Friday 08 January - Reserves victorious over Redhill
Golders Green Reserves came back to winning form on Saturday, when they beat Redhill Reserves at Redhill by 4 goals to 1. Freer, the Golders Green centre forward, scored three, and Ward the other, while A. Brown registered Redhill's only goal. The whole of the team played well. (Hendon Times, 08/01/1937, p.15)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 01 January - Wealdstone complete Christmas double
On Boxing Day the two teams were in opposition once more at Lower Mead, Wealdstone, and again Wealdstone obtained the verdict by 3-2. The game was of a similar character to the one on Christmas Day, Wealdstone having bad luck in not registering more goals. The first came through a penalty, Skelton being brought down in the forbidden area, Mills being successful with the kick. Give-and-atake play followed for the remainder of this half. Peplar in the opening minutes of the second half put Wealdstone two up. Shortly afterwards penalty No. 2 occurred, Mills again proving his ability as a sure marksman. With this lead Wealdstone looked comfortable winners, but Golders Green thought otherwise and added two quick goals, which left the issue in a state of uncertainty, but with both teams showing the effects of the heavy going neither side looked like troubling the goalkeeper and all were grateful to hear the final whistle. (Hendon Times, 01/01/1937, p.15)
Posted at 18:30
Friday 01 January - Christmas Day defeat by Wealdstone
On Christmas morning, at Claremont Road, Wealdstone proved victorious by 3-1. Playing [with] ten men for half-an-hour whilst Meikle was being sent over from Wealdstone, they had by far the better of the play, and after the Green's goal had had many narrow escapes Lloyd broke through and scored a fine goal. Continuing to have the better of the game, but experiencing wretched luck, Wealdstone had the mortification of seeing Golders Green equalise, the centre giving Jackson no chance whatever. Wealdstone were soon leading when Mills scored with a hard drive, having previously had a goal disallowed for offside. The interval arrived with Wealdstone leading 2-1. The second half saw Wealdstone again dominating the game, passing between the left wing being quite a feature, but in spite of all this good work goals would not come, and with Golders Green more dangerous through their wingers matters did not look too rosy until Mills scored his second goal. This point seemed to infuse new life into Wealdstone, who from then onwards were all out to maintain their advantage, which they successfully did. (Hendon Times, 01/01/1937, p.15)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 18 December - Reserves good win at Sutton
At Sutton om Saturday, Golders Green led at half-time by one goal to nil, this being scored by G. Marrable from a pass by J. Chaventre. On resuming the Green's attack was full of fire and straightaway from the kick-off the ball was pushed through by R. Ward to J. Hill. He passed to Marrable, who immediately swung the ball across to Soden, who netted. Five minutes later Golders Green scored again through Crowe, a boy from the "A" team, who made a promising debut. Soden obtained their fourth goal, and after Sutton had scored from a breakaway, Marrable and Crowe brought the Golders Green total to six. The outstanding player on the Golders Green side was L. Birch, playing at right-back. (Hendon Times, 18/12/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 04 December - Reserves defeat Redhill
In an Athenian League match at Claremont Road on Saturday, Golders Green Reserves beat Redhill Reserves by four goals to two after an exciting match. Redhill certainly had the advantage in size. They towered above the Golders Green men and certainly looked most formidable. Almost from the kick-off, however, it was evident that they were not going to have things all their own way and never once did they shake the confidence of the home team. Soden repeated his performance of the previous week by scoring with a long shot in the first few minutes. This clever piece of work on his part so demoralised the other side that he had almost scored again within two minutes. The home team were now definitely on top of their opponents and with such an advantage early in the game things certainly looked black for Redhill. Their defence showed signs of weakness and they left their goal open to some vigorous attacks. Further, whenever the Redhill men got away they found themselves up against the almost impregnable defence of Birch and Cox, and could do nothing. There was some weakness in front of goal by Golders Green, but eventually Marrable scored. This second goal put Redhill on their mettle. The y made a determined effort and just before half-time they saw their opportunity. Bustard was injured and had to leave the field. With their side weakened the home side could not withstand the assault and Wasford scored for Redhill. The second half opened with an alteration in the Golders Green side. Bustard, still evidently troubled by the leg injury he had received in the first half, went to outside-left, and Marrable took over his position in the centre. Redhill opened with a vigorous attack, but they could gain no advantage before the Golders Green forwards broke away and Soden almost scored. The game was now fast and exciting, Redhill trying hard to draw level and Golders Green trying equally hard to maintain their lead. The home forwards were playing well together and putting through some nice solo movements at the same time. Their third goal came from a penalty kick taken by Bustard. Redhill followed this wth their second goal, also scored by Washford. Golders Green, however, increased their lead when Chaventre scored fom a good pass by Bustard. In spite of the failing light the game continued fast and exceiting right up to the final whistle. The whole Golders Green team played a good game: they combined well together and their passing was excellent. Redhill lacked fire and did not play quite such a good team game. Golders Green : R. Hill; L. Birch, E. Cox; H. Sharp, B. Weaver, J. Shorland; J. Chaventre, E.W. Soden, L. Bustard, J. Hill, G. Marrable. Redhill : Ewens; Wilkinson, Lockyear; Miller, Young, Parratt; McNarr, Baker, Washford, Collin, West. (Hendon Times, 04/12/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 27 November - Reserves' Middlesex Cup victory
That the score in the Middlesex Intermediate Cup replay between Golders Green Reserves and Uxbridge Reserves on Saturday was only 1-0 in the home team's favour, showed that the match was a close one. On the previous Saturday while playing extra time at Uxbridge, the match had to be abandoned owing to bad light. The score was then 3-2 in Golders Green's favour. Saturday's game was disappointing, because Golders Green showed every indication of being an overwhelming side. They advanced to the attack in fine style, but when it came to the vital moment the attack went to pieces. On the other hand, the defence was sound. A great deal of the work fell on Birch, but he was equal to it. The game opened with a strong attack by Golders Green, which culminated in a goal by Soden. The shock evidently brought the Uxbridge men to their senses and from the kick-off they retaliated and for some time they kept the ball in Golders Green's half. They could do nothing effective against Golders Green's strong defence, however, and they soon found themselves dislodged and racing after Soden and Chaventre. Soden manoeuvred cleverly and Chaventre sent in a fine pass, but the other forwards were not up and the chance was wasted. The home team forwards were playing a fairly sound game at this point, but they were a little too erratic to do anything decisive. Hill was working hard and making some good solo efforts, but the unerring judgment of the Uxbridge goalkeeper seemed to have a demoralising effect on the forwards. They gradually lost fire and the Uxbridge men broke away to carry the play once more into the home team's territory, but again they were helpless against a sound defence. Now came a nice piece of work by Marrable and Hill. They went through in style and a strong shot gave the visitors' goalkeeper another opportunity to make a spectacular save. The game now slowed down, the defenders of both sides took the opportunity to consolidate, and the forwards could do little against them. The home team attackers still managed to pepper the goal with passably good shots, but the Uxbridge defensive lines adopted crowding tactics against which they could do little. The play evened out considerably and the half closed without incident. Early in the second half Shorland met with an accident, but he was only out of the game for a few moments. The game in this half was very even and there was no scoring. Both sides missed good opportunities. The defence was the strongest part of Golders Green's team. Golders Green : J. Jacobs; L.C. Birch, E.F. Cox; H. Sharp, B. Weaver, J. Shorland; J. Chaventre, E.W. Soden, L. Bustard, J. Hill, G. Marrable. Uxbridge : Watson; Watts, Smith; Gunning, Briggs, Neville; O'Connors, Roberts, Giles, Seston, Underwood. (Hendon Times, 27/11/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 20 November - Reserves Cup-tie abandoned
Golders Green Reserves met Uxbridge Reserves in the Middlesex Intermediate Cup at Uxbridge on Saturday. As the score was two all after the usual period of play, extra time was started, during which Golders Green scored another goal. Soon after, however, the game was abandoned owing to bad light. Bustard (2) and Marrable scored for Golders Green. The replay will be on Golders Grren's ground tomorrow at 2.30. (Hendon Times, 20/11/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 13 November - Reserves having a bad time
[Paragraph from "Sporting Notes" by 'Onlooker'.] Golders Green Reserves are also having a bad time. Following their dismissal from the London Intermediate Cup by Aldsmede, they met with another defeat on Saturday by Letchwoth Reserves in the A.F.A Junior Cup [sore unknown]. (Hendon Times, 13/11/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 06 November - Reserves' Cup defeat
Golders Green Reserves lost to Aldsmede in the London Intermediate Cup by three goals to none, the goals being scored by W. Brown, J. James and S. Smith (from a penalty). (Hendon Times, 06/11/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 30 October - Reserves draw at Barnet
Golders Green Reserves and Barnet Reserves drew at 4 all at Barnet in an Athenian League match. Goldeers Greem's scorers were Soden, Bustard (2) and Marrable, and Barnet's goals were scored by Green, Hocket and Smith (2). (hendon Times, 30/10/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 16 October - Sucess in London Intermediate Cup-tie
Golders Green Reserves pushed past Wimbledon into another round of the London Intermediate Cup on Saturday at Claremont Road with a 3-1 victory. It was a fast, clean game, holding plenty of interest, though the second half, which was goalless, tailed off somewhat. Thanks to the sound defence put up by Painter, Shorland, Weaver, and a new right-back, Berry, the at times rather lackadaisical play of the Golders Green halves and forwards did not yield to Wimbledon the goals it might have done. On the wings the home team was rather unfamiliar. Soden was playing on the left, and his left foot was not too sure. On the right was a nippy young newcomer, one Chaventre, who has been playing with the "A" team for the last two or three weeks. Golders Green were not prepared for what followed the kick-off. After about 90 seconds of mid-field football Nash suddenly went off down the right wing, and before Golders Green knew what had happened he centred, caught Painter awkwardly placed, and scored. Wimbledon rejoiced. But it rather put the Golders Green backs up and they began to hammer away at the Wimbledon goal in very determined fashion. For 15 minutes, however, their hammering had no effect. Then Bustard put in one of his special shots, and Golders Green were level at one all. Both sides were playing very good football, and the Golders Green forwards were at times quite impressive. Chaventre showed a nice turn of speed. When Wimbledon attacked down the right wing the centre was nearly headed in. With Painter on the ground out of goal, a second shot came from the left, and it was Shorland who saved the goal, clearing off the goal-line. The ball at once went back to the other end, and Bustard had a shot which was saved. After about 30 minutes Marrable put in a beautiful long shot which Vincent could not reach. So Golders Green were ahead. They continued to attack and after Chalk had shot right across the goalmouth for Wimbledon, Bustard put Soden on the move with a nice pass. The winger centred to Marrable, who took the chance and scored his second and Golders Green's third. In the five minutes of the first half that were left there was no further score, though both goals were attacked. There was no further score in the second half either. Despite the good football played by both teams, the 45 minutes seemed rather dull. Each goal had its narrow escapes. Twice long shots by the Wimbledon centre-forward hit the wrong side of the cross-bar and went out of goal instead of in. Bustard and Soden apperaed to slow down in this half. Outstanding in the Golders Green team were Marrable, Hill and Ward. Hill played brainily and with tenacity, while Marrable always looked as if he might score. Ward was always getting in the way of Wimbledon attacks. So was Shorland. Berry was not very impressive. When Wimbledon did attack they attacked hard and Golders Green had a stiff time keeping them out. Most of the Golders Green forwards had chances this half, but shot either wide or over the top. Two goals ahead, they probably felt in need of relaxation. Though the home team had most of the game, Wimbledon never gave up hope and were attacking when the final whistle went. Golders Green : F. Painter; A.T. Berry, J. Shorland; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, E.F. Cox; J. Chaventre, J. Hill, L. Bustard, G. Marrable, E.W. Soden. Wimbledon : J. Vincent; J. Giles, J. Phillips; G.W. Francis, H. Lemmer, F. Adams; H. Nash, H. Middleton, J. Fennell, J. Berry, F. Chalk. (Hendon Times, 16/10/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 09 October - Reserves lose at Leyton
Golders Green Reserves suffered their first defeat this season at Leyton on Saturday, but only by the odd goal in five. Golders Green scored first, Marrable netting after ten minutes, but Leyton drew level through Banning, the score at the interval being 1-1. Soon after the restart Leyton went ahead, Groves netting, but Bustard equalised, and the deciding goal came five minutes from the end through a breakaway, Banning being the successful marksman. It was an Athenian League game. (Hendon Times, 09/10/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 02 October - Reserves win at Bromley
Golders Green reserves beat Bromley Reserves at Bromley on Saturday by 2-0. It was a keen game, played at speed, with the visitors doing most of the attacking. But for the excellence of the Bromley defence, the Golders Green score would have been higher. Hill scored in the first half and Marrable in the second. (Hendon Times, 02/10/1936, p.16)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 18 September - Reserves win at Southall
Golders Green Reserves were away to Southall Reserves in the Athenian League on Saturday. The match was fought in a very keen spirit and both sides were equally good. Southall scored in a breakaway five minutes before half-time. After the interval Golders Green dominated the play and penned Southall in their own half. After 10 minutes a goal by Soden, followed quickly by Bustard with another, absolutely demoralised Southall, who were putting the ball anywhere. Five minutes from time Soden again scored, making it three goals to one in the Green's favour, which score finally stood. Golders Green Reserves owe their success to good team spirit and team work. Each man pulled his weight and played well. (Hendon Times, 18/09/1936, p.14)
Posted at 18:00
Friday 04 September - Bustard starts season with hat-trick
Golders Green Reserves followed the good example set by the first team and won their first match of the season, against Barnet Reserves, by 3-0 at Claremont Road on Saturday. Bustard scored all three goals. From the score it would seem as though it was an easy victory. Truth to tell, however, the home team were not impressive in attack, the forwards - with the exception of Soden - showing a tendency to stand still and watch whoever had the ball. However, the defence was sound, Shorland especially playing well. The ground surface looked excessively hard, and the heat was oppressive, with scarcely a breath of wind stirring. It seemed as though we were in for a spate of high kicking. We were. Unfortunately the kicks were mainly without direction. But the home team seemed to have the better part of the game, the Barnet players being effectively penned in their own section of the field, thanks to the Golders Green halves assisted by Hill. Hill played for most of the game with the half-back line, while Weaver went back and played as third back. This may have added to the defensive power of the team, but it was no help to the forwards, who seemed to miss the brainy work of Hill. They began to close the game up instead of spreading it out. Whenever Soden did get the ball he travelled. But he seemed to be the only forward with speed. Long revealed a tendency to hang on to the ball too much. The first shot at the Barnet goal did not come until near the end of the first half, and then it came from Shorland, who had moved up. A few minutes later Soden shot over the top. Whenever Barnet did get past the Golders Green backs, and for most of the time Morrison was effectively bottled up by Weaver, they found Painter more than capable of dealing with any shots they might put in. There was no score at half-time. There should have been. The second half opened in exciting manner. Soon after the whistle Bustard put in a high shot which Hawkins had to tip over the top. After four minutes the Golders Green forwards were back round the Barnet goal, and Bustard put in a low shot which hit the upright and bounced to the back of the net. Score one. Ninety seconds later Reay went up the left wing and centred to Long, who gave to Bustard, who shot without hesitation and scored again. He ran back looking as pleased as punch. It was unexpected. After this the play began to fall back into mediocrity again. Occasional flashes of fire came from the home forwards, but - quite understandably - it was too hot, even for fire. The third goal came after 20 minutes, when Soden was tripped inside the area. Bustard took the kick and made no mistake about it, crashing in a shot which Hawkins made a brave but futile attempt to save. Barnet found the pace too much for them, and their forwards seemed to relax. Golders Green were obviously on top, and the forwards have only themselves to blame that they did not score more often. Golders Green : F. Painter; L.C.Birch, J. Shorland; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, E.F. Cox; E. W. Soden, J. Hill, L. Bustard, J. Long, A. Reay. Barnet : A. Hawkins; R. Neller, W. Martin; F.G. Leighton, E. Hawkins, D.C. Neville; F. Fitzhugh, J. Bunyan, T. Morrison, E. Smith, L. Tebbitt. (Hendon Times, 04/09/1936, p.14)
Posted at 18:00