Seldom has the defence of Golders Green been so thoroughly tested as it was on Saturday on the Barking ground. Golders Green led at the interval by two goals to one, but with Bucci on the injured list, it seemed always doubtful whether they would hold their lead. Kimber (in goal) and W. Boston and Shorland (at back) rose to the occasion, however, in magnificent style, and no further goals were scored, Golders Green thus being numbered among the last sixteen in the Amateur Cup competition.

This was their fourth successive cup win away from home, and they have not been beaten since they visited Romford on December 21.

C.V. George was not eligible for this match at Barking, but had he been playing he could hardly have been of greater service than Shorland, who seems determined to win a regular place in the side. He deserves it on Saturday's form. W. Boston, at right-back, also gave a splendid show against strong attackers, and though Kimber, in goal, was beaten at the end of eight minutes, he withstood all further onslaughts.

There were occasions when it seemed as though Barking could not fail to get a second goal. If they had they would probably have won easily against Golders Green's depleted side. But everyone in the Golders Green side seemed determined to put forth that little extra effort which was needed to make up for Bucci's usual contribution. He exchanged places with F. Boston, and while he could be of very little service at outside-left, much to his disappointment, Boston was a trump card at left-half. He was not often beaten in a tackle, and fed the forwards with great judgment.

Strange to say, it was not until Boston went into the first line of defence that it reached its usual standard. Broadis more than once kicked the ball to an opponent well placed for shooting, and Bloxham gave the opposing winger far too much liberty.

Golders Green were certainly handicapped in having to play in green shirts, as their usual colours (blue and white hoops) are similar to those of Barking. A few wrong passes were perhaps excusable, and certainly it was some time before Golders Green's supporters (and they were there in good numbers) could get accustomed to the change.

Golders Green won the toss, but it gave them no advantage, and their goal was soon in danger. Barking got the first corner, which was immediately followed by one for Golders Green from a movement started by Bloxham. This was well placed, but Golders Green could not drive the ball home. Evans was pertinacious, but his line could not settle down. Barking, on the other hand, created a good impression. W. Boston and Shorland were kept busy, the last-named soon earning the sobriquet of "the rubber man" by his methods.

Browne made a nice pass to F. Boston, who failed to make use of it, and indeed it took the winger a little time to settle down.

Kimber had to deal with a good shot from Cameron, who was being allowed too much scope, and after a fruitless corner Barking opened the scoring, Butterworth putting the finishing touch to a pass by Cameron.

This goal came at the end of eight minutes, and this early success caused jubilation in the Barking camp, who have become accustomed to victories. Certainly the play until this time had not held out moch hope for Golders Green, but before another five minutes had passed they had equalised, though both W. Boston and Bloxham had been in the wars.

As a matter of fact this equalising goal came from Bloxham's work. In a tackle he headed the ball into a favourable position, but then fell to the ground. Fortunately for his side, he lay in a position that did not call for a stoppage of play, though some expected the whistle to be blown. From a scrimmage Fallon netted and then we had evidence that Golders Green players did not lack vocal support.

Re-starting, Barking took up the attack, and things looked bad for Golders Green when Bucci was practically put out of action through an injury to his leg. He had been absent the previous week through leg trouble, and the wisdom of playing him in this match had been questioned. However, the decision was left to him, and in view of the importance of the game he felt that as captain his duty was to turn out.

This mishap necessitated a re-arrangement of the side, Bucci going on the wing and F. Boston taking his place at left-half. Bucci could scarcely move, and seldom touched the ball. This weakened the forward line, and for the most part Barking had a big share of the play. Kimber made some great saves, but considering the amount of work that fell on the defence Golders Green were lucky in not seeing Barking score again.

Now and again we saw some good movements by Golders Green's forwards, Browne being prominent; while F. Boston, in his new position at half-back, by no means confined himself to defence. One long shot was well saved by Watson. Evans was penalised for charging the goalkeeper, a decision that was not favourably received, but seven minutes from the interval Breagan got the better of Webb, Barking's left-back, and sent in a shot which beat Watson completely. This gave Golders Green the lead, and, as it proved, gave them the victory.

Just before the change-over Fallon put in a hard shot, and then Bloxham forced Barking to give a corner, but there was not time for the place kick to be taken.

Play in the second half mostly resolved itself into a battle between the home attack and the Golders Green defence. Seldom did Golders Green forwards get within shooting distance, although Evans made one or two brave efforts. Bucci persisted in remaining on the field in the hope that he might help with a stray kick or two, but it was a very disorganised forward line. As time went on the efforts of Barking to draw level increased, but the fierceness of their attack was nullified by erratic shooting.

The lead held by Golders Green was too slender to be comfortable, and we can recall few matches in which watches were brought out more frequently. Many were anxious for the end.

During this trying period Kimber, not turning a hair, repelled shot after shot. True, he was at times favoured by luck, but some of his saves stamped him as a first-class goalkeeper. W. Boston and Shorland also rendered yeoman service, and the halves confined their efforts more to defence than to attack.

With much relief to Golders Green came the final blast on the whistle, and while there were cheers for the whole side as they went into the dressing room, there were special rounds of applause for Kimber and one or two others who had particularly distinguished themselves.