Golders Green and Wealdstone appear to be well matched this season. Both are playing below standard, if we may take positions in the Athenian League table as a guide, and in the matter of winning trophies neither has much to hope for.

Last Saturday they were engaged at Claremont Road in the Middlesex Charity Cup competition. It was a replayed match, the clubs having drawn (2-2) at Wealdstone three weeks ago. This time Golders Green, on their own ground, managed to win, but only after a very keen fight. At one time Wealdstone were three down, but they made a splendid rally, and with the last kick of the match they were within an ace of equalising. Golders Green deserved their win, but the falling off in their play late in the game was disconcerting.

Compared wijth the first match, each side made one change. For Wealdstone R. Groves appeared at right back instead of V. Gorman, and Golders Green played J. Weeks at left back for J.W. Richardson, who was unfit.

D.W. Lennard had been chosen at right half, but at the last minute he had to call off, and therefore R.G. Rowe retained his place. His display was such that it may now seem unwise to drop him. Considering that he was unprepared for a game, and had, it is reported, partaken of a more substantial mid-day meal than that to which footballers are accustomed, he stayed the pace well, and was quite up to the standard of the other halves.

The return of Drinkwater made all the difference to Golders Green's front line. He and Knott made a fine left wing. Drinkwater cleverly beat his man again and again and then sent in good centres. Breagan, on the other wing, also seemed better for a week's rest, and on the whole the forward work in the first half was better than it has been for some time. Evans worked hard, but might have served his side better by doing less. Though the halves played well, Broadis has often been more effective.

Weeks took a little time to settle down, but we look upon him as a most promising player. Ellis played a good game. Smith had very little chance to save either of the shots that took effect. Interest was taken in the three Wealdstone players, Bloxham, Wilton and Shorland, who were up against old colleagues. While perhaps shining not quite so brilliantly as he has often done at Claremont Road, Bloxham was an outstanding man on the Wealdstone side, and well deserves the honour of captain. Wilton as a forward does not seem to be so valuable as in the rear division, but he made a number of nice passes. Shorland is not so impetuous as of yore, but he has not lost the habit of diving to head the ball. At one time he lost his place in the Wealdstone team, but we are glad to see that he has regained his position.

The first half was largely in favour of Golders Green, Smith being seldom troubled. The first opening of note came from a free kick, just outside the penalty line, taken by Rowe, but it was not turned to account. Incidentally, there were quite a number of these free kicks for Golders Green, and it was fortunate for Wealdstone that the offences were committed just outside the penalty area.

When Bloxham was penalised there were cries of "Oh, Joe" from some of his admirers. But taking the game as a whole, it was contested in real sporting manner, and despite the hard ground no one was badly hurt.

Fourteen minutes from the start Evans scored from a nice pass by Drinkwater, who was continually making openings, while he put in some lovely shots. Knott was also doing good work, and on the right wing Breagan was giving Shorland plenty to think about.

Hoskins, at centre-forward, was always dangerous when in possession, but he did not have the number of chances that fell to Evans.

Breagan was responsible for Golders Green's second goal, Shorland being at fault in clearing.

Though the game was still young, Golders Green could not add to their score before the interval, though Wylde, the Wealdstone goalkeeper, was kept busy. Smith had to deal with a few good shots, but no one could class Wealdstone as a dangerous side, and they were perhaps fortunate to be no more than two goals behind when the adjournment took place.

The opening play of the second half was in keeping with that which had gone before, Golders Green being the aggressors. Wylde saved several shots, one of the best being from Spalton, but he was eventually beaten for the third time by Knott, whose hard drive from about 20 yards out was too good for him. This was the best goal of the five.

At this juncture it looked as if Golders Green would gain a very decisive victory, but as so often happens, there suddenly came a complete change of outlook, Wealdstone playing in surprisingly good fashion. Beautiful work, the ball passing from one to another with clock-like precision, brought them a well-earned goal, Hoskins giving the finishing touch. Golders Green retailiated, but could not score, and when Wealdstone got a second goal, again through Hoskins, things got very lively.

Owing to a late start, the light was bad during the closing stages, and it was difficult to follow the ball. Golders Green fought desperately to retain their lead, but it was not easy to keep off the Wealdstone forwards, well led by Hoskins. With the last kick of the match Wilton almost scored, Smith grasping the ball just as it was going through close to the goalpost.