Golders Green created a big surprise on Saturday by defeating Leyton in a League match by four goals to none. This was their first victory at Claremont Road since December 29; indeed they had only won one game, and that at Worthing, during 1935, and though it may be pleaded that Leyton were not at full strength, this win was one of which Golders Green may well be proud. A margin of four goals was perhaps not deserved on the run of the play, but that victory was due to superior football will not be denied.

The only alteration in the team was the placing of T. Evans at centre-forward, and the change made for improvement. Not only were the forwards distinctly livelier and in finer shooting form, but the half-back line was of that calibre which we were accustomed to find in the club's palmier days, Bloxham, at right-half, showing much improved form. Like several of the other players, Bloxham was a spent force some time before the end, but the result was not then in doubt. The conditions under which the game was played, rain falling heavily both before and during the game, would have tried the hardiest of players. Richardson and Boston were sound at back, and in goal Godding dealt with a number of shots in masterly style. Had such form been shown in previous games, Golders Green would have been in the running for the League championship and interested in Cup competitions other than the Middlesex Charity Cup, in which they meet Uxbridge Town (after two drawn games) for the third time tomorrow at Uxbridge.

Increased speed was noticeable in the Golders Green side, and the few extra inches per second made a big difference.

The slippery ground accounted for much miskicking, but from first to last it was a close struggle, even though the goal-scoring was all on one side. Leyton got the first corner, and from the visiting team we saw attractive work by the wingers, Pearce and Page proving good substitutes for Collins and Sarjeant. Godding once dropped the ball when attempting to clear, but fortunately for Golders Green nothing followed from the resultant corner kick.

The first really good shot by the home side came from Fallon, who was showing excellent form and helping Drinkwater immensely. Though the corner kick which came from Fallon's shot failed, Bloxham quickly followed it with a low shot which gave Golders Green their first goal.

Leyton retaliated with good work, and during the pressure the ball glanced off Broadis's foot dangerously for a corner kick. This was saved, and then the combination of Fallon, Drinkwater and Breagan ended with the last-named neatly heading the ball into the net.

Two goals in twenty-five minutes was good business, but Leyton never allowed themselves to be over-run, and the spectators were treated to clever passing by the visiting side. However, in this respect they were not greatly superior to Golders Green, who were finding one another well, and though the rain was beating down heavily, those protected from the elements found much enjoyment from the game. One shot by Page at outside-left for Leyton was a commendable effort, and there were several other occasions when Golders Green may be regarded as fortunate in keeping up their end.

Shortly before half-time, from a pass by Bloxham, Evans scored for Golders Green, who thus led at the change-over by three goals to none.

In the first half we had seen the teams fairly well matched, the score not giving quite a correct impression of the run of the game, but in the second half Golders Green were distinctly on top, although they could only score once. This goal was credited to Edwards, who had been absent in the last two games. Edwards drove the ball over to Drinkwater, who worked himself into a good position for returning it to Edwards, who beat Cornford with an excellent shot. Evans worked very hard in trying to add to the score, but was not favoured with the best of luck. Drinkwater and Fallon also tested Cornford severely, while Breagan was noticeable for many clever movements which always boded ill for the opposition.

Leyton had previously lost but one game in the League this season, and in 17 matches had conceded but 19 goals, so that it was a good performance by Golders Green to beat them so heavily. The result was due to all-round work, and the team thoroughly earned the congratulations that fell to them at the end.