At one period on Saturday there seemed little prospect of the London [Senior] Cup-tie being played owing to fog. The kick-off was timed for 3 o'clock, and just before this hour it was almost impossible to see across the ground. In view of the conditions it was surprising to find a good crowd at the gates awaiting admission. There was a reluctance to take money if play was doubtful, but just after three the fog lifted to such an extent that the gates were thrown open, and though it was problematical whether the game could be completed, the fog became less dense, and spectators had full value for money.

In saying they had full value, we mean that they saw ninety minutes' play under far better conditions than could be hoped for, but Clapton did not enhance the reputation of the Isthmian League. As a matter of fact, they gave a decidedly poor show. It was weaker than has been given by any other club at Claremont Road this season, and Golders Green's win by four goals to none did not over-represent their superiority.

To show the disparity between the sides it need only be mentioned that during the first "45", Kimber, in goal for Golders Green, did not touch the ball, and the cries of "Well played, Kimber!" as he left the field for a cup of tea in a spotless jersey was just a way of congratulating him for doing nothing.

The gate numbered just over 1,000, giving a poor financial return to Golders Green after one-half of the nett takings had been handed over to Clapton. A fine morning free from fog would have brought double the number.

Both clubs were well represented, though Golders Green were without their captain, G. Bucci. In view of tomorrow's important Amateur Cup-tie, it was thought inadvisable to run any risk of allowing him to play on hard ground. His place in the half-back line was therefore taken by J. Shorland, [C.] V. George playing at left-back.

The coin was tossed for choice of ends half-an-hour after the advertised time, but though this resulted in favour of Golders Green, it gave them no real advantage, as there was practically no wind and no sun.

From the start Golders Green were assertive, and though for a few minutes Clapton were handicapped by playing one short, the arrival of their eleventh man brought no material change in the play. Golders Green's defence was too sound for the visiting forwards to get going, and in speaking of defence we must call attention to the splendid manner in which the half-backs time and again got the upper hand of Clapton's attack. Shorland was early in the limelight, and it may be said at this stage of the report that he was an outstanding player, and he seemed just as much at home as a half-back as he is in his usual position of left-back. He tackled strongly but cleanly, and his passes were made with discretion.

On a ground which soon began to churn up it was not surprising to find some passes going astray, but for the most part Golders Green played effective football. Fallon was at times a weak link in the chain, but he is not so bad a footballer as some people in the "reserved" quarters would lead us to believe.

Hart, in Clapton's goal, did some fine work, and saved his side from a much heavier defeat. In the first fifteen minutes he made several good saves, and could not be blamed when, at the end of that period, he was beaten by Evans. The goal was the outcome of a well-concerted attack in which F. Boston and Fallon figured. In the process of trying to save Hart had his jersey ripped almost beyond repair.

Another 15 minutes elapsed before another goal was scored, but it was only through miraculous efforts by Hart, who was not too well supported by his backs, that Golders Green were not successful earlier. Seldom did the Clapton forwards get over the half-way line. When they did the home defence prevented Kimber from worrying. Corners were taken with great accuracy by Breagan and F. Boston, and we saw the ball land on top of the net and later strike an upright. Eventually Evans headed into the net after excellent work by the right wing pair, Browne and Breagan cleverly interchanging positions.

Just before half-time Fallon silenced his critics by heading a third goal following a corner kick taken by F. Boston.

A margin of three clear goals at the interval led to no doubt as to the ultimate result unless a complete reversal of form by Clapton was to take place. This did not occur, although it must be admitted that, by a re-arrangement of the side, Clapton played a much stronger game. But Golders Green's defence was never really extended, and Kimber in his long experience could seldom have had a quieter time.

There were loud cheers when at length he was called upon to deal with a reasonably good shot, and he had just sufficient work to keep him interested. Early in this half F. Boston, when he looked to be certain of a goal, was injured, but while out of harness for a few minutes, his subsequent play was such as to cause no disquietude.

Clapton's first corner kick came as the result of a kick by a Golders Green player which caused some laughter. The ball went yards wide of Kimber, for whom it was intended, but it brought no benefit to Clapton.

The result was so sure that Golders Green supporters could afford to be generous in applause when some work by Clapton called for it, but to every shot that Kimber had to handle Hart had at least a dozen. From one of many well-placed corners, mostly from the right wing, Evans had really hard luck in heading over.

With ten minutes to go Golders Green scored their fourth goal, the ball being deflected into the net by Crussell, the veteran Clapton back.

To those who appreciate a closely-contested game rather than a big victory, this match was disappointing. Clapton were expected to put up a much better fight, although we cannot forget that when the teams last met at Clapton in the same competitiion Clapton only won by a penalty goal after defending most of the time.

Golders Green's play in this match was such as to give encouragement to the players in tomorrow's match at Northwich. George is ineligible for that game, but Shorland has played so well on his every appearance this season that if the three B's - Bloxham, Broadis and Bucci - are in the half-back line, Golders Green can take the journey with a fair amount of confidence.