A goal by Knott, scored at the end of half-an-hour, gave Golders Green a victory over Hoxton Manor in the Middlesex Senior Cup competition at Cheshunt on Saturday.

It must be admitted that Golders Green did not deserve to win on their play, which was decidedly below standard. Indeed, we cannot recall any match this season when they have been seen to less advantage. Their loss of form was remarkable in view of the fact that against well-known clubs they have been scoring heavily ; 5 againat Romford, 6 against Redhill, and 8 against Hayes. But against a Second Division Spartan League side they could score only once.

Golders Green's defence have to be thanked for this win, but even then it was more due to the Manor forwards making unaccountable lapses. There were at least three occasions when Smith looked to have no possible chance of saving, but openings were literally thrown away, partly, we think, through over-excitement.

With the return of Rowe, Golders Green were presumably at full strength, but during the game Bucci again developed leg trouble, and during the second half was quite unable to do himself justice.

Hoxton Manor were a faster side than Golders Green, and discarding the short-passing game, to which the visitors were very prone, gave a spirited if not altogether polished exhibition. We do not wonder that others besides Golders Green have found them an awkward side.

Drinkwater was more often than not beaten by Brewer, Manor's right-back, while Knott, undoubtedly the best forward, often had his intentions thwarted. The right wing was equally ineffective. As for Evans, we can only say that it was fortunate for him that his English cap did not depend upon his performance last Saturday. But there were two reasons for his mediocre display. In the first place, he was taking no risks of injury, and secondly, the Hoxton centre-half, Mead, was evidently desirous of showing how he could deal with an International centre-forward. Mead certainly came off trumps, but we still look forward confidently to Evans upholding the honour of his club against Wales tomorrow.

Broadis was again the pick of the visiting halves, but the man whose work calls for even greater praise was Ellis, who, at right-back, seldom made a mistake. Richardson played a useful game, although his habit of pushing an opponent may bring forth penalty kicks. Smith had far more to do than he might have expected, and we congratulate him on keeping a clean sheet.

Golders Green had quite a good following at the match, and in the stand, not a pretentious affair, there seemed to be as much support for them as for the Manor.

By winning the toss Hoxton had the benefit of the slope and Golders Green the disadvantage of playing with the sun in their faces in the first half. To speak of the sun as a handicap in January is unusual, but it was actually powerful for a little while.

Though Golders Green got the first corner, Hoxton had more of the play in the first quarter-of-an-hour, the forwards playing with any amount of vim. Smith was frequently called upon, and once a forward tumbled over him into the net in a desperate effort to score. Schofield, who kept his line together well, missed a glorious chance, and Pearce, an enterprising left-winger, had decidedly hard luck when his shot hit the goalpost. A goal seemed certain.

The first really good shot from Golders Green did not come until after 20 minutes' play. Then Coleman, in goal, had a taste of what Evans can really do, and he did well to clear for a corner. This was well placed, and the Hoxton goal was in danger for a minute or two.

The only goal of the match, as we have said, came from Knott, who headed through from a pass by Spalton. This success put a little much-needed life into the visiting side, Breagan showing up better. He put the ball right across the goalmouth, but there was no one to give it the required touch - a narrow escape for Hoxton.

There were one or two good efforts, a hard low shot by Bucci almost taking effect, but Hoxton had the better chances, and it is difficult to understand how Schofield, with an open goal, failed. Brown, at outside-right, was another sinner. He shot over when excellently placed.

In the second half play was much on the same lines. In the opening minute Knott got a clear run and a goal seemed inevitable, but it did not come off. Then a free kick just outside the penalty area gave Golders Green another chance, but Broadis's hard low shot was cleared.

After that we saw very little of Golders Green, and if Hoxton had shot as well as they did their other work Golders Green would no longer be in the competition. Smith did a good afternoon's work, but he would not have left the field undefeated but for real bad work in front of goal. We have often to complain of lost chances for Golders Green, and it is perhaps just as well it should be known that other teams suffer in a like respect.