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.Birch, W. Gaytor; L. Bustard, B. Weaver, R. Burgess; W. Soden, E. Burt, W. Harris, G. Marrable, W. 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)

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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 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. Birch, E. Cox; A. Turner, B.Weaver, R. Burgess; W. Soden, E. Burt, F. Murgetts, G. Marrable, J. 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)

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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)

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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. Birch, E. Cox; E. Burt, B. Weaver, R. Burgess; W. Soden, J. Hill, F. Murgetts, G. Marrable, J. 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)

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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. Birch, E. Cox; J. Shorland, R. Burgess, L. Bustard; W. Soden, A. Shores, T. Evans, G. Marrable, J. 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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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. Birch, E. Cox; G. Marrable, B. Weaver, R. Burgess; A. Gardner, D. Shones, 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)

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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. Birch, E. Cox; J. Murphy, B. Weaver, J. Morgan; A. Gardener, G. Marrable, 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)

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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)

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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. Birch, E. Cox; B. Weaver, J. Curtis, G. Marrable; 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. 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