To those who witnessed the Athenian League game between Golders Green and Barking at Claremont Road on Saturday the result - five goals to none in favour of Golders Green - was not surprising. Golders Green had the best of the play throughout, and before the end Barking were a hopelessly beaten side.

To beat Barking - one of the best teams in the League - by such a score was a fine performance, but Golders Green are doing big things of late, and had the ground not been affected by the heavy rain early in the afternoon the score might have been heavier.

The secret of Golders Green's success was team work. At no period have we seen a better understanding between the players. It was a real treat to watch the ball pass in unerring fashion from one end of the field to the other, and while one or two players were perhaps outstanding, credit for another wonderful success must be given to the team as a whole.

It was unfortunate that Rowe, who played so well against Barnet the previous week, was unable to turn out owing to an injury, but it was pleasing to note that his substitute, J. Weeks, did not let the side down. In point of fact, he did wonderfully well, and maintained the reputation of the club for brilliant work in the first line of defence.

Knott was again in the limelight with a couple of goals, in addition to helping in getting others. He enjoys football, and what is perhaps equally important, he gives enjoyment to those who watch him. He is up to all manner of tricks, but fortunately his partners begin to know his methods. He has a perfect understanding with Drinkwater, the outside-left, and also with Evans in the centre. It is from this trio that we are getting most of the goals. Drinkwater had to retire for a short time in the second half owing to an injury, but on his return was lively as ever.

Breagan and Spalton on the right wing are showing much better form now. Breagan is much nippier, and if only he could take corner kicks as he was wont to do a season or two ago his value to the side would be considerably enhanced. Despite the close attention paid to him by Neale (Barking's clever centre-half), Evans got two goals and Spalton one. Apart from scoring, Spalton was most helpful to others.

It was difficult to keep count of the number of times Golders Green were pulled up for offside. The stoppages on this account were so frequent that the crowd began to barrack the referee, but we do not think there were more than two occasions when he may have been wrong.

The fact that a clean sheet was kept is a tribute to the defence. We have already referred to Weeks. Bucci, the captain, was in his best form, which is saying a good deal, and Broadis was a fine pivot. He seems, however, to have lost the art of scoring from free kicks.

Richardson and Ellis came out with flying colours, although there were occasions when only bad shooting kept Barking from scoring. Richardson at the start had a rare job in keeping Shellito and Mayes (a formidable wing) in check, but as time went on he found his task getting easier. Ellis also gave a sterling performance. He has been the find of the season for Golders Green.

Smith, in goal, was not unduly tested. Barking must have felt that luck was against them in the second half when, with Smith out of position, a hot shot was sent in. Happily for Golders Green, Broadis, standing on the goal-line, had the presence of mind to use his head instead of his hands, and danger was averted.

Smith changed his methods in this match. He was in a nonchalent mood. Abandoning his usual method of running yards with the ball before disposing of it, he seldom left the touchline, and by the way he pitched the ball to one of his own side he gave the impression that he was taking up bowls as his summer game.

A heavy shower of rain just before the kick-off made the ground slippery, but throughout the match the sun shone, and at times seemed to worry some of the players.

For a few minutes Barking attacked, but gradually Golders Green came into prominence, and fifteen minutes from the start they got a well-deserved goal. Taking a lob from Weeks, Evans eluded the backs, had a tussle with the goalkeeper, who came out to meet him, and then found the net.

Barking's right wing was often dangerous, but the shooting was somewhat erratic, and there were few occasions when the goal was seriously in danger. On the other hand, Barking's defence was kept well employed, but it was not until half-time was approaching that Golders Green increased their lead, Knott converting a centre by Evans.

A lead of two goals to none did not over-represent the superiority of the home club.

Less than a minute after the opening of the second half Evans got clear and gave Spalton the easiest of chances to score from short range. He did not fail.

This practically decided Barking's fate, for although they were playing a very good game, Golders Green, by perfect combination - a pass seldom failed to reach the place intended - were always threatening danger. Evans, with a solo effort, netted Golders Green's fourth goal, and Knott registered the fifth.

It was unfortunate that Barking had to play one short during a part of the second half, but long before he left the game had been won and lost.