On a pitch which the referee would have been justified in declaring unplayable, Golders Green beat Wood Green [Town] by four goals to one on Saturday in the first round proper of the Middlesex Senior Cup. The close proximity of Tottenham Hotspur's ground is a handicap to Wood Green, who do not secure large gates, and that on Saturday was one of their best, though Golders Green would regard it as small. The majority of those in the unpretentious stand came from Golders Green, and it is gratifying to find our local club so well supported in away games. Rain and snow had had such an effect upon the ground that in certain places the players had to operate in mud ankle deep, and it can therefore be gathered that little good football was seen. The ball got so heavy that even lusty kicking failed to send it far, and in the goalmouth, where it often rested, there would be some terrific scrimmages.

Golders Green were without G. Bucci, their captain, who was suffering from a chill, and therefore J. Shorland, who would otherwise have stood down, was brought in as left-half.

Before the match started there was silence for two minutes as a token of loyalty and respect to his late Majesty, the players and officials standing to attention in the centre of the field. The Last Post was sounded.

Wood Green had choice of ends and though Golders Green had the better of the play at the opening, the first good chance came to Bennett, at centre-forward for Wood Green, who for a time was an outstanding forward, but subsequently often found his master in Broadis. Halls, at outside-left, who had one of the best spots on which to work, was also dangerous on occasions. The first time Wood Green's goal was really in danger was when one of their men, in difficulties, almost put the ball past his own goalkeeper and captain (Hart).

Though there seemed no cause for alarm, Golders Green were not playing a convincing game. The fact that F. Boston could not shine because of ground conditions weakened the attack. Browne was the most prominent man, but he might serve his side better in being more direct in his work. That he can shoot hard we know, but the intervals between his shots are far too long.

George, who has been absent from the team for several weeks because he was not qualified, made his presence felt in the defence. Apart from tackling well, he kicked strongly.

Wood Green forced several corners, and Kimber had much more to do than Hart, but the attack on both sides lacked sting. A header by Evans from F. Boston's pass was followed by another fine effort by the Green's enterprising centre, but his reputation for scoring had evidently reached Wood Green, and he was not given much rope.

It looked as though the interval would come without any score, but a minute or two before changing ends Hart was beaten with a shot from Browne which touched one of the defenders as it passed into the net.

The second half opened in favour of Wood Green, although the visitors had ground conditions on their side. After Evans had lost a chance of adding to Golders Green's score - it looked as though he could have walked the ball into the net instead of making a long shot - Kimber fisted the ball out, but was then beaten folllowing a free kick. The ball struck the crossbar, but Davis drove it into the net.

This reverse, somewhat unexpected, did not upset Golders Green, who for the rest of the game had play in their favour, though it was some time before they could regain the lead.

Taking a penalty kick, Broadis shot straight at Hart, who had previously been hurt in a scrimmage, and was not until they had been playing 25 minutes after changing ends that Fallon headed the ball into the net from a centre by F. Boston, who was now playing in his best form.

Then came another possible goal for Golders Green with a penalty kick. Having failed once, Broadis commissioned George to try his luck, but he fared no better, the ball striking the crossbar.

However, in the last five minutes T. Evans, who had not had one of his best days, got two goals, and this made the score more in keeping with the run of the play. The last goal came from a pass by Bloxham.

Golders Green well deserved their victory, but Wood Green put up a much stronger fight than was expected, and as will be gathered, the issue was in doubt until well before the end.

The presence of George strengthened Golders Green's rear division, but Shorland deputised well for Bucci. In one of his "diving movements" he was injured, but made a quick recovery.