Friday 10 May - Reserves lose to Romford

In their last game of the season at Claremont Road on Saturday in the Athenian League, Golders Green Reserves put up a poor show against Romford Reserves, losing by 3-1. The only goal chalked up for them was scored by a Romford defender. Possibly they were tired, but their attack seemed mainly lifeless and their finishing very bad. The second half was notable for the promising display at outside-right of J. Hill, who, we understand, is only 15 years old and a schoolboy International. He played very keenly and appeared more likely to score than any other of the Green forward line. In the first half, at inside-left, he played too much with the forwards. Golders Green kicked off towards the pavilion and after only 30 seconds Burgess put in a shot which went behind. This promise, however, was not fulfilled. The ground was hard and the ball travelled fast. Romford continued to attack, but from the number of shots which went over the top it seemed as if the forwards must be misjudging the weight of the ball. Lynch, however, took a chance with a shot from well out on the wing. Wiggett saved, and continued to save. After 15 minutes there was still no score and both sides were thirsty for blood. Birch, at right-back, at this point did wonders for the home team. But after this brief spasm there was very little of interest about the play on either side. The spectators woke up when Davey, receiving the ball on the left, crossed it to his opposite number unmarked near goal. It went out, and there was a lost chance. The Golders Green forwards were not quite fast enough with their passes or on the ball. Somehow a Romford man was usually booting the leather. Tummond did well to save a shot from Thomas on his knees. Evans also had a chance to score but was robbed as he was about to shoot. Ward put another shot over the top and Tummond ran out to foil a dangerous Romford attack which followed. Thomas then scored with a nice shot into the corner of the net just before half-time. In an attempt to equalise Evans ran through, but Wiggett took the ball off his feet. Romford attacked from the kick-off, but Hill now began to make his presence felt. Though not strong, tall or heavy, he was always on the alert and ready to dart through in unguarded corners and to centre into goal. Unfortunately his centres rarely found a fellow forward, because they were either not there to receive it, or a Romford defender got there first. Evans found another chance to shoot, but put the ball just wide. Though Golders Green now attacked quite often, Romford were always liable to break away to a clear field. Hill was unlucky not to score when he ran across into the Romford goalmouth and headed a pass just into Wiggett's hands. It was on one of Romford's periodic breakaways that Thomas beat the backs and passed to [A.] Anderson, who in turn beat Tummond with a fine shot, putting his team two up. From a melee in front of the visitors' goal a Golders Green forward actually headed over the top. The beginning of the end came when [A.] Anderson added a third for Romford. Consolation came to the home team when a visiting defender put the ball into his own goal. Golders Green : F. Tummond; L. Birch, F. Cox; L.R. Ward, J. Curtis, R. Burgess; J. Lynch, H. O'Connor, T. Evans, J. Hill, F. Davey. Romford : F. Wiggett; H. Anderson, F. Gibson; R. Biggs, H. Ballard, C. Blogg; W. Lunn, A. Marney, A. Anderson, R. Ball, D. Thomas. (Hendon Times, 10/05/1935, p.14)

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Friday 05 April - Reserves home loss to Leyton

Weak finishing spoilt the chances of Golders Green Reserves in their Athenian League match with Leyton Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday. Practically for the whole of the ninety minutes the home team had the game in their hands, and from the number of good chances missed in front of their goal, the visitors became known as "Lucky Leyton." The final score was 4-1 in Leyton's favour. With very little wind and on a hard ground Leyton kicked off towards the pavilion, but Golders Green developed an attack on the left and then on the right. Weeks put a slow centre across the goalmouth but there was nobody there to take it. Ten minutes later Leyton broke away and Foreman, taking the ball well up, put in a high angled shot which Miles tipped but could not save. Still Golders Green pressed, but their forward line was not co-ordinated. Fallon and Muncer were all but wasted. Weeks put in a shot which Freeman dropped and a Leyton defender just managed to kick out. Again the ball went slowly across the goalmouth without an attacker in position. Halfway through this half McCorkell scored for Leyton with a peculiar shot which Miles all but left alone under the impression that the forward was offside. Golders Green were then given a free kick close to goal. Weeks took the pass and put it wide and over the top. The ball came back and for a few minutes Miles had a very busy time, the play finally going to the right wing, where Rowe put across a beautiful centre which Fallon hooked to the top right corner. Freeman cleared, however. A moment later Fallon again looked like scoring but a fellow forward was given offside. The Green attacked hard in an effort to reduce the odds before half-time. Short kept the forwards going, and O'Connor, Muncer and Fallon should have had goals. There was, however, no further score before the whistle came, with Leyton two up. Rowe moved into the centre-forward position for the second half, and for some few minutes after the restart it seemed that the Leyton goal bore an absolutely charmed life. Shot after shot was just saved or went just outside. There was a roar of amusement when a home team forward missed an open goal from ten yards, putting the ball halfway between goal and corner flag. Leyton were getting careless, however, and Rowe scored easily, Freeman fumbling the shot. This goal put new life into both teams, particularly into Golders Green, who attacked with no little fury. Hard as they played, though, they seemed unable to score. Ten minutes before the end McCorkell added a neat third for Leyton, and this to a great extent put the finishing touch on the game. O'Connor was given offside when about to shoot. Burgess hit the crossbar with a hot shot. Awarded a penalty for hands, Birch, with only the goalkeeper to beat, kicked the ball hard over the top. Foreman added Leyton's fourth when he cleverly beat two defenders and shot hard to the gtop of the net. Golders Green : D. Miles; L. Birch, W. Francis; J. Bloxham, R. Burgess, D. Short; V. Rowe, H. O'Connor, J. Weeks, M. Fallon, B.L. Muncer. Leyton : S. Freeman; A. Carter, A. Warren; G. Armitage, A.E. Page, E. Haydn; J. Blaney, G. Moore, G. Foreman, P. McCorkell, W. Knight. (Hendon Times, 05/04/1935, p.16)

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Friday 01 March - Reserves beat League leaders

A greatly improved Golders Green Reserve team met Enfield Reserves in the Athenian League at Claremont Road on Saturday, and beat them by 2-1, all three goals being scored, amidst no little excitement, in the second half. Golders Green, as a team, were almost unrecognisable. They showed spirit, speed, and worthy stubbornness in defence. The rear section of the team was as a whole rather better than the forward, the members of which could have shown more co-operation. Miles, in goal, was the outstanding figure in the home team, saving shots from all angles with ease and confidence. He was not to be blamed for the one that got past him. Burgess, at centre-half, played a sound game both in defence and attack, while R. Butt, at outside-left, was always a menace to the Enfield goal. His was the winning kick. Enfield as a team were about on a par with the Green. The result was an equal game, the ball swinging from end to end, the issue always in doubt. In the opinion of many, this was one of the best games seen on the Claremont Road ground this season. Golders Green kicked off and within 30 seconds Muncer hooked across a likely centre which, however, Holmes stopped in mid-air. A promising beginning, but Enfield promptly carries the attack back. So the game went in the first half. There were moments when results might have been expected. For instance, Marrable, six yards from goal, received a back kick pass, hesitated, and was pounced upon by both backs. When a free kick against the Green was cleared, Muncer gave Butt a fine pass and the latter went away. His long shot, however, went a yard outside. Cook ran up from the Enfield half and though he had the whole goal to shoot at unhindered, hit the post. from the rebound Little put in a hot shot, which Miles saved, conceding a corner. The kick went behind. No doubt the greasiness of the ground contributed to the difficylty of co-ordination. The Green were invariably well on the mark, but passes too often went astray. Forty-five minutes of rather indecisive play ended without a score. After the restart Hansard changed places with Holdin at right-back, and a bout of midfield play was followed by a scrimmage in front of goal, from which Wheatley took a snap shot to put Enfield one up. Miles never saw the ball come out of the ruck. Ten minutes later the Green were awarded a free kick out on the right. The ball came nicely into the centre, where golden chances were missed by two Golders Green forwards. R. Butt took a first-time shot at it, and scored, making the scores level. This put the home team on their mettle and play became very fast, both goals receiving a battering. Now the value of the cool game which Miles was playing was fully observed. He saved shot after shot, as did Holmes at the other end. The home team supporters were given cause for anxiety when, with about ten minutes to go, Miles was injured. He went down bravely to a ground shot with two attacking forwards on top of him and received a kick in the face. After treatment, however, he was able to continue and a moment later saved again and finely. Enfield continued to attack, but could make little headway. Short then made a pass down the left. Hansard, Enfield's right-back, slipped, and R. Butt, holding on to the ball and with a clear run, Increased the lead for Golders Green when he beat Holmes with a good shot. This proved to be the winning goal, and a few minutes later came the final whistle after a most enjoyable game. Golders Green : D. Miles; W. Francis, V. Macdonald; H. Butt, R. Burgess, D. Short; A. Marshall, G. Thorne, G. Marrable, B.L. Muncer, R. Butt. Enfield : F. Holmes; H. Holdin, G. Wheeler; W. Little, W. Robinson, F. Johnson; S. Craven, D. Wheatley, P. Hansard, R. Markwell, J. Cook. (Hendon Times, 01/03/1935, p.16)

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Friday 22 February - Victory for Reserves over Southall

Golders Green Reserves defeated Southall Reserves by three goals to two in an Athenian League game at Claremont Road on Saturday. A terrific wind played strange tricks with the ball and led to a display of football which had very little science about it. The teams were evenly matched, but Southall appeared very ragged as compared with Golders Green, who were a compact side. There was a lot of wild kicking by both teams. For some time both sides played weak football, and it proved as unfruitful as it was uninteresting to watch. Southall missed an open goal, but they opened the scoring. Lee sent what did not look like a dangerous shot along the ground. Langford, in an attempt to save, tried to fall on the ball but missed it, and it landed in the net. The home team now made a really determined attack and Southall's weak defence gave them their opportunity. Muncer passed several men and sent in a shot which the goalkeeper could not touch. Southall managed to keep the ball in Golders Green's half now and added their second goal before half-time. This was scored by Matthews from a melee in the goalmouth. The second half opened with Southall pressing, but Golders Green later began to show some life, but missed many good opportunities. Finally, however, Golders Green drew level. The Southall goalkeeper, in taking a goal kick, dropped the ball and Northcote, pouncing on it, found the net with a strong shot. From that time Golders Green pressed hard and at length Birch, taking a penalty kick, sent a strong shot into the net. Golders Green played an interesting game and except for brief lapses put up a good performance. On occasion they were apt to pass unnecessarily and seemed unwilling to keep the ball to themselves. The defence was not too good, Langford not being a good substitute for Tummond in goal. One began to feel apprehensive as soon as the ball went anywhere near him. Birch was a good strong back; McDonald was not so conspicuous. Butt was one of the best players on the field, and with Burgess, a demon for work, and Short, noted for his steadiness, the half-back line was a big factor. The forwards put up a good show and if they can get a few games together have the makings of a steady combination. They could have done with Hodge, however, because he and Edwards play a fine game together. Southall were a side that seemed to have little unity and they put up a rather amateurish performance. The fact that they have not won a League game this season rather detracts from the value of Golders Green's victory. Golders Green : J. Langford; L. Birch, V. McDonald; H. Butt, R. Burgess, D. Short; A. Delf, J. Edwards, G. Marrable, B.L. Muncer, A. Northcote. Southall : J. Wrighton; T. Dymitt, F. Peabody; A. Garnt, W. Smith, J. Gooderham; A. Bagley, W. Lancy, W. Matthews, K. Lee, R. Swinson. (Hendon Times, 22/02/1935, p.14)

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Friday 15 February - The Reserves improve

Golders Green Reserves played a much improved game when they met Bromley Reserves in an Athenian League game at Claremont Road on Saturday. The result was a draw, each side scoring one goal. It was bitterly cold and this perhaps led to an increase in speed. In any case, the few spectators who shivered in the stands witnessed with some satisfaction a return of that team spirit for which the Reserves were once famous. There was a lot of passing - good passing. The forwards, strengthened by Jack Edwards, swung the ball about and attacked with vigour. The defence was solid. The sides were evenly matched, as the result denotes, but although the game was entertaining to watch there was not overmuch incident. The game opened promisingly. After a moment or two Bromley broke away and attacked vigorously. Golders Green, however, withstood the shock and retaliated. Edwards and Hodge made an excellent wing movement and forced a corner. Lack of support from the other forwards, however, resulted in this advantage being lost. Bromley, capturing the ball, made a fiery onslaught, but they were carried back again, the Golders Green forwards, and especially Hodge, working hard. After half-an-hour's play Golders Green opened the scoring through Peterman. They had been in front of the goal for some time, and with a group of men worrying the goalkeeper the ball suddenly shot out. Peterman trapped it and sent the ball back into the net. The home team had worked hard for this goal and deserved their success. They now had most of the play, but had to fall back on the defence again before half-time. The Bromley side pressed after the kick-off and eventually, after remaining in Golders Green's half for some time, scored from a melee[, Mason netting.] On level terms the game now became more than usually interesting. Attacks and counter-attacks, rushes forward and desperate defences. Golders Green played a fast game but could not score and eventually the final whistle went with the scores still standing even. Tummond, Birch and Wilton made a strong defence. Ward was missed from the half-back line, but Butt, Burgess and Short worked well together. In the forward line Edwards and Hodge made an excellent combination, as did Keep and Broomhead. Peterman made a fairly good connecting link. Bromley was a compact side with some especially fast forwards. Their defence was also sound. Golders Green Reserves : F. Tummond; L. Birch, J. Wilton; H. Butt, R. Burgess, D. Short; F. Hodge, J. Edwards, L. Peterman, A. Keep, G. Broomhead. Bromley Reserves : A.E. Ellis; A. Weare, D. Hutchins; E. Drage, R. Holder, A. McGowan; H. Colwell, G. Kew, R. Mason, L. Griggs, M. Hampton. (Hendon Times, 15/02/1934, p.16)

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Saturday 09 February - Reserves lose to Barking

Golders Green Reserves gave a disappointing display at home on Saturday, when they lost an Athenian League game to Barking Reserves by three goals to one. Barking won by sheer team play, in which Golders Green were singularly lacking. The major portion of the play was in Barking's half, but the passing of the home side was weak. They missed opportunity after opportunity and the crowd became very impatient. The game opened with some quiet midfield play, but it was not long before the Barking forwards broke away and attacked. Golders Green soon recovered and broke away on their own account, the forwards carrying the ball right up the field and missing an open goal. The ball then returned to midfield, where the forwards punted it about for a time. Barking, it seemed, was gaining breath for an attack, and finally Barking opened the scoring through Jarman. Tummond had to run out to make a save and Jarman shot in before he could get back. Barking's second goal came a few minutes later when Randells shot in just under the bar and out of the goalkeeper's reach. Shortly before half-time Golders Green scored their first and only goal through Broomhead with a strong shot. Golders Green opened the second half by missing an open goal and then settled down to play a dull game. They kept the ball mostly in Barking's half, but the goalkeeper was too much for them. He saved a penalty kick taken by Weeks. Beddell scored Barking's third goal. Tummond was fairly steady and Loveday and Richardson were good backs. Ward and Weeks worked hard on the half-back line, but the forwards were most inconspicuous. Watson, Barking's goalkeeper, put up a wonderful display, and the rest of the team made an excellent combination. Golders Green : F. Tummond; A. Loveday, J.W. Richardson; L.R. Ward, R. Burgess, J. Weeks; F. Hodge, H. Thackray, H. Butt, J. Holmes, G. Broomhead. Barking : C. Watson; W.J. Tolman, J. Watts; C. Denton, F. Dyer, C. Humphrey; F. Milton, E. Jarman, W. Randells, E. Shepherd, R. Beddell. (Hendon Times, 08/02/1935, p.16)

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Friday 01 February - From "Sports Gleanings"

Unfortunately at the moment there are no signs of any help [for the first eleven] from the Reserve team, who seem to be going from bad to worse. They lost their Cup-tie on Saturday against North Met. [no score or match report available], and in the League occupy the thirteenth place [out of fourteen] having gained but 8 points out of a possible 28. [Part of the third paragraph of five discussing Golders Green F.C., with additional explanatory comments in square brackets.] (Hendon Times, 01/02/1935, p.16)

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Friday 25 January - Reserves' poor play in Athenian League match

Saturday's Athenian League match between Golders Green Reserves and Walthamstow Avenue Reserves at Claremont Road was a disappointing affair which ended in a victory for the visitors by 4-1. If the "Green" want to appear anywhere near the top of the table they will have to play better than this. Only very rarely did they show signs of being a team with a sense of internal combination: otherwise, for the greater part of the game, Walthamstow, a somewhat heavier and certainly faster team, made rings round their hesitating hosts. Walthamstow demonstrated their superiority from the kick-off. They were much faster on the ball, and refused to give up hope when an opponent had it, chasing and often robbing him. The "Green" too often waited for the ball to come to them instead of going for the ball. The first patch of excitement came after half-an-hour of midfield play, when Brown put in a hot shot which hit the top left-hand corner of the goal and bounced slowly across leaving Ward standing. Soon after a blatant foul on Williams gave Golders Green a free kick which Pinner cleared with some difficulty. Six minutes before half-time Baker scored for Walthamstow with a [?? shot which] might have gone anywhere but into the goal. Two minutes later, however, he made up for lack of quality by scoring another, so that at half-time the visitors had a 2-0 advantage. The second half saw Walthamstow attacking again. The quality of the play may be judged from the interest which spectators in the pavilion took in a game of darts. But the vociferous demands of the supporters thundering in the grandstand encouraged Broomhead, after ten minutes of the second half, to run through and score with a fine shot. Alas for Golders Green hopes, thus fitfully revived! Ten minutes later Baker took the ball up on the right, passed across to Andrew, who put it back to Brown in the centre. This player took it first time and scored with a shot which it is dubious that Ward even saw. A few minutes later they almost repeated the manoeuvre. Furnace scored for Walthamstow from twenty yards out with a high, slow shot which it should not have been difficultl to save. Ward even tipped it with his fingers, but it dropped over his head into goal. More Walthamstow attacks followed, the home team being all but extinguished. And when the final whistle came there was something like a sigh of relief from those spectators who had stuck it out. The final result was : Golders Green, 1 ; Walthamstow 4 - a fair reflection of the game. Golders Green : Ward; Birch, Wilton; Northcote, Burgess, H. Butt; Williams, Butt, Rich, Gorst, Broomhead. Walthamstow Avenue : Pinner; Palmer, Wallace; Johns, Furnace, Luke; Vivian, Trailer, Baker, Brown, Andrew. (Hendon Times, 25/01/1935, p.18)

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Friday 28 December - Double defeat for Reserves

Golders Green Reserves were beaten by Wealdstone at Claremont Road on Christmas Day, and at Wealdstone on the morning of Boxing Day. Both were Athenian League games [scores not given in report, and not found elsewhere]. (Hendon Times, 28/12/1934, p.10)

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Friday 30 November - No score in Reserve game

There was no score in the match between Golders Green Reserves and Uxbridge Reserves in the Athenian League at Claremont Road on Saturday. This was partly due to weak play by both lines of forwards when in front of goal. Golders Green lost many opportunities. Uxbridge's attack, on the other hand, had to meet a much more powerful defence. The first fifteen minutes of the game were unexciting. Then Uxbridge began to make headway, but Tummond, in goal, did well. Weeks was conspicuous in a thoroughly sound defence. Golders Green, however, eventually managed to dislodge the attackers and a good movement ended in a good shot by Broomhead. Without an interval the teams changed straight over at half-time. Golders Green made a much more determined effort to score, but all their efforts ended in failure. They might have done better had they fed their left wing more and passed more frequently. Tummond, in goal, made some excellent saves. Birch and Wilton were as usual thoroughly safe. Weeks, on the half-way line, worked with his usual vigour, and got his side out of some awkward situations. Butt and Coles gave him good support. The forwards played well until they got in front of the goal, then they failed badly. Golders Green : F. Tummond; L.C. Birch, J.P. Wilton; H. Butt, J. Weeks, A. Coles; F. Hodge, J. Edwards, T. Berry, G. Sinclair, G. Broomhead. Uxbridge : Carr; Rutland, Dunton; Briggs, Coker, Furning; Pratt, Eggleton, Goodman, Shepherd, Jones. (Hendon Times, 30/11/1934, p.16)

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Friday 23 November - Reserves in a close game

A close game was witnessed at Claremont Road on Saturday, when Golders Green Reserves met Redhill Reserves in an Athenian League match. The result was a draw, both sides scoring two goals. The match was interesting because of its closeness. Neither side had the advantage, and although Golders Green opened the scoring they were successfully checked. Much of the play was in midfield and dull. Both teams missed many chances. Ward, who is still absent from the Golders Green team, and Sinclair, another regular who did not appear on Saturday, made serious gaps in the side. Weeks, one of the hardest workers, had to do much more than he should have done, while Langford was not up to Sinclair's standard. Saturday's match opened with a sudden attack by Golders Green, who are employing these shock tactics most successfully. They ran into Redhill's half and to the surprise of the defenders had soon scored through Edwards. The visitors were not dismayed, however. They dislodged the attackers, kept the home team in midfield until they collected themselves, and then they began to look dangerous on their own account. Golders Green defended well and then returned to the attack. They kept the play mostly out of their own half, but the Redhill forwards broke away, ran up and scored a surprisingly lucky goal, the ball going just over the goalkeeper's shoulder. The home team had most of the play and although they had the ball in front of Redhill's goal they were unable to do anything. The visitors were not content to defend for long and were soon attacking once more. They made their way right up to the home team goal and Tummond made a brilliant save. Golders Green missed several more chances to score before half-time. The game was fast and entertaining. Golders Green attacked again immediately after the recommencement of play. They ran away with the ball and looked like scoring. Redhill, however, checked them, broke away and almost scored. This part of the second half was noticeable for the number of missed chances. Many fine movements were started by both sides only to fizzle out. Finally Golders Green scored again. They had taken the ball up the field and Berry sent a good long shot in just under the bar. They almost scored again a minute or two later when Broomhead missed a penalty. Although they were having the best of the game they were unable to consolidate their lead before Redhill drew level. [F.] Macdonald shot in from a melee. Both sides now worked hard to win, but in badly fading light they were unable to do anything. Although the result was in the balance until the final whistle the match ended weakly. Tummond, in goal from Golders Green, played a fine game. Birch and Wilton were good steady backs, while Coles, Burgess and Weeks completed a strong defence. Berry , the centre-forward, can always be looked to for a game worth watching, and Edwards is sure. Hodge and Broomhead were thoroughly competent. Langford was a disppointment. Golders Green : F. Tummond; L.C. Birch, J.P. Wilton; A. Coles, R. Burgess, J. Weeks; F. Hodge, J. Edwards, T. Berry, F. Langford, G. Broomhead. Redhill : E.J. Uwins; W. Lockyear, J. Wicking; F.L. Bond, R.C Ashen, A. Gregory; H.H. Pearce, F. MacDonald, A. Harvey, A. Jeffries, R. MacDonald. (Hendon Times, 23/11/1934, p.16)

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Friday 16 November - Another narrow win for Reserves

Golders Green Reserves beat Tufnell Park Reserves by one goal to nil in a London Intermediate Cup game at Claremont Road on Saturday. The weather conditions were not conducive to good football and the players made many mistakes through no fault of their own. The teams were evenly matched and had the weather been at all good, one of the finest games which the Reserves have taken part in this season must have been seen. During the first half Tufnell Park did most of the pressing. Their attack was strong and well organised. However, they came up against a stone-wall defence. Tummond, in goal, handled the ball a good deal and showed himself capable of dealing with all comers. The only incident of note was the missing of an open goal by Tufnell Park's inside-left. Towards the end of the half Golders Green put everything into a combined effort to dislodge the tenacious attackers, and finally managed to carry the ball up to the visitors' defence. Here a foul gave them a penalty kick, but Birch failed to score. Just before the whistle went another good opportunity was missed. Golders Green pressed from the very commencement of the second half and they kept the ball mostly in Tufnell Park's half. There was no scoring, however, until well towards the end. This period was marked by several breakaways by the visiting forwards. On the whole Golders Green was putting up a good performance, but they missed some chances. Finally Tufnell Park broke away and made a strong attack on their own account. They were soon shaken off and Weeks took a long shot just missing the goal. This somewhat demoralised the visitors and Golders Green now looked like opening the score, and it was not really surprising when Hodge found the net. The visitors made a determined effort to draw level, but were frustrated by Wilton. The last few minutes of the game must have been genuinely exciting but it was too dark to follow the play. Golders Green seemed to enjoy slithering about in the mud. Tummond, in goal, put up a really sound performance, and Bircha nd Wilton, at back, were a strong combination. Ward was missed from the half-back line again, but Langford, Burgess and Weeks played well. The forwards were speedy and worked well. Berry made a good centre, but Sinclair, although a competent player, might try fewer tricks. Tufnell Park were a well-balanced side and their goalkeeper put up a particularly good show, Golders Green : F. Tummond; L.C. Birch, J.P Wilton; F. Langford, R. Burgess, J. Weeks; F. Hodge, J.F. Edwards, T.H. Berry, A. Sinclair, G. Broomhead. Tufnell Park : Mansfield; Ketts, Hammond; S. Waler, Abbott, Cross; Ruddle, Coutts, Snazel, E. Walker, Barker. (Hendon Times, 16/11/1934, p.16)

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Friday 09 November - Reserves defeat League leaders

Hayes Reserves, the unbeaten leaders of the Reserve section of the Athenian League, met defeat at the hands of the Golders Green Reserves when they met them at Claremont Road on Saturday. The result was 6-1 in te home team's favour. So far Golders Green had not fared too well, but they have now won several games in succession and look like having a series of successes. Saturday's match was unusual inasmuch as the ultimate result denoted a walk-over. This was not the case. The game as a whole was even and a small lead in Golders Green's favour would have been more in keeping with the play. The game opened with one of Golders Green's characteristic rushes. They took the Hayes defenders by surprise and had scored through Sinclair within a few minutes. Hayes soon recovered and drove the attackers back to their own end, only to be driven back again themselves a few minutes later. Golders Green scored again from a piece of weak play by the Hayes goalkeeper, who left his goal unnecessarily and made the way clear for Berry to shoot. The Hayes' forwards now put forward a really nice movement which brought them in front of Golders Green's goal and Portman scored. The home team were determined, however, not to let them draw level, and managed to take the ball into Hayes' half. They kept it in front of the goal for some time, but failed to do anything. Opportunity after opportunity was thrown away and eventually they were dislodged without having taken advantage of their position. Finally Golders Green broke away again and made an attack on the Hayes' goal. This time they seemed to be really determined to do something and Berry scored. The goalkeeper had saved one shot, but Berry sent the ball in again before he could recover. The second half opened slowly, but Golders Green had soon scored through Sinclair. Hayes began to look really dangerous, but the defence which they met was too much for them and they had to fall back. Pressed by the home team forwards they had to defend on their own behalf and a minute or two later a fifth goal was added by Sinclair. Golders Green's sixth was scored by Birch from a penalty. The closing minutes of the game were marked by an unfortunate incident in which the Hayes' goalkeeper, W. Harrison, was involved. He jumped up to save a fast ball and managed to push it over the bar. He was then seen to fall to the ground. The trainer went to his aid and found that he had badly injured his right arm. The Hendon ambulance was called and he was removed to Hendon Cottage Hospital where he was treated for a suspected fracture of the arm, hand and rib injuries. He went home later. Golders Green played a good game. Tummond, in goal, was safe, while Birch and Iles made staunch backs. Coles, burgess and Weeks, on the half-way line, were a good combination, but one missed R. Ward's steady game. Weeks seemed at first to have lost some of his old sparkle, but he soon recovered. On the forward line Edwards made a welcome re-appearance and worked hard. Berry made a good centre, and Hodge, Sinclair and Langford were competent. They might, however, have made better use of their advantages, especially in front of the goal. Hayes played a steady game and did not deserve to lose so heavily. Their defence let them down. Golders Green : F. Tummond; L.C Birch, F.C. Iles; A. Coles, R. Burgess, J. Weeks; F. Hodge, J. Edwards, T. Berry, A. Sinclair, F. Langford. Hayes : W. Harrison; L. Lethbridge, H. Scott; E. Davies, W. Brown, E. Atkins; R. Atkins, J. Brunton, J. Portman, J. Kean, A. Mildrake. (Hendon Times, 09/11/1934, p.16)

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Friday 02 November - Reserves in a close game

It looked as though Golders Green Reserves were going to run away with their Middlesex Intermediate Cup-tie agaist Hayesco at Golders Green on Saturday. Things, however, evened out considerably and eventually Golders Green just scraped through, winning by 4-3. Golders Green had scored within two minutes of the kick-off and a few seconds later had almost scored again. This seemed to stagger the visitors and momentarily they went all to pieces. Gradually they pulled themselves together, opened their scoring before half-time, drew level at three goals each, and kept the home side fighting hard until the final whistle. The game opened with a lightning rush be the home forwards which ended in a fine goal for Berry. Golders Green were soon again in front of the Hayesco goal and it looked decidedly black for the defenders. Their team seemed to go to pieces. Try as they could, they were unable to stem the advance. Golders Green did not take sufficient advantage of their position, or they might have piled up a big lead at this point. Hayesco, however, began to rally. They skilfully consolidated their defence, and having done so began to attack, and soon the ball was in front of the home team's goal. Then followed a period of ding-dong play with the ball going from one end of the field to the other. This continued for half-an-hour and culminated in a melee in front of the visitors' goal, out of which Sinclair scored. Golders Green now rested on their laurels for a space, but were rudely awakened before long when Hayesco opened their scoring through Hand. They had taken the ball up into the home team's half and snatching an opportunity when one of the backs was temporarily disabled reduced the lead. Just as the half-time whistle went Berry added a third goal for Golders Green, thus considerably strengthening their position. From the very kick-off in the second half Hayesco pressed. Their forwards passed and repassed in an endeavour to find an opening and eventually they broke away, eluded the backs and scored through Kershaw. After this they continually attacked. A free kick awarded to Hayesco almost on the penalty line gave them their third goal, scored by Mascell. With only five minutes to go and the scores level the game became really exciting. Hayesco, evidently anxious to get a homd game, seemed to want a draw. An excellent movement on the left wing led to Sinclair scoring a fine goal just in time to save the match for Golders Green. Golders Green's team on Saturday was far in advance of that which they turned out on the occasion of their last home game. They were much more together, they were faster, and on the whole more up to the old Golders Green standard. Tummond, in goal, gave a good account of himself; Birch and Wilton, the backs, were steady; and Ward, Burgess and Weeks made a good half-back line. Ward is one of the most consistent players in the team. The forwards, though without Edwards, showed a nice turn of speed and passed well. Golders Green Reserves : F. Tummond; L.C. Birch, J.P. Wilton; L.R. Ward, R. Burgess, J. Weeks; F. Hodge, A. Langford, T. Berry, A. Sinclair, G. Broomhead. Hayesco : C. Sterry; J. Perritt, A. Cole; H. Attley, A. Mascell, D. McLean; H. Champion, F. Bulmer, L. Kershaw, J. Baldry, H. Hand. (Hendon Times, 02/11/1934, p.16)

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Friday 26 October - Reserves' big win

Golders Green Reserves played D.C. Athletic Club in a friendly match at Radlett on Saturday and had an exceptionally easy win, running out winners by fourteen goals to two. (Hendon Times, 26/10/1934, p.16)

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Friday 19 October - Reserves gather points from Barnet

Golders Green Reserves beat Barnet Reserves by 3-1 at Barnet on Saturday. The game started off at a hot pace, the ball travelling from end to end. Golders Green settled down after about twenty minutes to play good football. The ball was worked through the centre from J. Weeks to T. Berry, who opened the scoring. A further 20 minutes play saw Berry beat two defenders and place the ball in the net right out of the goalkeeper's reach. Then came the half-time whistle. R. Ward was injured soon after resuming and had to go outside-left. Sinclair went to right-half, and Broomhead to inside-left. This upset the Green's combination and during a melee near goal a penalty was awarded tp Barnet, from which they scored. This seemed to put fresh life into Golders Green. After a short while the ball was sent out to Ward, who, although injured, put over a good centre to Hodge, who just nodded the ball into the net. Golders Green thus ran out good winners. Golders Green : F. Tummond; L.C. Birch, J.P. Wilton; L.R. Ward, J. Burgess, J. Weeks; F. Hodge, J. Edwards, T. Berry, A. Sinclair, G. Broomhead. (Hendon Times, 19/10/1934, p.16)

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Friday 12 October - Reserves' cdecisive victory

Golders Green Reserves beat Edmonton Invicta in the first round of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup on Saturday by five goals to nil. From the kick-off Golders Green attacked and from a good movement by Ward, who passed to Broomhead, Berry opened the scoring. From this point onwards they were definitely on top and never looked like conceding a goal. Their second goal was scored by Broomhead before half-time. During the second half Golders Green penned Edmonton in their own half and further goals were added by Berry and Langford (2). The game was thoroughly satisfactory so far as Golders Green were concerned. They now have a fairly useful team, and if undisturbed it should prove a competent combination. (Hendon Times, 12/10/1934, p.16)

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Friday 28 September - Heavy defeat for reserves

Golders Green Reserves did not readily adapt themselves to the prevailing conditions when they met Enfield Reserves, at Enfield, on Saturday. They suffered a severe reverse, losing by four goals to nil. Golders Green, perhaps, played the better game, but their shooting was weak. Enfield, on the other hand, swung the ball into the net from a good distance and scored two goals in each half. For Golders Green, C.H. Burgess played a good game, and J.P. Wilton, a former member of the team, made a welcome reappearance. He showed that he had lost none of his old skill at defence. The result was a disappointment after the performance against Barnet on the previous week. The forwards must shoot more often at goal, then a return to the old winning form may be experienced. (Hendon Times, 28/09/1934, p.16)

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Friday 21 September - Reserves win against Barnet

The correct wear for football on Saturday afternoon should not have been shorts and a shirt, but a suit of waterproof armour and a shrapnel helmet. The latter part of the match at Claremont Road between Golders Green and Barnet was played during the second storm which visited the district that afternoon. The two teams displayed stoic spirit in continuing to kick a sodden ball around through a strong wind, a torrential downpour of rain and a vicious attack of hailstones, many of which were the size of large marbles. The Green managed to win by six goals to two, rather an overwhelming result. Barnet's two goals were solely dut to the fine work of their centre-forward, G. Paul, who scored both. Throughout the game, the only outstanding man in their forward line, he battled hard against the opposing defenders, and it was a well-earned reward that he should score twice for his side. On the Golders Green team L.C. Birch gets special mention for a sound and sometimes brilliant display at right-back. Again and again he was the rock against which the waves of Barnet attack broke in vain. The first storm which passed over twenty minutes before kick-off was due left the ground less hard than it had been and rather slippery. The air was cooler and the wind blew in uncertain gusts. There was a very poor attendance when the teams came out and Barnet elected to kick towards the pavilion. The Green ranks advanced without delay to the attack and in less than five minutes, after a shot by Broomhead had been well saved, Langford scored easily. Barnet pulled themselves together and for a while there was little to choose between the teams, the ball travelling fairly regularly from end to end with Golders Green getting the nearer to goal. Barnet forwards distinguished themselves by some wild kicking in front of goal, but through it all Paul looked likely to score at any moment. Birch continually foiled the Barnet left wing attacks, and more often than not was also to be found doing good work on the other side. Paul took the ball on a fine run through the centre, but Tummond came out and took it from his feet five yards from goal - a good piece of work. It was due to a lack of positional certainty that Golders Green did not score more often. Sinclair was lurking well up field, but was too closely shadowed by Barnet defenders to be able to do anything. Following a fine shot by Westoby which Tummond saved, the ball travelled to the other end, where Cooper stopped a hot shot from Sinclair, only for Broomhead to put the ball past him a few seconds before half-time, when the score was 2-0. Golders Green started the second half as though determined to consolidate their advantage. Though beset by opposing forwards, Cooper managed to keep his goal clear until the tension was relieved by a wide shot which went for a goal kick. Birch baffled a Barnet attack and from him the ball went to Edwards, who took the ball, centred from a difficult angle across to Broomhead, who had come in, and who scored in the top of the net, making the score 3-0. Langford scored the fourth and tried hard for another, but it was actually T. Evans who gave the Greens another goal with an easy shot, the goalkeeper being away from home. It was when Barnet appeared to have given up hope that Paul, who had been trying hard all through, took the ball down absolutely on his own, defeated Tummond, who had come out, and though hampered by two Green defenders, ran it into the net, making the score 5-1. Edwards took the ball up the right again and centrred neatly. Langford missed a chance with his left foot, the ball passing to T. Evans, who made no mistake about it. This latest goal seemed to inspire Paul, who scored Barnet's second goal after another good individual run. This was the end of the scoring. At this point the second storm of the afternoon approached. The horizon to the left of the pavilion was blotted out, the wind rose, and the downpour of hail and rain began. The game continued, however, in the worst possible conditions, though players on other nearby pitches deserted the ground for their pavilions. Good football was practically impossible, with the players soaked to the skin and hailstones the size of large marbles bouncing as much as five feet from the ground. Cheered by the shouts of those under cover, however, Golders Green continued to attack, and Cooper did grand work dashing here, there, and everywhere to keep the ball away from his net. There was no further score and there was a general sigh of relief when the final whistle came. Golders Green deserved to win. Golders Green : F. Tummond; L.C. Birch, L. Warne; L.R. Ward, R. Burgess, J. Weeks; J. Edwards, Langford, A. Sinclair, T.E. Evans, G. Broomhead. Barnet : A. Cooper; F. Hewitt, F. Hill; S. Simpson, J. Smart, W. Martin; D. Westoby, E. Jones, G. Paul, C. Varndell, V. Stygal. (Hendon Times, 21/09/1934, p.14)

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Friday 14 September - Reserves go under

Golders Green Reserves were beaten by three goals to one when they met Sutton United Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday. The match from beginning to end was most uninteresting. Both teams were playing patchy football and only occasionally seemed to get together and give the spectators something worth watching. It must be remembered, however, that the season is still young and teams have not yet had a chance to settle down. The impression one got on Saturday of Golders Green was of eleven individual players instead of a compact team. Only Edwards, Rogers, Weeks and Ward remained of last year's side, and of the new players, several gave promise of proving useful. Golders Green had an early reverse and within a few minutes were one goal down. Sutton forwards broke away, carried the ball up to the home team's goal, and Washford with a weak shot scored. For some time after this the game was dull. Neither team was pulling together and the ball was punted about in midfield. Then the home team began to brighten up, but their attack was feeble. Sutton gained control again and attacked much more vigorously. They made a good forward movement in the direction of the home goal, but it fizzled out before anything effective was done. Golders Green at this point came to life and made a movement which seemed as if it would be productive, but Ward miskicked badly. They kept the ball in Sutton's half, however, and after several good shots had been cleared Jones scored. The ball went through the feet of a bunch of players in the goalmouth and took the goalkeeper by surprise. Towards the end of the half Sutton lost one of their men and this seemed to put fresh spirit into them. Before the whistle went, however, Golders Green had again attacked and a good forward rush was ended in a weak shot by Rogers. The second half opened with Golders Green and Sutton, who now had a full team again, giving a brighter display. For the first few minutes both sides attacked in turn. Finally Sutton settled down to some shooting. Roy stood up to it fairly well, but it soon became apparent that if Sutton were persistent they would eventually score, as was the case,. Milne ran up his wing, eluded the defence, and shot past the goalkeeper. The home team tried to retaliate, but without success, and Washford broke away and with an interesting solo effort added a third goal for the visitors. Golders Green now strove desperately to draw level, but nothing further was scored. There will have to be a big improvement in Golders Green's play before they can expect to do anything in the League. The team spirit, usually so marked in the reserve side, was almost totally absent, and its early return is a most desirable thing. More speed is wanted in the forward line and the defence must be tightened up. In short, the whole team needs pulling together. Sutton won on their speed. They were much faster than Golders Green and they also benefited by the home team's weak attack. Golders Green : Roy; L.C. Birch, Warne; L.R. Ward, R. Burgess, J. Weeks; J.F. Edwards, Jones, T.H. Berry, J. Rogers, G. Broomhead. Sutton United : Bedford; Potts, West; Bristow, Ferrell, Robson; Roche, A.C. Griffiths, Washford, Milne, B.C. Griffiths. (Hendon Times, 14/09/1934, p.16)

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Friday 07 September - A glut of goals

It could not be said that the friendly game between Golders Green Reserves and Finchley Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday was productive of much good football. In fairness to both teams, however, it should be added that conditions were far from ideal, the sun being particularly troublesome. Finchley effected an extraordinary recovery in the second half, pulling up from 0-4 to four all, only to be led again at 6-4. As may be judged from these figures, the attacks on both sides were superior to the defences and several of the goals were cleverly contrived. Golders Green owed most of their success to Preece, their outside-right, who made many openings and scored two good goals. Berry was a forceful leader, and he was well supported by Burgess at centre-half. The left-half, Langford, was also prominent on many occasions by reason of his clever attacking work and the accuracy of his shooting. Birch was a very steady back, but Warne, his partner, did not give him much support. Finchley's centre-forward, Spalton, was their best player, though in the first half even he was somewhat ineffective. Hope scored two good goals and Davidson did some good work. The real weakness was at half-back, where Finchley's trio could not hold the opposing forwards. Pegram and Flowerdew did their best to stem the tide and Hunt kept goal well. Finchley attacked from the start but Golders Green fought back and gradually took command. Burgess fired over the bar from long range, and Preece, following several good runs, forced a corner which was cleared. Berry nearly scored by lobbing the ball over Hunt's head as the Finchley goalkeeper came out. He sent it too high, however, and it went over the bar. Finchley looked dangerous in a breakaway and Roy saved at full stretch a header from Spalton. Golders Green went ahead after 15 minutes' play, Rogers banging a loose ball into the net well out of Hunt's reach. Rogers nearly scored again a little later, but this time Hunt made a fine one-handed save. Just before half-time Spalton hit the side netting when well placed to score for Finchley. The interval came with the "Greens" still leading by 1-0. The cataract of goals in the second half was started by the home side when Langford put them two up with a long shot. In quick succession Preece and Berry added two more to Golders Green's total. Preece's goal followed a good run from nearly the half-way line. Just when it looked as though the "Greens" might reach double figures, Finchley rallied. Hope scored from an acute angle, and a minute later added a second, the ball going in off an upright. Finchley's third was scored by Spalton after a previous shot had cannoned off the bar. The equaliser was a clever effort. Spalton took a through pass from West in his stride and crashed the ball into the roof of the net without hesitation. This last shock electrified Golders Green and their final spurt was productive of two more goals by Preece and Berry. Golders Green Reserves : Roy; Birch, Warne; Ward, Burgess, Langford; Preece, Jones, Berry, Rogers, McNamara. Finchley Reserves : Hunt; Flowerdew, Pegram; Cook, West, B. Smith; J.E. Smith, Bracey, Spalton, Davidson, Hope. (Hendon Times, 07/09/1934, p.14)

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