Friday 01 May - Reserves crush Uxbridge

Golders Green Reserves startled their supporters by defeating Uxbridge [Town] Reserves 7-0 at Claremont Road on Tuesday. The home team were definitely on top of their form. On occasion, they ran through the visitors as though they were just not on the field. In the first half McIntyre, in goal for Golders Green, only touched the ball twice. It is doubtful whether Uxbridge put in more than six shots in all. For this Golders Green must thank their defence. Every member of the forward line had one goal or more to his credit by the time the final whistle went. For the first 28 minutes Golders Green had all the play, but finished weakly. In the twenty-ninth minute Duffield gave Bustard a pass up the centre. Bustard went through and shot hard : 1-0. Ten minutes later Bustard went through between the backs from the half-way line. The goalkeeper came out. Bustard ran round him and walked the ball into the net : 2-0. Leading by 2-0 at half-time, Golders Green got a third through Minter ninety seconds from the restart, and Hill scored a nice goal from a centre by Minter. Golders Green were awarded a penalty, but the Uxbridge goalkeeper saved a hot shot by Bustard. Ten minutes before the end Duffield scored well i nto the bottom corner of the net. Four minutes later, Minter, from a pass by Bustard, got the sixth goal, and finally Soden, putting on full speed from the half-way line, beating four men on the way, fired in a shot which completely beat Watson. Golders Green : J.R. McIntyre; L.C. Birch, J. Shorland; B. Weaver, J. Abbott, E. Burt; E.W. Soden, E.A. Duffield, L.A. Bustard, J. Hill, J.C. Minter. Uxbridge Town : H. Watson; G. Bryant, T. Maskell; E. Simmonds, C. Briggs, L. King; C. Elliott, C. Sheppard, A.H. Eggleton, H.J. Morris, J. Buttram. (Hendon Times, 01/05/1936, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 24 April - Reserves lucky win over Barnet

Golders Green Reserves were fortunate to win their Athenian League against Barnet Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday. But they should have won by a considerably larger margin than 3-2. That may sound like a contradiction, but it is the truth. The home team were all over the visitors for the greater part of the game, and their chances of scoring were many and usually neglected. Their winning goal came from a lucky shot by Bustard which surprised everybody. Bustard had been off form all the afternoon; his abilities as a thrusting centre-forward had been completely lacking. The rest of the forward line had done very well indeed until they got near goal, when they always seemed to lose their heads. Of the defenders J. Abbott stood out splendidly at centre-half, playing as a third back; and J. McIntyre played a sound game in goal. Taken as a whole it was a very dull game. There were occasional flashes of excitement. Whenever one of the right wingers got the ball something worth watching usually happened. Barnet opened the scoring in the first minute. A penalty for hands - a decision which mystified the crowd - was given against the home team. Kelleher took the kick and made no mistake about it. Golders Green, though they had all the game in this period, did not draw level until fourteen minutes later. There was a series of raids on the Barnet goal. First Minter went down and was robbed on the line by Lumb. Then Soden, coming in at full speed, shot over the top. The goal, when it came, was due more to Lumb than any forward. Duffield went down out towards the right wing and passed hard across. Minter, taken by surprise on the other side, could only kick it back in the direction from which it had come. But Lumb, unfortunately for him, got in the way and the ball glanced off him into goal. Play became spasmodic. Dull periods in midfield were followed by raids on one or the other wing which usually ended in some futile manner. Golders Green were having no real opposition. They play better when they have somebody or something to fight. Hill was distinguishing himself with his defending-attacking game. It was amazing the amount of hard work this young player found to do. Duffield had two spasms shortly before half-time. He put in two good shots. Lumb was able to deal with each one. At half-time the home team should have been at least two up. As it was the score was 1-1. It was Barnet's turn to be lucky after the resumption. For the first few minutes they were attacked. Then Wiltshire received the ball and had a splendid run down his wing, finishing with a hard and well-aimed shot. Cox endeavoured to kick clear, but deflected the ball into his own goal instead. Barnet thus went ahead. Our notebook now records another series of attacks by Golders Green, all ending with the words: " but he shot wide " or " but he shot over the top." It was the usual trouble; no finishing power. Then came the referee's most extraordinary decision of the match. Soden went through and was stopped by Lumb, who hurt himself so doing. For a moment he was on the ground : then he was up again and took the ball over the goal-line. The referee gave a goal kick. It is not enough to say everyone was amazed. They were stupified. The linesman ran onto the field frantically waving his flag. But the referee adhered to his decision. This put into Golders Green the fury of desperation. There were only ten minutes left to play. When the ball came into the Barnet goalmouth it went out of the ruck to Minter, who fired in a hot shot and equalised. Then Bustard took the ball up, lost it about 15 yards out, found it again, and kicked. The ball went under Lumb's left hand into goal. No one was more surprised than Bustard. But it gave Golders Green the necessary lead, and they hung on to it likr grim death. They were attacking at the end. Golders Green : J.R. McIntyre; G.E. Marrable, E.F. Cox; B. Weaver, J. Abbott, E. Burt; E.W. Soden, E.A. Duffield, L.A. Bustard, J. Hill, J.C. Minter. Barnet : W. Lumb; C. Borwin, D. Cumleigh; J. Doherty, E. Hawkins, L. Tibbett; D. McKenzie, A. Grieve, F. Kelleher, E. Smith, S. Wiltshire. (Hendon Times, 24/04/1936, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 20 March - A game of two halves!

Golders Green Reserves, playing at Claremont Road on Saturday against Enfield Reserves in the Athenian League, gave one of the worst first half, and one of the best second-half, displays we have seen. On a heavily-sanded pitch, over which the ball travelled fast, the home team could do nothing right for the first 45 minutes. Instead of opening the play out to the wings, the halves kept it bunched in the centre, while the Enfield forwards, swinging the ball wide from man to man, swept through to the Golders Green goal area, where they were stopped either by Weaver, Birch, Cox or McIntyre. When some enterprising person like Hill, who again played a brainy game, did get his wing forward moving, the play usually ended with lack of support in the centre, where Duffield was playing. Just before the end of the first half Marrable tried to alter this by going to the centre himself; but Marrable is no centre-forward. Now if Bustard had been there - well, there would have been no brainy football, but there would have been thrust and shooting power, which was what the position needed. During the interval something must have happened. The new vehemence of their attack surprised Enfield. In point of fact, they gave Enfield some of their own medicine and kept on storming down the field in fine style. But from being two down at half-time, they pulled up to level terms. They should have won. Enfield kicked off with the wind. The first five minutes were given up to indecisive play, each team taking the measure of the other and of the ground. Then Enfield began their open formation raiding, beginning with a run down the left wing and a centre which was headed away. In the sixth minute A. Pidgeon, who was looking like a very dangerous customer, took the ball through and gave to KIRBY, lurking just outside the goalmouth. He turned and shot up hard and McIntyre could only just get his hands to it. Hill several times distinguished himself in his brainy efforts to get Soden on the move. When successful Soden usually made a game effort to get at the Enfield goal. But, in our opinion, Hill should not be asked to play as a fourth half-back. He has not yet the necessary stamina for that. Let him stay up with the forwards and put some plan into the movement of the line. Enfield also had a schoolboy playing for them. A. Pidgeon, who played so fast in the first half that he had nothing left in the second, has a hard kick. One normal shot of his that went wide broke three palings of the fence behind the goal. After twelve minutes of play Enfield were awarded a penalty for a trip. To us, and to many, it seemed an odd decision about what had looked with all clarity to have been a perfectly fair tackle. However, KNIGHT took the kick, and McIntyre made no attempt to save it. That was all the scoring for the first half. Every now and then the Golders Green forwards would get near the Enfield goal, but the ensuing shots either went wide or over the top. The Enfield goalkeeper was never really hard pressed. One always felt something was liable to happen when Enfield had the ball; never when the reverse was the case. When half-time came the verdict seemed to be that Golders Green were not fast enough. The second half was a different matter. This time it was Golders Green who did the storming. They had their reward after eight minutes of dashing play, when Cox cleared to Bustard, who put it down the field to Soden. SODEN raced a back for the ball and scored from an awkward angle. Immediately new life entered the game. Golders Green fought hard for the equaliser, and after most of the forwards had had shots in vain, HILL scored. The ball came across from the left wing and Hill shot first time. He deserved the goal. This put the teams back on equal terms again. With about 20 minutes to go the players fought to the very end, but without advantage to either side. It was a ding-dong struggle, the ball passing from end to end of the field, with little to choose between the forwards, and most distinction to the defenders. Golders Green were attacking when the final whistle came. They deserved to win, if only for their second-half rally. Golders Green Reserves: J.R. McIntyre; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; E. Burt, B. Weaver, L.A. Bustard; E.W. Soden, J. Hill, E.A. Duffield, G.E. Marrable, J.C. Minter. Enfield Reserves: E. Pidgeon; W. Atterton, S. Moss; F. Robey, G. knight, E. Simmonds; F. Stone, H. Bull, E. Kirby, A. Pidgeon, L. Fairlie. (Hendon Times, 20/03/1936, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 28 February - Mud spoils Reserves' Romford match

Conditions at Claremont Road on Saturday did not lend themselves to pleasant football, either for players or spectators. There was very little actual rain, but there was hardly a square inch of ground not sodden with water. Nor was the game any too clean. There was no actual ugliness, but players were inclined to get annoyed at any slight incident and to retaliate at the next opportunity - another factor not making for good football. The spectators were not very helpful here, greeting any incident with boos, cat-calls and derisive cheers. Near the end of the first half Bustard, of Golders Green, was injured entirely accidentally by the ball from a visitor's toe. This elecited an absurd shout from a home team supporter of "Play football, Romford!" It is not pleasant to record these things, but football suffers by such unnecessary happenings. The match, an Athenian League game between Golders Green Reserves and Romford Reserves, was won by the home team 4-1. Midfield play followed for some minutes as the teams sized each other up. Then Romford forced a corner which went behind. From the goal kick Golders Green went away and in turn forced a corner on the left wing. Minter placed the ball well back and Bustard took a fine first-time shot. The ball hit the underside of the crossbar and went in. The advantage lasted only ninety seconds. By then Romford were crowding the home goal, and from the muddle Cox scored with a snap shot, thus equalising. This was all the scoring for the first half. Golders Green had most of the play and showed quite good form individually, but their movements lacked method. Hill distinguished himself, though he was playing with the halves as well as the forwards. His lack of size seemed no disadvantage, and his movements were more often than not excellently constructive. Russell, too, showed persuasive form in the centre, but was not given enough chances to do anything worthwhile. Bustard was extraordinary. His push put him through often when less fiery players would have failed, but once through he did the most extraordinary things at the wrong moment. Soden, for all his speed, showed an unwonted tendenct to dally with the ball, and to lose it. Birch and Cox were, as always, pillars of strength in the defence forces, and the Romford forwards were very lucky when they got past those two and Burt. Wiggett played a fine game for Romford in goal and saved shots from all angles. About five minutes before hal-time Bustard was severely injured when he received the ball at two-foot range from a hrad kick by a Romford half. He fell to the ground writhing and groaning in agony, and had to becarried from the field. This left Golders Green two men short, for a forward had gone off with trouser trouble. Still, they were able to hold out until the whistle went with the score one all. Their play lacked fire after the resumption. For 20 minutes they were unable or unwilling to go for the Romford goal, though Minter gtries one shot when he should have centred. Then Bustard came back and with him purpose returned to the side. The forward line seemed to pull itself together, and Hill in particular distinguished himself. Golders Green took the lead when he struggled across the goalmouth with about five defenders around him and managed to slip the ball to Soden, who scored from an awkward angle. This player hit the upright with a second shot sixty seconds later, and two minutes after that Russell scored when he raced for the ball with a Romford back and slipped it gently past the goalkeeper. This was the beginning of the end for Romford, already a tired team. Mitchell missed one beautiful chance, and then Dunne scored a fourth and last for Golders Green, beating several opponents before he got through. Both teams lost interest then and the game degenerated to the point where anyone could take what was practically a place kick from any point in the centre of the field. Golders Green deserved to win. Golders Green : J.R. McIntyre; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; L.A. Bustard, B. Weaver, E. Burt; E.W. Soden, J. Dunne, D. Russell, J. Hill, J.C. Minter. Romford : F. Wiggett; C. Blogg, F.A. Gibson; J. Carter, J.W. Bartrup, S. Asater; A. Marney, S. Carter, F.H. Mitchell, H. Cox, E. Arnold. (Hendon Times, 28/02/1936, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 07 February - Reserves unlucky loss to Barking

Golders Green Reserves were unlucky to lose to Barking by the odd goal in three in their Athenian League match at Claremont Road on Saturday. The home team actually held a one goal advantage until well in the second half, and there was a great element of luck about the two goals which Foreman, the Barking centre-forward, scored. However, against a stronger and heavier team, with the appalling handicap of three inches of mud in some parts of the field, Golders Green gave a display better than any we have seen them give this season. At times they were almost a team. If Bustard had not chosen to play way back with the halves instead of being well up as the spearhead of a triangle, Golders Green might have won. As it was the game served to show the abilities of Duffield, a class player at inside-left, Marrable at left-half and Moore in goal. Hill, at inside-right, seemed to find the mud too heavy going for him. But he stuck to his job and often sparkled bravely through the slime. On firm ground the boy would be a bright star. Golders Green missed the speed of Soden (with the first team as reserve) on the right wing, and also the capable solidity of Birch (in bed with influenza) at right-back. The first five minutes were full of thrills, for the home team kept their supporters on tip toe with a series of dangerous raids on the Barking goal. Minter figured prominently in most of these - particularly when a fine chance came from a long pass and he was unlucky to slip as he turned to shoot. Next it was Bustard's turn to make our hearts flutter. Receiving a nice pass from his left wing he beat a back, and went on with only the goalkeeper in front of him. The latter came out, and in the flurry Bustard failed to pass him. There was a howl of disappointment. Almost the same thing happened a few minutes later. Bustard again beat the only defender in his way, but - it may have been carelessness or mud - in trying to shoot away from Newton he put the ball well outside the upright. When Golders Green took a throw-in on the right wing, the ball came across to Duffield, who took a first-time shot and scored. All were rejoicing, when it was noticed that the referee had been called to consultation with the right wing linesman. And then it appeared that it should not have been Golders Green's throw-in at all, but Barking's, which, of course, negatived the goal. But Duffield all but scored again a few minutes later from a similar movement. Barking now began to tire of playing on the defensive and began to make some dangerous-looking raids towards the opposing goal. Now Marrable shone, doing wonders in blocking the rushes of Milton, the opposing outside-right. And now Bustard tried to do too much, working with the halves instead of being up field waiting for the long passes which were given but not received. More than once at this period Barking all but scored. Once there was a centre which should have been headed in. The miss was only a question of inches. Golders Green, diving madly through the mud, amid cries of "Play up the All Blacks," appeared to set their teeth in their determination to get a goal. And four or five minutes later they did. Minter took the ball through, was tackled, passed to Duffield, who had moved out and who shot. The ball came to Newton out of a clear sky. It did not stop until it hit the net. Half-time score than was Golders Green 1, Barking 0. But Golders Green were tiring. The mud and the strength of their opponents were proving too much for them as the second half convincingly showed. Barking attacked and attacked and attacked again, but could not score. Don't get the impression that Golders Green were out of the limelight all the time; nothing could be less true. But when they were in the limelight they didn't seem to be able to do much that was right. And - this was a shame - all the wing work suddenly descended for some unknown reason on Hutton, who did as well as he might. But Minter was left right out in the cold on the left wing, hardly touching the ball. And the inside forwards seemed to lose any gift they had had for shooting straight. True, Hill played with the halves, fighting hard to keep Barking out. But one felt that it was only a matter of time before there was an equalising goal - and that meant a winning goal would follow. At this point Moore was doing wonders to keep the ball out. However great the press around him he seemed somehow to be able to get a firm grasp on the elusive, greasy sphere and wriggle out to get it clear. Eventually, 15 minutes before the end, Foreman scored his team's first goal by working the ball over to the left and putting in a high, left-footed cross-shot which must, to Moore, have come out of the sky from nowhere. Bogged, he was unable to get to it. Ten minutes later exactly the same thing happened in every particular. So Golders Green lost their punch. They had been so close to victory. It must have been very disappointing to see it slip from their grasp so easily. But it was a good game. Golders Green : W. Moore; Berry, E.F. Cox; L. Burt, B. Weaver, G.E. Marrable; J. Hutton, J. Hill, L.A. Bustard, E.A. Duffield, J.C. Minter. Barking : A. Newton; G. Dean, A. Deller; A. Terroni, C. Olly, J. Lee; G. Milton, G. Fairchild, G. Foreman, G. Merritt, A. Don. (Hendon Times, 07/02/1936, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 31 January - Reserves lose to Walthamstow

Golders Green Reserves disappointed us again on Saturday. After their smashing win of the previous Saturday, it seemed reasonable to expect something similar, if not equally startling, this time. But instead, playing at home in the Athenian League against Walthamstow Avenue Reserves, they lost 4-2. Their victory the previous week had been largely due to the impetuosity and good shooting of Bustard at centre-forward. For some reason, known only to those who guide the destinies of the Golders Green teams, he was on this occasion placed inside-right, and left there to stagnate, being hopelessly cooped up in a supporting position. Bustard is not a supporting player. He is essentially an individualist, and as such should be kept in the pivotal position, where he can realise the full value of his ability to thrust through other people's defences. The half-back line were completely out of the picture on Saturday. More often than not they were just three men running about, either after the ball or after Parcell, the Avenue centre-forward, who scored three of his side's four goals. The first twenty minutes of play were very uneventful. The thaw had replaced three inches of snow with two inches of mud, with here and there pools of water. The ball became greasy almost immediately, and both teams found themselves at a disadvantage. This applied particularly to Golders Green, who once again played their old game of attempted dribbling. Their faces were saved, however, by their right wing. Bustard and Soden, especially Soden, looked very dangerous. Give Soden a chance to race away up his line and there was no stoppping him. Too often his centre was spoiled by lack of co-ordination in the middle. Bustard was unlucky to fail with a fine first-time shot which Pinner just reached. Then for a short while the visitors took control, and were attacking constantly with wing raids and long shots. They were only held by the cool defensive play of Birch, Cox and Moore, who were always competent. Nevertheless, the visitors looked likely to score at any moment. Golders Green began to hit back. First Soden and then Minter had unsuccessful shots at goal. A free kick for hands just outside the area was taken by Bustard, who put in a fine shot which Pinner punched over the top. Shortly before half-time Parcell scored the first goal of the match with a snap shot from the middle of a mix-up in front of the home goal. Then Duffield almost equalised by heading in from another free kick. Pinner just pushed it round the post. There was some argument about the no goal decision, spectators behind the goal maintaining that the ball crossed the line before Pinner pushed it out. A few minutes later Birch, in stopping a left wing attack, was forced to go in towards the centre. Parcell robbed him of the ball and shot. Moore had no chance to save. So half-time came with the score 2-0 in the Avenue's favour. Just after the restart Minter scored a very lucky one for Golders Green. He put across a good, high centre which Pinner took above his head. But the ball proved too greasy to grasp and slipped through into goal. Golders Green were on their mettle. Soden gave us all a thrill when he raced down the right wing, cut in, beating three men on the way, and shot. Sad to say, his shot went about two yards wide of the opposite upright. But he made up for this blatant mess a few minutes later, when he again raced in and this time put in an irresistable shot, levelling the scores at two all. Golders Green's hopes ran high, but not for long. While we were waiting for a third goal to put them ahead, the Avenue line broke away and Irons scored easily, giving his team an advantage both material and psychological. Golders Green seemed to wilt, their stamina to diminish under this new blow of fate, and more and more of the game was left in Walthamstow's hands. But for the Golders Green backs and the hard work of Moore, there would have been many more goals. More than once either Birch or Cox stopped a Walthamstow rush and tried to put their own forwards in motion, but Minter, Bustard and Soden seemed the only ones with anything left in them. And though they tried hard, they could do little. Parcell put Walthamstow further ahead when he put the ball in while Moore was sitting on the ground out of reach. With victory actually safely within their grasp, Walthamstow also seemed to become tired, and the game ended in a bad light with a few minutes of almost aimless kicking around the field. Golders Green should play Bustard in the centre, and then renovate their half-back line. Golders Green : W. Moore; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; E. Burt, G.E. Marrable, G. Gaylor; E.W. Soden, L.A. Bustard, J. Hutton, E.A. Duffield, J.C. Minter. Walthamstow Avenue : A. Pinner; A. Buchanan, W. Furness; T. Ryan, C. Smith, L. Burtenshaw; S. Green, L. Burdett, W. Parcell, J. Irons, J. Parry. (Hendon Times, 31/01/1936, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 24 January - Bustard's day out - scores four times

Golders Green supporters got the shock of their lives at Claremont Road on Saturday. The Reserves won their Athenian League game with Sutton [United] Reserves, and they won at the smashing rate of 8 goals to 2. It was, to say the least, football under amusing conditions. There were three and a half inches of snow on the ground, and a certain element of winter sports was consequently introduced. But Golders Green seemed to like it. In particular Bustard, who had a day out, revelled in it. In this he was greatly assisted by Hill, the schoolboy international, at inside-left, and Soden at outside-right. In Bustard the Reserves seem to have found the centre-forward they have been looking for., He has no science, but he thrusts, and in thrusting he perseveres. Hill made a very promising appearance, buzzing round the Sutton defenders like a persistent gnat and creating ideal openings for Bustard, while Soden's speed was always a great asset. Sutton played one short. Forty minutes were played each way. Golders Green went ahead soon after the kick-off, playing towards the pavilion. However their first goal was not one for which they could claim much credit, since a Sutton defender deflected a pass into his own goal. Still, it was a good augury, and no doubt it encouraged the home forwards, although a sudden breakaway by the Sutton line a few minutes later caught the Golders Green backs napping, and Ray equalised with a nice shot. It was strange to see how passes which would ordinarily gone astray reached their mark because the ball was stopped dead by the snow. Soden's speed carried him away up the right wing. From near the corner flag he centred, and Bustard pushed the ball in to give his team the lead once more. This was after about ten minutes' play. Playing with extraordinary impetuosity, Bustard came through again. His first two shots this time hit the goalkeeper. The second time Crocker fell, and then Bustard made no mistake. That was 3-1. More was in store when Soden sprinted up the field and inwards and drove the ball past Crocker near the twentieth minute of play. It was greatly to Bustard's advantage that the Sutton backs came rather too far up field. Before they knew anything about it, he would receive a pass and be pushing for goal behind them. It was this way he scored his third and his team's fifth. Crocker watched the ball trickle slowly into the corner of the net. Half-time came with the score at 5-1, and the home team supporters jubilant. There appeared to be no limit to the score their team might run up. Birch and Cox had the Sutton forwards well in hand. Immediately after the resumption Soden went away down the wing, passing Heasman who cut across to stop him. Then he centred. Bustard was there and banged the ball into the side of the net with his left foot. At this point Sutton got their second and last goal, when the Golders Green backs so far forgot themselves as to let Mallor get past and centre to Newton, who placed the ball out of reach of Moore. There came a period of "nearly scored" for Golders Green. Crocker did brilliant things to keep out the ball, which came at him from all angles. Soden put an end to this bad period when, once again, he racde down and across, his speed taking him past the floundering Sutton halves and backs. Crocker never had a chance. That was 7-2. Then there was another bad period for Golders Green. Hill and Bustard brought off some pretty pieces of combination, and Minter came into the limelight more than once, but their shots either were deflected for a corner or went over the top. There was one nerve-wracking moment when Sutton were awarded a penalty. But Moore saved well and put our hearts back in their right places. Came the last Golders Green goal. Hill, in his own half, defeated Burgess and passed down to Bustard, who forced his way between Beardmore and Potts for Minter - who had come in - to take the ball and score with a low drive to one corner of the net. Golders Green continued to attack, presumably endeavouring to reach the double figures their supporters were asking for. But they met with no further success. As a footnote, we should have liked to have seen Hill get a goal. He deserved one at least, if not more. Golders Green: W. Moore; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; B. Weaver, A. Smith, T. Gaylor; E.W. Soden, E. Burt, L.A. Bustard, J. Hill, J.C. Minter. Sutton: Crocker, Potts, Heasman; Burke, Beardmore, Burgess; Mallor, Stott, Ray, Newton. (Hendon Times, 24/01/1936, p.16)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 17 January - Reserves lose in London Cup

Golders Green Reserves passed out of the London Intermediate Cup in a very undistinguished manner at Claremont Road on Saturday. They were defeated 2-1 by Tottenham Argyle, but this narrow margin does not give a proper reflection of the poorness of the game. To say that Golders Green were defeated by the visitors' goalkeeper, Love, because of the number of saves he made, would hardly be correct. For every save Love made - and he surely played a fine game - the Golders Green forwards had a chance which they managed to muff in some way. Soden and Minter came off best in the long run. The home team had most of the game but none of the luck. When the first half opened, and Golders Green began with a strong attack away from the pavilion, we thought we might have a victory over which we could rejoice. Instead it became a history of muddle and fiddle over and over again, except for Soden and Minter on the wings,the work of whom was always clean and fast, and Bustard, the fury of whose ways cannot be denied but who achieved very little constructive. The sixth minute of play found the Golders Green inside forwards straying out of position. A pass went astray to a Tottenham defender, who put his left wing in motion. The left wing came up the field with a rush, but were blocked near the goalline. There was a weak attempt at a centre which sailed slowly across the home goalmouth. Moore failed, for some reason which we could not see, to punch clear, and Windard saw his opportunity. He shot with the ball practically on the line, and Moore was apparently so surprised that he could only reach his hand gently down without touching the ball. This gave the Argyle a certain moral ascendancy for a while. For ten minutes, in fact, the Golders Green goal was in danger, particularly from the visitors' left wing. Then Golders Green went away. Love came out of his goal to smother a shot from Harris. The ball rebounded away to the right, and Soden, seizing his chance, came diagonally across at full speed and without attempting to dribble (which is what most of the other home forwards did), shot hard and fast into the open goal. That levelled things up. A detailed description of the rest of that first half could be divided under four headings: shots from the Golders Green forwards which Love saved; shots from the same which went outside the upright (more numerous); shots from the same which wentover the crossbar (very numerous); and attacks which were muddled because of the fondness of the same for playing around instead of opening up the game and getting on with it. Half-time came with the teams on level terms. The second half was so uninteresting that one found the Golders Green supporters becoming fed up with their own team. A lot of sarcastic remarks were hurled at the players, and this in itself did not improve the quality of the game. Both teams became more and more two separate collections of individuals. Even the referee, Mr. J. H. Price, seemed to become unnerved when he pulled up two Golders Green forwards - who were within ten yards of the opposition goal without anyone to beat - and awarded them a free kick against Argyle for a foul which had, if anything, given the Green a better chance of scoring. One of the sad episodes was a penalty against Tottenham for a trip. Bustard was selected to take it. He shot hard and to one side of the goal. But Love saved soundly and there went a chance for the Green to have taken the lead. Fears that extra time might have to be played were dispelled when, two minutes before the final whistle, Morris went through and scored the final and winning goal for Argyle. It would be a good thing for Golders Green to spend the next few weeks practising shooting and passing movements. Golders Green: W. Moore; L.C. Birch, W. Gaytor; L.A. Bustard, B. Weaver, R. Burgess; E.W. Soden, E. Burt, W. Harris, G.E. Marrable, J.C. Minter. Tottenham Argyle: F.Love; C. Wischusen, E. Cowell; A. McLellan, H. Henson, H. Morris; S. Windard, F. Rudram, F. Lambarth, G. Rudrum, J. Powell. (Hendon Times, 17/01/1936, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 03 January - Reserves lose at home to Hayes

Golders Green Reserves lost to Hayes Reserves [by 5-2] in the Athenian League at Claremont Road on Saturday. Actually this score does not represent the run of the game. The teams shared the first half fairly evenly, but only once did the visitors come anywhere near scoring in the second 45 minutes, for Golders Green put on a great show of revival and hammered away at their opponents' goal almost ceaselessly, but without any luck whatsoever. Where Hayes gained was in their realisation that the short-passing game was no good at all on a ground resembling a bog, in their quickness on the ball, and in their well-aimed shooting. Golders Green fiddled about here and there, and most of their shots, when they came, went wide. The most prominent men in the home team were R. Burgess (left-half), F. Murgetts (centre-forward), and E.W. Soden (outside-right). Hayes attacked almost immediately from the kick-off, but their forwards bounced off Moore and Soden went away. A neat piece of combined passing - one of the few that came off - by Minter, Marrable and Murgetts sent the ball over for a corner on the left, but this was cleared. Before the game we had been told that the home team was problematical. It was obvious that the standard of play was going to be the same. Minter took the ball down and shot from some way out without success. Then Hayes went away with a rush. E.L. Davies and Moore hit the ground together, and Vincent, who was well up, snapped up the loose ball and pushed it into the empty net. Within five minutes Golders Green equalised when Murgetts put in a shot which Saphin pushed out, only to have Minter come in and put in over his head into the net. At this period Golders Green were definitely making a better showing than Hayes, but as the minutes passed their play began to degenerate. Not before they had scored their second goal, however. They were awarded a penalty when Murgetts was tripped in front of goal. The shot was saved by Saphin for a corner, and the resultant centre was snapped into the Hayes' goal by Burt. This was the last piece of material reward that the home team got. Peculiarly enough the next goal came also from a penalty and for the same offence as the last. Long gave Moore absolutely no chance with the shot. That was after twenty-six minutes. On equal terms again, Hayes began to forge ahead by means of long passes and quick thrusts through the gaps in Golders Green's defence. Fifteen minutes before half-time Long took the ball right through and scored from two yards out. Hayes were now pressing in good earnest, and the Golders Green goal looked several times to be in imminent danger of a fall. Thanks to hard work by Weaver, Birch and Cox, there was no score until a few minutes before the whistle, when Vincent beat his opposing defenders in a run for a long kick towards the home team goal from Olver. Vincent got there first and made no mistake with his shot. Half-time score was: Golders Green 2, Hayes 4. The hosts for the afternoon came out again with grim faces. They were evidently determined to do something about the areears. They did, it must be said, try hard. They attacked and attacked and attacked. Time and time again Soden came up the wing and put in an unsuccessful shot or centre. Our notes are full of remarks about forwards who nearly scored; most of them had a shot at one time or another. The trouble was that, with a few exceptions, there were not good shots. Fifteen minutes before the end Hayes capped it all by breaking away suddenly and adding a fifth through Vincent. Towards the end, in very bad light, the game became a muddle. Three times in under two minutes Golders Green were pulled up for fouls. Hayes might have had a sixth when Long went through at top speed. He was tripped in front of goal. Luckily Moore saved the penalty. Golders Green: W. Moore; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; A. Turner, B. Weaver, R. Burgess; E.W. Soden, E. Burt, F. Murgetts, G.E. Marrable, J.C. Minter. Hayes: F. Saphin; F. Olver, J. Davies; G. Mattingly, W. Brown, E. Atkins; G. Lawrence, A. Vincent, E.L. Davies, F. Long, L. Hills. (Hendon Times, 03/03/1936, p.10)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 27 December - Reserves gain a point

The only game Golders Green Reserves had during the holidays was with Wealdstone Reserves on Boxing morning at Wealdstone, and after a hard fight they came away with a point, incidentally the first point Wealdstone Reserves have dropped in thirteen League games. The score was 2-2. (Hendon Times, 27/12/1935, p.10)

Posted at 18:30

Friday 27 December - Eton Manor defeated in 2nd round replay

Golders Green Reserves beat Eton Manor Reserves by 2-0 in a replay of the second round of the London Intermediate Cup at Claremont Road on Saturday. The teams played under difficulties, as the ground was frozen, and at times they slipped and fell heavily. In addition to this the game, owing to the lateness of the referee, was thirty-five minutes behind time in starting [at 15.05], as a result of which the light failed badly towarads the conclusion. On the whole the game was dull. The teams were more or less evenly matched. Golders Green's defence was sound, but the attack, with the exception of Soden, was poor. Eton Manor forwards found themselves unable to break through their opponents' defence. The match opened with Golders Green showing their teeth. They attacked strongly, but Eton Manor immediately discovered their forward line weakness and soon had them back in midfield. The game was well advanced before Soden, who was playing exceptionally well, scored for Golders Green. Within 30 seconds Golders Green had almost scored two more goals, but Murgetts was not open to the opportunities given him. The second half can best be described as one of missed chances. Time and again the Golders Green forwards found themselves in a position of advantage, but they failed to do anything. Eventually, however, Murgetts scored with a long strong shot. Eton Manor were defending for the rest of the game. In spite of the failing light the game did not fizzle out absolutely and the pace, such as it was, was maintained until the end. Golders Green's defence put up a really good show, and with stronger forwards Eton Manor might have been overwhelmed. Soden was well supported by Hill, a promising youngster. Two men cannot carry the weight of the whole forward line, however. Marrable and Minter were disappointing. Eton Manor were a bigger side than Golders Green. Their forwards put through some good movements, but their defence was not up to standard. Golders Green Reserves: W. Moore; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; E. Burt, B. Weaver, R. Burgess; E.W. Soden, J. Hill, F. Murgetts, G.E. Marrable, J.C. Minter. Eton Manor Reserves: A.S. Brown; A. Shepherd, H.G. McLean; T.A. Cox, G. Howard, R. Williams; C.S. Peters, S. Pottinger, R. Tredall, E.A. Warren, G.C. Seward. (Hendon Times, 27/12/1935, p.10)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 20 December - Depleted team lose 4-1 at Romford

Golders Green Reserves went under to Romford Reserves on Saturday by four goals to one, but some excuse can be offered. E. Cox, who was on duty for the first eleven against Sutton the previous week, received an injury which prevented him from appearing at Romford. At the same time L. Birch was required for the senior team in place of W. Boston, who hurt himself during the week, and to make matters worse M. Fallon was required on the home ground as a reserve. With such a depleted side nothing but defeat could be expected. Golders Green were pressing best part of the game, but opportunities were wasted through lack of finish. Romford scored twice in each half. Golders Green's consolation goal was scored from a 30 yard drive by L. Bustard. (Hendon Times, 20/12/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 06 December - Draw with Eton Manor in London Intermediate Cup

The game on Eton Manor's ground opened up with Golders Green [Reserves] pressing hard from the right wing and only a fine piece of goalkeeping prevented Golders Green scoring in the first minute. After some fairly even play Golders Green scored through G. Marrable from a corner kick taken by J. Minter. Five minutes later the Manor equalised, but before half-time Fallon, who had been very prominent, took a long-range drive and gave Golders Green the lead for the second time. After changing ends the Green had the advantage of the wind and it looked as if they would score several goals, but their shooting was not impressive. In the meantime the Manor were finding that by hitting the ball instead of close passing they made headway, and they eventually scored. This did not teach Golders Green a lesson. They still continued the close-passing game, and at the end of 90 minutes the score was 2-2. Extra time was started, but after five minutes the game was stopped owing to bad light. The Green have the defence to thank for saving the game in the second half. The forwards must shoot more frequently tomorrow if they wish to win. (Hendon Times, 06/12/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 29 November - Reserves share points at Walthamstow

Golders Green Reserves continued their recent improvement on their visit to Walthamstow Avenue on Saturday, and only sheer bad luck robbed them of the two points. From the start Golders Green pressed and several good shots were cleared by Pinner in the Avenue goal from good forward movements, but half-time arrived with the score 0-0. On the resumption Golders Green attacked and T. Evans hit the upright on at least three occasions. From a breakaway on the Avenue left the ball was crossed to Skeels (who at one time played for Golders Green) at centre-forward, and he placed a cross-shot into the goal well out of the reach of Moore. From the kick-off Minter picked up a pass from Burgess, cut in and passed the ball back to T. Evans, who had gone outside-left, and he in turn centred across the goal to Soden, whose shot was partly stopped by the goalkeeper. Minter, following up, crashed the ball into the net to equalise (1-1). For the remainder of the game the Avenue were penned in their own half, Pinner, in goal, making many fine saves.

Posted at 18:00

Friday 15 November - Leytonstone Reserves beaten in London Cup replay

Golders Green Reserves beat Leytonstone Reserves by 5 goals to 3 in a replay of the second round of the London Intermediate Cup at Claremont Road on Saturday. The game was remarkable for the fine team spirit shown by the home side. They played unselfishly, passing whenever necessary, and never going out for personal glory. The match saw a return of the spirit for which the Reserves are famous. Before their opponents knew what was happening, Golders Green had scored three goals. At half-time they were leading 4-0, but after this Leytonstone pulled themselves together and began to look really dangerous. The game opened weakly with Golders Green making a none too spirited attack. Suddenly Soden shot across from his wing to the feet of Evans, who sent the ball in from close quarters. It was an unexpected goal, and coming only five minutes from the commencement of play, did much to shake Leytonstone. They attempted to attack, but were forced back, and within five minutes Evans had found the net again with a long ground shot. Leytonstone then forced the game into Golders Green's half, but their attack was short-lived and Shores scored the third goal for Golders Green before the Leytonstone men had time to collect themselves. Within the next few minutes they had almost scored again on two occasions. They were really on top and things looked decidedly black for the visitors. Before half-time Shorland netted the ball, giving Golders Green a lead of 4-0. Leytonstone entered the second half in a most determined frame of mind. They peppered the goal with strong shots, but although Moore made some good saves he was beaten by Page. Golders Green attempted to retaliate with a well-planned attack, but Page broke away and scored a second goal for Leytonstone. Goaded by this reverse, Golders Green attacked fiercely. Soden sent a good shot in which was saved by Ransom, but Minter trapped the ball and added Golders Green's fifth goal. The game was now fast and exciting and shortly before the final whistle went Davey had netted the ball for Leytonstone's third goal. Golders Green deserved their win. Birch and Cox, the backs, gave Moore, who was a competent goalkeeper, strong support. One felt no panic when the ball went near them : a sure sign of strong defenders. Evans was a fine centre-forward. Leytonstone suffered because they were so ragged. They lacked their opponents' speed and co-ordination. Golders Green Reserves : W. Moore; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; J. Shorland, R. Burgess, L.A. Bustard; E.W. Soden, A. Shores, T.E. Evans, G.E. Marrable, J.C. Minter. Leytonstone Reserves : E. Ransom; J. Wickard, E. Martin; J. Lander, J. Thompson, A. Bartlett; L. Burdett, J. Davey, W. Page, H. Clay, H. Luper. (Hendon Times, 15/11/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 08 November - Reserves draw at Leytonstone in London Cup

In the match at Leytonstone there was no score at the interval, although Golders Green were slightly the better side. In the second half T. Evans, Marrable and Shores were very prominent in the Golders Green forward line. Twenty minutes from the end, from a scramble, the ball was placed in the Golders Green goal by Bartlett. Golders Green retaliated and eventually from a pass by Burgess, Bustard scored. The final whistle came witb the teams one all, and extra time was started, but the light was bad and the game was stopped. (Hendon Times, 08/11/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 01 November - Reserves concede five again

For the second week in succession Golders Green Reserves conceded five goals when they visited Wealdstone Reserves in the Middlesex Intermediate Cup on Saturday. For the first 20 mintes play was evenly contested with Golders Green kicking down the slope. Two defensive blunders let in Wealdstone, who scored two easy goals in as many minutes through Masters. This seemed to upset the Green and they failed to regain their stride. The interval arrived with Wealdstone leading by two goals to nil. In the second half Wealdstone continued to dominate the play and scored three more goals through Masters, Smith and Clarke. This was Wealdstone Reserves' eighth game without defeat. They are a workmanlike side and fully deserved their win in this game. Golders Green's forwards played good football, but were inclined to participate in too much close passing. Instead of shooting hard they wanted to walk the ball into the net. (Hendon Times, 01/11/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 25 October - Reserves well beaten at Leyton

The wind upset the game from the start. Golders Green, kicking with the wind in the first half, did most of the pressing, but failed to score. After change of ends Leyton soon scored through Foreman, the old 1st XI player, who finished with a hat trick. Leyton, kicking with the wind, kept the play in Golders Green's half and scored a further two goals through McCorckal and Jones, thus finishing winners by five clear goals. J. Morgan, Golders Green's new back from Aberdare, gave a polished display. W. Moore, in goal, was safe. With the shots scored against him he stood no possible chance. Shores was the pick of the forwards. (Hendon Times, 25/10/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 11 October - More League points dropped at Southall

Golders Green Reserves visited Southall Reserves on Saturday and after a thrilling game in which they held the upper hand for most of the game, ran out losers by three goals to one. For most of the first half they were the better side but were unable to pierce the strong Southall defence. Ten minutes after the change-over Southall scored from a much-disputed penalty and this seemed to upset the morale of Golders Green, who were unable to escape from the onslaught of the Southall forwards, who eventually scored two more goals. For Golders Green, Marrable was conspicuous, and it was he who scored the only Golders Green goal. (Hendon Times, 11/10/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 04 October - Reserves robbed of a point by a bump of earth!

Golders Green Reserves, at home to Redhill Reserves in the Athenian League, provided a game full of interest in spite of considerable periods of midfield play. In a fast start Golders Green scored within a minute ; the result was never a foregone conclusion, and the end was a thrilling struggle for an equaliser. Though Golders Green opened the scoring, Redhill really made the pace in the first half and showed a craft in attack, combined with clever tactics in defence, which boded ill for their hosts but Golders Green were imbued with the never-say-die spirit, fought back strongly at each reverse and all but equalised on time. Only the stout defence of the visitors kept them at bay in the closing stages of the game. Morgan, a newcomer in the net, gave away the first Redhill goal by venturing out unwisely, but he made up for this by his later display and Redhill's second score was a piece of sheer bad luck for Golders Green such as one rarely sees. Redhill's football was forceful and constructive and the halves showed strikingly good anticipation : but though Golders Green did not play brilliantly, their fine fighting spirit entitled them at least to a share in the points. Golders Green won the toss and Redhill kicked off against the sun. Golders Green went through at once in the centre and Shones found the net in slightly less than a minute, shooting across to the far corner and leaving Uwins sprawling. But, after so promising a start, Golders Green fell off badly and for a time it looked as though Redhill would run the defence off their feet. Cadby, fast and accurate, was particularly troublesome, but it was Marlow's marksmanship that brought the equaliser. He was an opportunist and made no mistake when Morgan was tempted out from the posts. The game was now little more than five minutes old and no further score came until Redhill, with an extraordinary slice of luck, took the lead close on half-time. Marlow again did it, but Morgan would have stopped the short with ease had not the ball struck a hump of ground and leaped clear over his shoulder. He was well positioned for Marlow's low drive, but the ball rose up too near and he straightened up a fraction late. Both sets of forwards put in some spirited attacks in the few minutes before the interval, and Gardner was a disappointed man when one of his best shots finished an inch or two beyond the upright. Golders Green attacked with vigour after the change of ends and understanding work between Hill and Fallon nearly brought their reward, but the defence wasa shade too speedy. Hill, however, forced a corner, and this led to Marrable putting Golders Green on level terms again. The Golders Green halves were now playing notably well, but there was not enough following up in the frnt line, while the Redhill forwards wasted no time and showed excellent ball control. Morgan brought off a grand save from Paviatt and at the other end Golders Green nearly gained the advantage when Uwins fell in dealing with a shot from Shones, but West cleared in time. With ten minutes to go, Cadby got in a sparkling cross-shot and decided the game in favour of Redhill, though Golders Green twice came near to equalising again, the ball being scrambled away after a couple of thrilling attacks in which Gardner and Soden were the stars. Taking the game all round, there was little to choose between the teams, and but for a hump of earth Golders Green might have won. Golders Green Reserves : A. Morgan; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; G.E. Marrable, B. Weaver, R. Burgess; A. Gardner, D. Shones, E.W. Soden, M. Fallon, J. Hill. Redhill Reserves : J. Uwins; S. West, Gregory; G. Paviatt, B. Young, J. Hill; F. Cadby, A. Gruffin, L. Marlow, R. Ellwood, Williams. (Hendon Times, 04/10/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 27 September - Reserves beaten by Wealdstone

Golders Green Reserves lost an Athenian League game to Wealdstone Reserves by five goals to two at Claremont Road on Saturday. The home team played a good game, but weakness in the half-back line and the failure to take opportunities in front of goal may be put down as reasons for their failure. It was most pleasing to note that the forwards were playing a good team game, passing frequently and evidently not out for self-glory. The whole side, however, lacked speed and they were dogged by bad luck when they got near the goal. A great deal of the game was in midfield and was not very interesting. Golders Green took charge of the game at the commencement of the match and the co-operation of the forwards looked dangerous for Wealdstone. They were playing well together and passing frequently. The first attack was pushed back and soon the ball was in midfield. Both teams at this juncture were playing slow and steady games. Gradually Wealdstone, having tested their opponents strength, pulled together and made an advance. They carried out some fierce attacks which found a weakness in Golders Green half-back line. Golders Green broke away and got within dangerous distance of Wealdstone's goal, only to lose what was a glorious opportunity by Hill going offside. Wealdstone soon recovered from this narrow shave and carried the ball back into the home team's half. They were forced back and for a time play was in midfield. Then Whiting broke away and bore down on an undefended goal. Spallwood ran out to meet him, but Whiting eluded him and shot into the net. Golders Green almost retaliated by scoring, but the Wealdstone goalkeeper was too much for them. The visitors' second goal, also scored by Whiting, followed soon afterwards. The Golders Green men managed to dislodge the attackers and even got as far as Wealdstone's goal, but could do nothing before half-time. The second half opened with Golders Green in a very determined frame of mind. They attacked strongly and almost scored, but were driven back by a counter-attack out of which Whiting again found the net. Golders Green were now in desperate straits and tried hard to reduce this lead, but saw Fleet score Wealdstone's fourth goal before they did anything themselves. Finally Gardener scored for Golders Green. His side had been in the visiting team's half for some time and were playing a consistent game. Their rising hopes were quickly dashed when Mills added a further goal for Wealdstone, but they stuck tenaciously to the attack. They scored their second goal from a penalty taken by Birch before the final whistle went. There was some weakness in the home team defence. Spallwood, in goal, played a competent game and made some good saves, but had too much to do. If he had been given better support by the other defenders he might have done better. Birch worked hard, but the other back and half-backs were not conspicuous. The forward line was steady and with a better defence behind them might have done much. Wealdstone had more speed on the half-back line than the home team, where Seeney, a former Golders Green man, put up a good show. Some of their forwards did good work. Golders Green: J. Spallwood; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; J. Murphy, B. Weaver, J. Morgan; A. Gardener, G.E. Marrable, E.W. Soden, M. Fallon, J. Hill. Wealdstone: R. Polson; L. D'Arcy, A. Crump; W. Seeney, H. Parker, A. Roach; F. Mills, S. Williams, W. Whiting, J. McCaffrey, A. Fleet. (Hendon Times, 27/09/1935, p.14)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 20 September - Draw at Barnet saved by Gardner's last shot

Golders Green Reserves met Barnet Reserves in the Athenian League at Barnet. Golders Green won by the margin of one goal [5-4], but the game was spoilt as far as good football was concerned by the wind. George Bucci, who had a run out on Saturday, skippered the side. He won the toss and elected to kick with the wind. This played a big part in the win. Golders Green scored four goals in the first half, including three from Soden, who is quite a useful centre-forward, and one from Fallon, who played at inside-right. On changing over Barnet scored four and the game looked as if it was going to end in a draw, but a good pass by Soden to Gardner, the right winger, sent him away, and he scored the winning goal right on the stroke of time. (Hendon Times, 20/09/1935, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 13 September - Reverse for Reserves

Golders Green Reserves did not fulfil their earlier promise when they met Leyton Reserves in an Athenian League game at Clitterhouse on Saturday. The visiting team were victorious by three goals to one. The game was decidedly uninteresting and but for some good individual play, chiefly in the Leyton side, it would have been completely devoid of incident. Golders Green's failing was a lack of co-operation. Several of the players gave good performances, but being without support could do nothing. The forwards were extremely ragged. They neither supported any wing man who broke away nor did they assist the defence when they were being pressed. There was a decided weakness in the defence. The backs made quite a good combination, but Brown (who deputised for Tummond in goal) was extremely shaky. Leyton's goal in the first few minutes was a shock to Golders Green and this must have affected their game. It can, however, be safely said that Leyton were victorious because they had what the home team lacked: co-operation. Individually Golders Green were a good side. There were no really weak spots in any part of the field, but they never seemed to get together and become one compact whole. But the season is still in its infancy, and maybe, after a week or two, we shall see the team spirit, for which the Reserves are famed, creeping into the game again and Athenian League points won. The game opened with a strong attack by the Leyton forwards who, with a series of swift passes, were soon in front of the home team's goal. Woolhouse, their centre-forward, saw an opening and found the net with a beautiful shot. Golders Green, goaded by this early reverse, made a determined attack and took the ball to within a dangerous distance of Leyton's goal. They were unable to do anything with this advantage and floundered about in front of goal doing nothing. They managed to keep the ball in Leyton's half for a time, but were forced back into midfield. Finally Soden, who had played a consistently good game on the right wing, ran up on his own and sent a really fine shot into the net. With the score standing level both teams began to play with vigour. The home team forwards were doing more passing now and they put through an interesting forward movement which, unluckily, proved ineffective. They had made a good attack before the half-time whistle went. The second half opened inconspicuously with Golders Green pressing. The game seemed to be faster but neither side was doing very much. Then the home team worked up to their opponents' goal, but could not get past Cornford, who, between the sticks, was the saviour of his side. Leyton managed to drive them back and for some time kept the ball in Golders Green's half. This movement culminated in the visitors' second goal, again scored by Woolhouse. Golders Green now began to attack desperately, but although they got the ball into Leyton's goalmouth they could do nothing. They missed chance after chance and finally saw their hopes dwindling. Woolhouse again scored after a spectacular breakaway. Golders Green tried valiantly to draw level and the forwards did some good work. The final whistle went, however, with the visitors victorious. Brown, Golders Green's goalkeeper, was very insecure. But for good play by Birch and Cox, the backs, the score must have been higher. The half-back line was fairly sound. They played a more or less steady game, but wandered too much. The forwards were too disjointed. Soden played an excellent game on his wing and with more support might have gone far. Leyton had two tremendous assets, a really wonderful goalkeeper and splendid centre-forward. These two men were the backbone of their team and much of its success was due to them. Golders Green Reserves: W. Brown; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; B. Weaver, J. Curtis, G.E. Marrable; E. W. Soden, E. Clements, D. Russell, C. Potter, J. Hill. Leyton Reserves: M. Cornford; H. Lammas, A.H. Carter; W. Andrews, S. Lutchford, H. Trafford; W.H. Knight, A.J. White, R. Woolhouse, R.V. Collins, J. McDermott. (Hendon Times, 13/09/1935, p.12)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 06 September - Reserves defeat Southall but disappoint

The season opened at Claremont Road with an Athenian League victory for Golders Green Reserves, but, though they beat Southall Reserves by 3-1, they gave a somewhat disappointing show, and the margin of two goals was hardly deserved. If speed had been the deciding factor in the match the credit would have gone to Southall, for the visitors set a good pace and maintained it to the end. Golders Green showed individual brilliancy, but not the same method, and the outlook was not good when half-time arrived with the score at one all, but the forwards were more opportune in their shooting after the change-over and made a welcome recovery. In the main, Golders Green's failings were due to the fact that the team was considerably reorganised through the claims of the first eleven away to Southall. Southall won the toss and set Golders Green to face a choppy wind. A free kick gave Golders Green their first chance and Russell headed just below the bar level, but Collins cleared and Hamlyn passed the ball up to Leahy, who got away well and centred to Avis. Tummond stopped his shot, but Jardine recovered the ball and netted low down, giving Southall the lead two minutes from the start. He nearly got through again a minute later, but Cox saved the situation. Lavington shot behind and Tummond saved from Leahy and See before Golders Green came into the picture again. Then Weaver sent Hill away and he carried the ball well down the field before turning in to Russell, who put Golders Green on level terms. Towards the interval Golders Green showed more enterprise and should have taken the lead if only by reason of Collins' weakness, but the forwards were too slow to accept the chances offered. With the change of ends Golders Green showed a definite improvement and were soon given the lead by Hill who, taking up a pass from Moore, slipped in and beat Collins with a low cross-shot. Collins only reached the ball with his finger tips. At the other end Tummond appeared to be taking too many risks and several times failed to clear after leaving his goal to meet the forwards, but the most anxious moment passe with Jardine shooting wide. Golders Green should have taken a third goal from a penalty. Cox was called up to take the shot and after two false kicks, according to the referee's ruling, he shot straight for the goalkeeper, who turned the ball round outside the post. Two minutes later Clements, served by Gardner, got through to score the final goal. Hill came near to scoring again, but struck the upright after a sparking solo effort, and the only further excitement came when Leahy shot over the top with the Golders Green goalkeeper out of the goal. Golders Green Reserves: F. Tummond; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; A. Burgoyne, B. Weaver, T. Grover; A. Gardner, E. Clements, D.J. Russell, S. Moore, J. Hill. Southall Reserves: W. Collins; J. Dymott, D. Williams; S. Bentley, C. Hamlyn, J. Stewart; P. Leahy, F. Avis, R. Jardine, K. See, W. Lavington. (Hendon Times, 06/09/1935, p.12)

Posted at 18:00