Golders Green, playing about the best game they have produced since Christmas, drew [3-3] with Walthamstow Avenue at Claremont Road on Saturday. Team changes contributed to this result.

Golders Green had what could be fairly described as an eminently satisfactory encounter with Walthamstow Avenue at Claremont Road on Saturday. Although the forward line was not always on the mark, the general standard of play was considerably higher than for some time past.

Those who are familiar with the usual personnel of the Golders Green team noted many changes. Shorland was replaced at left-back by a clever young player from the reserves, Caswell. The half-back line was altered to include Breagan, and Bloxham moved over to replace Bucci. With the exception of the left winger, the forward line was reconstituted. Two reserves were brought in to replace J. Hill and Soden. These were Marrable and Stovell. Browne went to outside-right and Bucci partnered him.

Five of the Avenue men were reserve players, replacing the four who have gone with the F.A. team to Australia (Lewis, Matthews, Collins and Davis) and the goalkeeper, Barlow, who was injured.

Right from the kick-off Golders Green showed a pace that betokened a determination to win if possible, but whatever happened not to lose. There was very little bunching, and the majority of the kicking was well placed.

The ball was very light and easily deflected from its course by the wind which occasionally sprang up. Bucci's position in the forward line seemed to lend a cementing flavour to their play, with the result that the team combination was of a very high order. Stovell was the only member of the line who seemed a little awkward on occasions.

In one Golders Green attack on the Avenue's goal Bucci and Browne made a fine movement, and, evading the backs, Browne sent the pass across to Stovell. Unfortunately he miskicked, or a goal might have been scored within five minutes of the start.

First blood went to Golders Green, however. A good wing move brought the ball down to the Walthamstow end of the field and a corner was forced. With the ball sailing into the goal area, a scrimmage occurred, and the whistle blew for a foul by a visiting player. F. BOSTON took the kick and placed the ball beautifully in the corner of the net. This was about 18 minutes after the game started.

Three minutes later Golders Green were leading by two goals. The forwards made a good combined rush down the field. The ball came to Marrable. He took it by four players and then passed to Bucci, who carried the move on to F. Boston. Back to BUCCI again came the ball, and he shot hard and straight, with the result that Pinner was completely beaten.

For a time nothing more of note occurred, but three more goals were scored before the half-time whistle blew. Play in general was very even, the teams giving " knock for knock " in the way of attack and counter-attack. Quickly on the heels of their successful attempt Bucci, Marrable and F. Boston made another, but were unfortunately foiled.

In several attacks by the Avenue the defence proved very sound, Caswell and Bloxham in particular distinguishing themselves. Weaver also showed good form, but Bloxham was the only member of the team barring Bucci who appeared impervious to tackling by heavier men.

About ten minutes before half-time there was a swift attack on the Golders Green goal and some loose play which sent the ball to WEBSTER, the Avenue's outside-left. He trapped the ball neatly and shot, completely beating Hill. Within two minutes the equaliser came.

This was an unfortunate goal, for officially it must be ascribed to Bloxham. The Avenue had forced a corner, and in the melee in front of goal Skeels headed the ball as it came over. Bloxham was in the path of the ball and tried to save, but he just could not get to it properly, and, touching his head, the ball went into the net.

For their third and last goal Walthamstow had to fight hard, but they got it just before the interval. They made a whirlwind attack combined with good placing, and a pass from Wright to VINCENT provided the shot.

After the change-over the speed of the game was noticeably slower. Golders Green had forced the pace all along, and still continued to do so. After about ten minutes had passed the Avenue seemed set for another goal, but this they failed to achieve.

Webster, Magner and Wastrell were the shining lights of the forward line, and Vincent was close on their heels in the standard of his play. Wright and Skeels, too, were good.

In one attack Webster had a clear line on the goal, and he failed to score because he shot left-footed. At the end of the first 15 minutes Golders Green drew level with the Avenue. They had forced a corner kick which was taken by F. Boston. MARRABLE got his head to the ball as it came in and made a very fine score.

From this point to the end of the game the home team gradually speeded up the play until it was as fast as the first half had been. They pressed hard and did their best to draw ahead, but the marking of the Avenue defence was remarkably good. The same must also be said for Golders Green.

An attack in which Bucci failed to score from a pass by Breagan was countered by one in which Wastrell headed the ball low along the ground to the arms of Hill, who caught it in his sure clasp and cleared nicely.

On only one other occasion was there a fear that the Avenue might draw ahead, and that was when Hill ran out of goal to clear a save and came a purler. The ball was swiftly returned, but W. Boston was there in reserve and cleared in a spectacular fashion.

Golders Green deserve congratulation on the way they played on Saturday, and thoroughly deserved to share the favours.