Although the championship of the Athenian League will not be theirs, the season will be notable for the fact that since the beginning of March Golders Green have extracted eight out of a possible ten points from the three clubs at present heading the League. They have taken three each from Walthamstow and Leyton and two from Barking.

Their performance at Walthamstow was one of the best of the season. Golders Green won on their merits, and for once we can say that their forward line did not suffer in comparison with the Avenue attack.

First appearances are sometimes deceptive, but on Saturday's form J. Browne, who made his debut in Golders Green's team, is likely to make a name for himself before long. Though only fifteen years of age, he was as cool as a veteran. There was no wasted energy on his part. Seldom did he fail to make the best possible use of the ball, and apart from scoring a good goal he provided innumerable openings to others. Drinkwater has seldom received such service as came from this youngster. At inside-right Browne had the experience of being faced by R.E. Wright, one of the best half-backs in amateur football, and the crowd watched with intense interest the battles between them. Wright often came off second best, and though it is not suggested that he was tired of the worrying tactics of Browne, it was noticeable that in the second half he joined the forward line. Let it be said that Wright, as is his practice, played a clean game, despite the temptation often open to him to defeat a very clever footballer by unfair methods.

It was a good sporting game, much enjoyed by a large crowd, although defeat meant much to the home side.

J. Bloxham and M. Fallon both returned to the Golders Green side, and the first-named strengthened the half-line. With Bucci and Broadis in form, it was quite up to the old standard, and rendered the Walthamstow attack impotent for long spells. At back, Richardson and Boston were almost impregnable, and no weakness was noticeable until towards the end, when there was a little miskicking. Walthamstow fought desperately and there were several occasions when it looked as though Golders Green would have to be satisfied with one point.

Godding, the regular goalkeeper, has played so regularly this season that it seemed strange to see a deputy guarding the net. D. Miles, the substitute, proved his worth, particularly in the closing stages. He cleared with assurance, though often under difficult conditions, and on that form the club have no fear.

The opening stages were very even, Richardson securing a corner from a long kick and later conceding one. Broadis effected one good stop, and from a free kick on himself, Bucci made a good effort.

At the end of eleven minutes Evans scored for Golders Green after Hine had punched out a fine shot by Bloxham. The visitors continued to hold their own, thanks to the cleverness of Browne, who found many admirers of his work. It took a while for the other forwards to get used to his play: they received passes before they were ready for them, and several good chances were lost. However the wing men got in several nice centres. Bolingbroke, at centre-forward, had a gilt-edged chance to equalise, but shot over, and other forwards, though well-placed, failed to do themselves justice. Evans had really hard luck in striking the crossbar, but there were occasions when he was to blame for being over-zealous. Less impetuosity would add to the value of his work.

Walthamstow equalised after twenty-five minutes through Burton, who sent in a hard shot which gave Miles little or no chance.

Golders Green, by no means disheartened, continued to attack, and from a melee in front of goal there was every promise of another goal. The lines were cleared, but after Childs, the Avenue's left-back, had almost put through his own goal, Golders Green regained the lead through Browne. The movement was started by Bloxham, and Fallon gave Browne his opening. He gave an object-lesson in first-time shooting.

A mistake by Wright almost led to another goal by Evans, and Hine did very well to save a hot shot by Browne at the expense of a corner. Half-time came with Golders Green worthy leaders by the odd goal.

Upon the game being restarted the Avenue gave promise of doing better. A fine effort was made by Green, the outside-left, who headed the ball against the post.

The game was not without its amusing incidents. On one occasion there was a pronounced appeal for "hands," but the culprit was the referee, and he did not penalise himself.

There were strong attacks by both sides without result. Golders Green certainly netted the ball, but Fallon was palpably offside. Walthamstow were also similarly penalised.

Ryan, at outside-right, seemed the most dangerous forward on the home side, although Vincent, who started at inside-right and then crossed over to the other wing, showed much cleverness. The chief weakness was at centre-forward.

The transfer of Wright to the forward line improved the home attack, and Miles was called upon frequently. Some of his saves were brilliant. About a quarter-of-an-hour from the end Evans and Burton came into collision, and both had to leave the field with cuts over the eye. Burton was able to return, but Evans's services were no longer available.

The closing stages were exciting. Golders Green's defence seemed to waver, and a miskick by Richardson boded disaster. However, despite the heroic efforts of Ryan, the Avenue failed to equalise, and two unexpected but well-deserved points fell to Golders Green.