Golders Green ran out comfortable winners in their Herts and Middlesex League game with Grays Athletic at Claremont Road last Saturday, but not without some anxious periods.

Grays played a rugged, spoiling game, relying on hard tackling and long kicking, their tactics preventing the Green from playing their normal football for a long time. But after the winners had scored their third goal they took complete command of the game and for the last 25 minutes dominated the field.

For the home side, R. Roberts made his debut in goal, and created a favourable impression. A. Roberts (no relation) deputised for Bossoms at left back. H. Malcolm came in at centre half and proved a fine pivot. His play was sound and thoughtful : he used the ball to advantage and played a big part in the home side's success. F. Finch, the Cambridge University right winger, in place of Stroud (unable to get leave), played a great game. His varied tactics continually had the visiting defence guessing, and he put over some perfect centres.

After an early attack by Grays had been repelled, the home team went down the field. Finch passed in to Gallacher who put the ball across for Cox to head a fine goal, ten minutes from the start. A breakaway by Grays looked dangerous, but Roberts saved well from Trowle for a corner, which was cleared.

After 40 minutes, the Green scored their second goal, Topp giving Fair an opening, close in. A pass back by Harvey nearly led to further disaster for Grays, McKee only scrambling across the goal in time to clear. Half time arrived with the score: Golders Green 2 Grays Athletic 0.

On resuming, McKee was heavily pressed, and a good move down the field by Cox and Goodchild forced him to concede a corner which was ultimately cleared into touch after a desperate defence. Then Grays broke away on the left and Goodall, who had moved to centre forward in a re-arrangement of the side, reduced the arrears with a fine shot which beat Roberts all the way.

At this stage, Golders Green appeared to be losing their grip and with Gallacher injured and changing places with Goodchild, their prospects looked less bright. During a further Grays attack, Turner gave Trowle a great chance of equalising, but his header went over an open goal.

Then, after 25 minutes' play, a fine opportunist goal by Fair, who converted Cox's pass, restored the balance and from then on, the home side never faltered.

Five minutes later there was a terrific tussle in front of the Grays' goal : it ended by Fair netting the fourth. Golders Green continued to press, and after 35 minutes Goodchild was fouled when going through. A cleverly placed free kick taken by Malcolm to Fair enabled the centre forward to notch the fifth, while five minutes later Goodchild broke through on his own. McKee came out as he shot, touched the ball, but could not prevent it trickling into the net for the sixth.