Golders Green were distinctly fortunate in winning this Athenian League match at Uxbridge on Monday at the Depot ground. Uxbridge had three-fourths of the play, and the goal which gave Golders Green the points was scored by Beavis, who was playing at left-back for Uxbridge. The ball just trickled over the goal-line. There was no score in the first half. Fifteen minutes after the restart Evans, from a pass by Breagan, gave Golders Green the lead, but Uxbridge soon equalised though Faggetter with a nice header. The third goal, the one to which we have referred, came about ten minutes before the end, and though Uxbridge made superhuman efforts to equalise, they did not succeed.

Though lucky to win, it should be mentioned that Golders Green were handicapped by injuries to Breagan and Browne, and for some time they were playing two short. Browne was badly kicked in the first half (a free kick was given against Uxbridge as a punishment), and though he returned after the interval he was unable to be of much service. As a matter of fact, it seemed injudicious of him to attempt to play the ball. He and Breagan changed places, and in fairness to Uxbridge it may be said that they treated him gently after the mishap. Breagan made a fairly quick recovery and was responsible for much good work.

But long before these men were injured Uxbridge, playing down the slope, had been doing extraordinarily well, and Golders Green must attribute their success largely to the work in goal of Miles, who made some remarkable saves when the position looked hopeless. Uxbridge had a strong forward line. There were fine wingers in Jones and Eggleton, and inside men who were ready to take advantage of their work. With Broadis and Bloxham missing from the Golders Green half-back line, more responsibility was thrown on the backs, but they defended bravely, Boston being particularly trustworthy. Notwithstanding their efforts, however, Miles had little rest, and was cheered again and again when he tipped the ball over the bar or gathered it neatly though pressed.

It took some time for the forwards to get going, the hardest shots coming from Fallon, who seemed on the slow side, although he got through a great deal of work. There was also one noticeable shot by Evans, which would have beaten many goalkeepers, But there were al least six of such shots [by Uxbridge] to every one from Golders Green men.

Despite injuries, and the fact that the home club had ground advantage, Golders Green put up a better show in the second half, but seldom were they on top, and then only for brief intervals. However, every credit must be given to them for a plucky display against a strong side which included some R.A.F. men. They have met with a number of disappointments on this ground, defeats being sustained when they have given good displays, and therefore the win on Monday was in the nature of compensation.

This was the fifth meeting of the clubs this season. Golders Green have won both League games, lost a Charity Cup-tie, while there were two drawn Cup-ties.