golders Green, reduced the visitors' lead with a fine effort. J. Browne got the ball in the centre of the field and sent through to Walker, who without the slightest hesitation drove the ball home at express speed.

Before half-time Golders Green equalised, their second goal coming from Breagan from a pass by Boston.

The second half opened in favour of Hayes, and the fact that they were once pulled up for hands brought derisive cheers from some of the Golders Green supporters, who seemed to be of the opinion that too lenient a view had been taken previously of actions by visiting players.

Five minutes from the restart, however, Golders Green took the lead through Evans from a pass by Bloxham. It was a powerful shot from a spot somewhere near the halfway line, and was somewhat akin to two shots which took effect in the Southall match.

At the end of 15 minutes they went further ahead from a penalty kick for hands, Broadis finding the net.

At this stage it looked as if Golders Green would win easily, as they were playing fine football, but then came another unexpected turn of events, Hayes getting two quick goals through Hunter and Smith. The latter's goal from long range was an exceptionally good one, but laxity on the part of Bloxham, who had otherwise played well, brought about this reverse.

The issue was once again in the balance, but in a short time Walker once again gave Golders Green the lead. A free kick taken by Broadis for a foul on himself gave Walker his opportunity, and this goal brought full points for the home side after a game which will long be remembered.

The score gives a good idea of the match, Golders Green just about deserving the points. It was a good performance on their part to win after being two goals down, but the number of goals scored against them indicates weakness in defence, and an effort is being made to stengthen the left-back position.

Hayes came to Golders Green with an unbeaten League record, and though defeated should be in the running for honours at the end of the season.