Having been thrashed 11-2 and 5-0 by Walthamstow Avenue in the season's League games, perhaps it was too much to expect that at the third meeting (in the final of the London Senior Cup) Golders Green would reverse those verdicts, but among the hundreds who travelled from the Hendon area to Ilford on Saturday there were many optimists, the club's victory over London Caledonians the previous Monday in the final of the Middlesex Charity Cup holding out great hopes that another trophy would be captured.

They came back disappointed, but with recollections of a thrilling game which might have ended differently but for an unfortunate accident to T.E. Evans, who was badly hurt quite early. Twice he left the field only to return, but though one admires his pluck for remaining on the field for the whole time after the interval, he was quite useless. He could scarcely walk and was unable to kick the ball more than a few yards.

He was indeed a pathetic figure alone on the left wing. Apart from an injured ankle, he was suffering from concussion, and it is stated that in the dressing-room he made enquiries how the game had progressed.

Under the circumstances, it was a magnificent performance on the part of Golders Green to hold their own not only until the expiration of the ordinary period, but until the last minute of extra time. Then G.L. Kimber was beaten by a header from E.C. Collins, and the game had only just been restarted when the whistle went for the last time. Many aver that when the goal was scored full time had expired, but the referee is the sole judge in such cases, and it is not the first occasion the validity of last-minute goals have been questioned.

A schoolboys' match at West Ham affected the attendance, but there were over 4,000 present, the gate amounting to £238. That Golders Green had strong support was found in the cheering for the " G's," which could often be heard.

Both clubs were strongly represented, the two principal absentees being J.W. Bloxham (Golders Green) and R.E. Wright (Walthamstow).

The Avenue, by winning the toss, had the benefit of the wind in the first half, and the effectiveness of their strong forward line was soon felt. Kimber was brought into action, but from the beginning he played confidently. It was some time before Golders Green's front line got going, but when they did a nice movement initiated by Bucci looked dangerous. Bucci, as captain, was setting his men an excellent example, and not only did some shooting but stopped several dangerous movements by Walthamstow.

As a line the Golders Green forwards suffered in comparison with the Avenue five. The first corner fell to Walthamstow, following a briiliant effort by Vincent. A free kick for a foul by Fallon, who seemed to fall accidently instead of purposely on an opponent, was only one of many given throughout the match, in which the play was by no means unsportsmanlike. The referee seemed too meticulous.

Then came the accident to Evans, and though Golders Green had been pressed, their position became worse with the forward line depleted. Evans paced slowly up and down the touch line before leaving the field. and on his return after a short time made some feeble efforts, but it was clear that he was totally unfit, and much surprise was expressed when he turned out in the second half.

Golders Green's defence had no rest. Except for one mistake by George, which had no serious consequence, and occasional wandering by Shorland, which left the Avenue's left wing too much freedom the defence was particularly stubborn and the onslaughts of Walthamstow were repelled time after time. They swept down the field in brilliant fashion, but spoilt this good work by much erratic shooting. Many shots went too high or yards by the post, although Magner, a live wire, once struck the cross-bar with a hard drive. Another good attempt by Green brought out the cleverness of Kimber.

Near the close of the first half the game was stopped owing to an injury to W. Boston, but he soon recovered.

That Walthamstow were dissatisfied with the result of their work was seen when the second half was opened. The formation of the front line was changed. Magner went into the centre and Green on the wing. Even these alterations had not the desired effect, and others were made. Still they could not get the ball past Kimber, though the goal had some wonderful escapes.

With Fallon almost a complete failure at centre-forward and Evans a dead-weight, it can be imagined how ineffective was Golders Green's attack, the only redeeming feature being the heroic efforts of F. Boston, who took Evans's place, and through him only was there hope of a goal. Breagan put in one long hard shot, but most of the finishing was weak.

Soon after the restart Broadis, who had played a fine defensive game, was penalised just outside the penalty line, but Mercer shot over. From another free kick Kimber came to the rescue. At the other end, for a foul on Fallon, George placed the ball well, but a Golders Green player was ruled offside.

Though doing slightly better than in the first half, Golders Green at no stage got the upper hand. While Barlow was never seriously troubled - the best shots seemed to come from defenders - Kimber was always in the picture. Once it looked as though nothing could prevent Magner getting through, but he was detected handling the ball, aand Golders Green breathed again. Magner made many more efforts, and Kimber in one instance just scraped the ball round the goal-post.

The Avenue were unsuccessful in their appeal for a penalty kick for alleged handling;, but then followed shots by Green and Magner. Shorland made a magnificent clearance from Magner with his head close to the upright, and had to receive surgical treatment. In the closing stages Kimber once missed the ball, but recovered in time to punch it clear of danger.

With the least possible delay the teams commenced the extra thirty minutes play. The players naturally were somewhat tired, but after Vincent had sent in a nice header Golders Green were seen in a better light than they had been at any time previously, and there was always a possibility that they might score a snap goal. However, neither goalkeeper was beaten when the teams changed over for the last quarter -of-an-hour's play.

The first incident of note was a good shot by F. Boston, and in view of the handicap under which they were playing, Golders Green had a fair share of the game. Just on time, however, the Avenue set up a hot attack. Kimber, surrounded, had difficulty in clearing, and punched the ball upwards. It came down only to go up again and this time Collins headed it into the net.

A few more kicks, and the game ended, Walthamstow to receive the cup at the hands of the Rev. H. Dunnico, president of the Ilford club, and both teams to receive cheers for their gallant display. George Bucci, a sportsman to the backbone, tendered his congratulations to the winners.

It is difficult to conjecture what the result would have been but for the accident to Evans, who has been chief goal-scorer for Golders Green this season. He is a player who can quickly change the character of a game. Honours went to the defence, and if some may be disposed to blame Kimber for allowing Collins to score, it must be remembered that his play until then had been practically faultless. He cleared at times when to do so seemed almost impossible. W. Boston and George kicked strongly and surely, and the tackling of Bucci was superb. Broadis, at centre-half, also contributed materially to a result which reflected creditably upon Golders Green.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A comment taken from "Sporting Notes" on the same page of the paper.

"At the recent sportsman service at Hendon Brotherhood the president of the Golders Green club, Mr. A.G. Raymond, spoke of the qualities which went to make a sportsman, and it is certain he will appreciate the action of J. Shorland, who, upon receiving his Cup medal on Saturday, immediately handed it over to J. Bloxham, who could not appear in the final owing to illness. This was a gesture which shows the spirit existing in the club. Shorland has played in several Cup-ties and well deserves a medal. Perhaps the club may influence the London Football Association to grant an extra one, as is sometimes done."