While Civil Service are not such a good side as that which competed in the Isthmian League when they shared a ground with Hampstead at Cricklewood Lane, they put up a very good performance at Claremont Road on Saturday in the Amateur Cup, and bearing in mind that some time before the close of the first half they were four goals down, they did well to be beaten by no more than seven goals to three.

Had they not waived choice of ground, it is possible they would still be in the competition. In clever football they fell far short of Golders Green, but their whirlwind rushes, of which we see many in Southern AmateurLeague football, are disconcerting to teams, and surprising results often occur.

Golders Green stepped on to the field with a poor record - not, however, so bad as the League table would lead people to believe - and though it cannot be said their performance in this game was blameless, there was sufficient merit in their work to give hope to wavering supporters.

In forward work Golders Green have failed, and demands have been made for changes. But the selection committee apparently feel that the time has not yet come to discard old servants, and at any rate the results of the Reserve team, who have yet to win a match, indicate that even if promotions were made the changes might not mean more goals.

But the seven scored against the Service will assuredly postpone any alteration in the attack unless injuries or other causes compel change. It must be remembered that for a big part of the game Drinkwater was unprofitable by reason of a bad shaking. He had to leave the field, and when he returned he was obviously handicapped. Had he been perfectly fit all the time, Golders Green might have reached double figures.

Golders Green had their usual side, but in the half-back line Bucci (the captain) and Broadis changed places. Opinions differ as to the wisdom of this action. Personally we felt it tended to strengthen the side, but Broadis is not quite so good in attack as Bucci.

Golders Green soon got going, and gave the impression that they were adopting a more open game than is their wont. Their first corner was taken by Drinkwater, who had previously missed an opening, but Civil Service cleared. Then Richardson was conspicuous for stopping the Service attack very cleverly, and his partner Ellis, though missing his kick (incidently he played his best game for Golders Green) made a fine recovery. Drinkwater was then placed "hors de combat", but the home side kept up the pressure and from a well-placed corner by Spalton, Rowe opened the scoring. This goal came 10 minutes from the start.

Five minutes later Evans got a second goal, and it looked as if the Service were in for a bad time. There was good individual work on their side, but the attack was kept in check, and even when the backs were eluded Smith was safe. Their shooting was not too accurate, but it must be admitted that the Service were not blessed with luck.

Even with Drinkwater out of action the Golders Green forwards secured several corners, Evans and Spalton combining in a pleasing manner. Once Evans unfortunately handled as he was working his way through. The offence was so palpable that someone shouted "Well caught, Evans!" At the end of 22 minutes, however, Evans scored No. 3 for Golders Green following one of Spalton's best shots.

After that the game became more even, the Service making several incursions mainly through the right wing. Their outside-right, Williams, though not so skilful as one named Batchelor in that position for the Service years ago, sent across some good centres, Smith making one save from point blank range of hallmark merit.

Five minutes before half-time Evans completed his hat trick by accepting a good chance given to him by Butt, but before leaving the field Merrick, from a beautiful centre by Williams, beat Smith, making the score at half-time 4-1 in favour of Golders Green.

The second half, in which Richardson and Ellis changed places, saw a distinct improvement in the form of Civil Service, although they started badly. After a fine effort by Rowe had been cleared, Spalton was tripped just outside the penalty line. Broadis took the kick, and with a tremendous shot found the net, the ball first striking the bar. This leads one to suggest that he is the penalty kicker Golders Green have been looking for.

Swinton, scoring for the Service, then brought the figures to 5-2, but Evans restored the balance after some remarkable manipulation of the ball, and this, his fourth success, looked to be an answer to his critics.

Playing desperately to give a better complexion to the score, the Service gave Smith a busy time. His clearances were commendable. On one occasion in tipping the ball over the bar he went sprawling into the net.

The fact that he was lame did not prevent Drinkwater making one or two good attempts and it was one of his centres that enabled Rowe to head through, thus bringing the Green's score to seven. This was a fine piece of work by Drinkwater, whose misfortune had drawn from the crowd much sympathy.

Although the remainder of the play was chiefly in Golders Green's favour - one hard shot by Broadis comes to mind - Civil Service got the last goal through Enwright at outside-left.

The scoring of ten goals in the match was a contrast to the small scores that have taken place in Golders Green's previous games, if we except that at Oxford.

The win of the home team was well deserved, but while there is no wish to be pessimistic, we feel there must still be considerable improvement if they are to hold their own with clubs in their own circle.

There was an attendance of 1,700.