Golders Green's goal was riddled seven times in the Athenian League match at Southall on Saturday. Four of Southall's goals were scored by A.R. Eagles, who, like a number of others, seems to be doing remarkably well after leaving Golders Green, for whom he was not particularly successful. On present form he would be a godsend to Golders Green, who are sadly lacking in forwards who can shoot. Southall's other goals were scored by G. Foss, who has recently been playing for Park Royal, as has also J. Scully, who has returned to his old club.

Golders Green lacked the services of G. Bucci (on the injured list) and J.W. Bloxham, who was unable to get away from business, and thus the half-back line was weakened. A warm reception was given to A.J. Breagan, who has been incapacitated for several weeks. His position at outside-right has been difficult to fill. His value to the side was shown in this match. He scored two goals (goals have been very scarce of late) and was undoubtedly the most brilliant player in the forward line.

Until Breagan found the net with a brilliant cross-shot half-an-hour from the start Golders Green had scored but one goal since they were beaten by the London Caledonians on January 26, and one can imagine the pleasure it gave to the Green's supporters, not so numerous as usual in view of the poor form of late, when Breagan scored another goal, to be followed by one from Miles, a new player taking the place of F.P. Evans at centre-forward [Miles played in goal for Wealdstone in the Christmas matches, and his subsquent appearances were in goal], all in the space of five minutes. One could hardly realise that Golders Green could be guilty of such behaviour!

As Southall had scored first, Golders Green, who had had the wind in their favour, could not look upon a lead of two goals as sufficient, and there were hopes that this sudden return to scoring would be continued for a little longer, but before half-time Eagles had completed his trio. His second goal came following a free kick just outside the penalty line, and the next one with the last kick before the change-over.

Southall must be congratulated upon this recovery seeing that the wind had been a great handicap to them, and in view of the fact that Golders Green, in their last three games, had failed to stay the pace in the second half, there seemed little hope of the visitors being successful.

To say Golders Green were disappointing was to put it mildly. For the greater part of the second half Golders Green were on the defence. The wing halves were weak, and this threw a tremendous amount of work on the backs and goalkeeper, while the forwards did not get that amount of help which might have been expected.

Broadis paid a good deal of attention to Eagles, and while he was instrumental in checking that clever player's movements, the other forwards had more scope than was good for Golders Green. Godding saved many good shots, but we doubt if he knew anything of one that he tipped over the bar. It went to him at lightning speed.

Foss scored Southall's fourth goal following a corner, and at this point R. Ward, at right-half for Golders Green, left the field injured, but soon returned. The next goal came off the head of Eagles, from a kick by a back, and the other two had to be credited to Foss, making his total three. Just on time the referee was inclined to give a penalty kick against Golders Green for alleged handling by Broadis, but afterwards awarded a corner kick. But a goal at this stage made little or no difference. Golders Green were hopelessly beaten, and as time went on they were going from bad to worse.

The only redeeming feature of the match from the Golders Green point of view was that three goals were scored, but what would have happened had Breagan not turned out? None of the others seemed likely to score. Apart from getting a goal, Miles was not in the limelight, but it is not well to be too critical of a man making his first appearance in a side. That he scored once should at least ensure him of another chance.

While the forwards have been ineffective, it is disturbing to find that in the last four games 22 goals have been conceded - four against London Caledonians, five against Harwich, six against Romford, and now seven against Southall : is the number to be eight at Uxbridge tomorrow?