One goal, scored by Edwards from a corner kick about ten minutes before the end, decided this Athenian League match played at Claremont Road on Saturday before a good attendance, but not quite so large as was expected. The takings were below those last season, when the game was played in midweek.

Delightful conditions prevailed, and with full teams in the field capital football was shown. The issue was always in doubt. That scoring was so low was due to grand work by the defences, but it may be said that both sides lacked punch in finishing off attacks. This was particularly noticeable on the Golders Green side, and this fault must be remedied if they hope to make progress in cup competitions.

It will be recalled that when the teams met at Barnet a month ago Golders Green had the misfortune to be without the services of White in the second half, and lost by 2-1. Barnet were under a similar disability on Saturday, McCarthy, their left-half, being taken off the field owing to an injury. He did not return. Just before that Wade, Barnet's right-back, had been in collision with Drinkwater, but after a short rest he was able to resume.

While, however, the rivalry between these clubs is as strong as ever, the football was worthy of Athenian League traditions, and the free kicks for infringements were remarkably few. Some of the decisions of the referee were questionable, but his conduct of the game did not warrant some of the unsportsmanlike remarks which fell from a section of the crowd from whom a better example might have been expected.

The goalkeeping was excellent. In no previous match this season had Golders Green kept a clean sheet, and Godding is to be congratulated on doing so well against such a reputable side. In Barnet's goal was Painter, who served Hendon Town well for some time. He was also in the limelight, but we should have like to have seen him called upon to deal with more shots of the kind sent in now and again by Breagan.

Garrett, at left-back, has served Barnet well for many years, but retains his skill to a remarkable degree. He made but few faulty kicks even under heavy pressure. Wade was a useful partner. Nevertheless, of the four backs we give preference to Richardson, of Golders Green, who has never played better. To his strong kicking and timely heading may be largely attributed Barnet's failure to score. Boston, at right-back, has hardly reached the standard set by some of his predecessors, but he is improving, and should be encouraged.

Of the half-back lines Golders Green's trio were the better. Broadis, the pivot, kept Morris, Barnet's noted centre-forward, largely in subjection, and as wing halves Bucci and White wanted some beating. White seems to have quite recovered from his accident at Barnet.

Of the forwards the extreme left wingers, Drinkwater (Golders Green) and Finch (Barnet), played delightful football. Drinkwater, unlike Finch, has not yet received an International cap, but it should come in due time. He is still young. There were times when it seemed that Drinkwater might have centred earlier, but for the most part he showed excellent judgment, and proved much too good for the opposition. Finch was here, there, and everywhere. He may have had a roving commission, but perhaps he would have served his side better by keeping to his proper position. On Golders Green's right wing, Breagan showed form equal to his palmiest days, and set an example in goal-shooting to the other men. T.E. Evans, who has been on the invalids' list, was untiring from beginning to end, and seems destined to fill the place of Knott, last year's inside-left, whose cleverness in front of goal has been keenly felt.

Quite early in the game, from an attack on the left, Edwards had a beautiful opening, but failed to take advantage of it. Then Finch made the first of his many thrilling runs down the left wing. He threatened danger, as was always the case when in possession, but the defence prevailed. Next came another attack by Golders Green, Drinkwater making merry at the expense of Barnet' s right wing defenders. He tricked them with the skill of a veteran, but unfortunately he was not supported so well as he should have been.

The game ran pretty evenly, however, neither goalkeeper being long idle. Godding showed great confidence in dealing with some powerful shots, and at the other end Painter seemed as safe as a rock. Barnet got the first corner, this being followed by a fine shot by Jarrett, who, from centre-half, sent just over the bar.

During one of Barnet's attacks Richardson was within an ace of heading through his own goal, and while Godding did not have quite as much to do as Painter, the Barnet forwards were always dangerous near goal.

Good work by Freddy Evans boded trouble for Painter, who, however, managed to clear his lines, and then Broadis saved Golders Green's goal from falling through a timely header.

Drinkwater's work on the left wing was a feature of the first half, and it was gallling to the home crowd to see so much good football wasted. As if to show, however, that it ought not to be a one-man show, Breagan, on the other wing, sent in a terrific shot which commanded admiration for him and also for Painter in clearing.

Thus the game went on, first one side then the other attacking without definite result. A free kick just outside the penalty area was well saved by Painter; and another free kick for a foul on F.P. Evans as he was running through also came to naught. Then Finch, who was working desperately hard, missed by inches.

A real hefty charge stopped Westoby from getting away, and at other times we saw Corinthian-like football which was a treat to watch.

Half-time arrived with no score. We had witnessed forty-five minutes' fast play, full of exciting incidents.

The second half did not provide such interesting football. The balance of play was in favour of Golders Green, although Barnet opened strongly. Broadis was on the touchline for a minute or two nursing an injury, but happily his later play showed he was not badly hurt. The Barnet goal was subjected to considerable pressure, Breagan being prominent, but weakness in front of goal was still noticeable.

Barnet lost the services of Wade for a short time, and this kept them on the defence. A claim for a penalty against Barnet was disallowed, a decision which surprised a good many people, including Barnet's supporters.

With Wade's return to the accompaniment of cheers Barnet were seen to better advantage, although Golders Green always seemed slightly the better side. There was little or no fault to find with their work in midfield, but chances galore were thrown away.

Barnet were unfortunate in being called upon to play one short in the closing stages, Mccarthy being injured, and we must pay a tribute to their defence in not conceding more than one goal. This came ten minutes from the end. Breagan forced a corner and placed the flag kick so well that Edwards hiad little difficulty in scoring what proved the winning goal. After this Golders Green pressed hard, but Painter played magnificently.

This win gives Golders Green a welcome rise in the League table, and if the forwards can introduce a little more power into their shooting we may, despite the bad start, see them once again in the running for the championship.