Golders Green took full revenge for the heavy defeat at Sutton in their first League match of the season by defeating the Surrey club by seven goals to one at Claremont Road on Saturday. Figures are often deceptive, and in this case even the most strongest partisan would hardly dare to claim that there was a difference of six goals between the sides. As a matter of fact, there was a period in the first half when Sutton seemed likely to win, but ten minutes from the interval Golders Green took the lead, and from that time never looked back. After the scoring of a third goal just on half-time the result was never in doubt. Until the end Sutton, however, played as if they were not more than a goal behind, and that victory was possible, and as a result we saw a splendid exhibition of football.

The happiest feature from the local point of view was that Golders Green's forwards showed an ability to score against a strong defence. True, Sutton were without Shepherd at back and Ready at centre-half, the former having been selected to play for the Southern Counties against the Northern Counties in what was virtually an International Trial match, but able substitutes were found.

Golders Green were able to place full strength in the field, and while their play in the first half was not such as to inspire confidence, the Sutton side being much more in tune with one another, there was more cohesion after the change of ends, and at one time the combination was positively brilliant.

The match was a triumph for T.E. Evans, who scored three goals, but the forward line was more assertive than it has been in many games. There were some powerful shots, and though Breagan's name does not appear on the score sheet, he played wonderfully well - indeed we may say that his exhibition was not far short of the highest standard he has reached at Claremont Road. Edwards, at inside-right, was also responsible for work which led to goals. He foraged a good deal, but we should like to see less hesitation on his part to shoot, and shoot hard. Freddy Evans scored once, despite an injury in the first half which seemed likely to cause his retirement, whilst Drinkwater's goal was one of the best. Drinkwater had a great day. He made full use of his opportunities, and timed his centres to a nicety.

Two of the goals - the first and the last - came from the half-back line. At the end of three minutes Bucci sent the ball into the corner of the net, the goalkeeper appearing to be unsighted; just on time, Broadis, at centre-half, who had worked untiringly, scored from a penalty kick, a punishment well merited. White, at right-half, has made good. He has the capacity of getting through much work without looking tired, and tackles well.

The defence showed no glaring imperfections, indeed with the improvement on the part of Boston every week, Golders Green seems to have lost little by the departure of men who served them well last year. Godding, in goal, has shown in the last few games that if games are lost the fault will not be entirely his.

Goals were scarce in the previous week, but on Saturday we had a couple within five minutes, Bucci first finding the net for Golders Green and Pratt following a few seconds afterwards with a brilliant left-wing shot which left Godding helpless.

But this was a mere flash in the pan. Another half-hour went by before another goal was scored, and during this period it cannot be said that Sutton were the weaker side. Godding was frequently called upon, and it was well that both the home backs were in form. Both Golders Green wingers were troublesome, but unfortunately passes intended for Drinkwater often failed to reach him, Delventhal, at right-half, cleverly intervening.

F.P. Evans went off the field for a time owing to an injury, and upon his return he exchanged places with Breagan. But though limping at outside-right, Evans was by no means a passenger, and one of his shots deserved to score. He has seldom shot with greater power.

At the end of 35 minutes Breagan sent the ball across from the right wing, giving T.E. Evans an easy chance to score. He kicked rather feebly, but the shot went home, so nothing more need be said. His next goal, however, was a clever one, the ball being headed into the corner of the net.

This double success in short time put life into the home side, and for the remainder of the first half they monopolised the play. A beautiful centre by Drinkwater - one of many - should with any luck have brought another goal, and maybe F.P. Evans would have scored had he not been fouled when on one of his characteristic runs.

However, Golders Green had no reason to be dissatisfied in leaving the field at half-time with the score 3-1 in their favour.

The second half opened in favour of Sutton, but for the most part their final efforts were weak, and there was only one shot which caused anxiety. It lacked neither direction nor sting, and with a less experienced man than Godding in goal would have scored.

Seven minutes from the restart, after unsuccessful shots by Edwards and Bucci, T.E. Evans completed his hat trick, a feat which did not pass unnoticed by the crowd. He deserved the cheers.

Still Sutton persevered, and Godding did well to clear from Solly. Perfect passing from Sutton was nipped in the bud by Boston at a critical moment, and he utilised his opportunity so well that a goal for Golders Green seemed imminent, but offside was given.

Drinkwater scored Golders Green's fifth goal, and after there had been a failure to use other opportunities a centre from Drinkwater enabled F.P. Evans to get the sixth.

Three minutes from the end Broadis completed the scoring with a penalty kick. As the players left the field there were hearty cheers for Golders Green, T.E. Evans coming in for a special ovation.

Golders Green must be congratulated on such a decisive victory. Perhaps luck was on their side; at any rate we have often seen them play quite as well without scoring so heavily. They need this measure of encouragement after the difficulties they were in at the opening of the season.