Losing to Sutton United on Saturday, Golders Green have to be content with third place in the Athenian League table, Romford (with 36 points to Golders Green's 34) being runners up to Walthamstow Avenue, who have gained 41 points. A win for Golders Green in their last match would have given them second place on goal average.

As will be gathered by the score, Golders Green made a great fight on what is called their bogey ground after being three goals down, but despite great pressure, they failed to get even one point.

But the loss of the game was to the club not so serious as the fact that a player was ordered off. So far as can be gathered, a like incident has never happened before in connection with the club. Just before half-time trouble occurred between D. Breavan (Sutton's outside-left) and R. Ellis (Golders Green's right-back). Its origin is obscure, but Ellis was seen to threaten Beaven by lifting up his arm as if to strike him. There was no actual blow, but Ellis had to leave the field. We understand that during the interval the referee was asked by Sutton players to allow Ellis to return, but he declined. The incident was most unfortunate inasmuch as it was by no means what one is apt to call a "dirty" game.

Golders Green were without J.W. Richardson, although he was on the ground in case of emergency, but in view of a slight injury it was thought well to play J. Weeks at left-back. Otherwise Golders Green were at full strength. Sutton's team was changed in one or two respects from that which appeared at Claremont Road the previous week, the presence of A. Mason strengthening the defence.

With a terrific wind the winning of the toss was a big factor. Bucci was the unfortunate captain, and as a result Golders Green, who were also handicapped by the sun, had a hard struggle in the first half. They ended two goals down, but that would not have been an overwhelming obstacle if Golders Green had had a full complement of players. The absence of Ellis made all the difference between victory and defeat.

Sutton played remarkably good football in the opening stages, Solly being a big factor, although he shot over from a free kick given through Broadis handling. Knott forced the first corner, but Drinkwater put by. Ever on the move, Smith made a number of good saves, but was fortunate in having an offside ruling against Sutton when a goal seemed certain.

For 25 minutes Sutton were kept out, thanks largely to Smith, because the kicking of the backs was by no means good. Against a strong wind, they could not send it any great distance. They worked heroically, as did the halves, but the forwards had few chances.

Manners was responsible for Sutton's first goal. It was a good effort, although Smith might possibly have cleared had he not been unsighted.

After this reverse we saw better work from Golders Green's forwards. Breagan sent across a fine centre, which unfortunately was not turned to account, and then Evans was responsible for one of the best efforts of the afternoon. He cleverly defeated two opponents and from an awkward angle sent in a brilliant shot which must have scored had not Mason's head intervened.

Ten minutes before half-time , following a shot from the right wing, Solly scored a xsecond goal for Sutton after Smith had once saved; and Golders Green were lucky when Washford, the home centre-forward, failed to utilise a good opening. Then came the Ellis-Beaven incident, and with it the sound of the whistle for half-time.

Realising that a strong attack was necessary if victory was to be theirs, Bucci decided upon the one-back game, and himself took up the role, Weeks taking his place in the half-back line.

The move was successful, although before Golders Green scored Sutton got a third goal from a penalty kick, taken by Mason. Broadis was the guilty party, although it did not look to be a serious offence.

To be three goals down was a big handicap, but Golders Green put tremendous life into the attack, and Sutton were fortunate not to lose a goal following a free kick just outside the penalty area. Broadis shot hard but wide. Then Weeks sent in a fine shot following after a corner kick had been taken, but eventually Spalton, with the help of Knott, opened Golders Green's account. This goal was well deserved, as one might have come a minute earlier from Breagan's pass.

Manners retaliated, making the score 4-1, but Evans, who had throughout played a virile game, reduced Sutton's lead with a hard shot, and a few minutes later Breagan completed some juggling with the ball by finding the net.

Golders Green were at this stage playing so well, despite the fact that Drinkwater had developed lameness, that victory did not seem impossible. Knott beat Bedford, but he was rightly given offside. Concentrating largely upon defence, Sutton managed to prevent further disaster, but the closing minutes were marked by much excitement, Golders Green's fine rally winning the admiration of the crowd.

Apart from Smith, who got through a gruelling afternoon in good style, we think the efforts of Rowe and Bucci call for special mention.