Golders Green's re-arranged forward line, reinforced by R. Stroud's unexpected appearance on leave, gave an encouraging account of itself against a strong Finchley side on Saturday.

C. Barnard deputised for Goodchild, injured, and played a fine game, while F. Barker,the Green's new centre forward, distinguished himself by getting the "hat trick" on his first appearance -- the only "hat trick" for Golders Green so far this season. Once again, Sealey plalyed a fine defensive game at centre half, and Gallacher added strength to the left half position, while Fisher showed improved form in dealing with F. Boston.

The game was fast and well contested -- reminiscent of a cup-tie -- and at times roused spectators to a high pitch of excitement.

Golders Green launched an early attack, but were repelled, and a ding dong fight followed for a quarter of an hour. Then STROUD fastened on to a long forward punt, cut in, tricked Rowley, and scored. Soon afterwards the Green were two up, BARKER heading home from Barnard's pass.

Then Finchley hit back, and gained the first corner of the match : this and a second were both cleared. After 28 minutes MASTERS, deputising for W. Rogers, netted. Then F. BOSTON scored direct from a free kick, while three minutes later MASTERS gave Finchley the lead. Almost straight from the kick-off, Golders Green went down the field and BARKER put them on terms. This meant 4 goals in 7 minutes!

Half time came with the score 3-3. Soon Golders Green were awarded a free kick, just outside the penalty area, for hands, but Gallacher's shot went wide. At the other end, Masters had a chance in a Finchley breakaway but he, too, put outside. Then the Green forced a corner on the left. Barnard's low centre passed two home attackers, but BARKER gathered and shot home to give the Green the lead again. But soon afterwards, Barnard put in a fine shot which hit the crossbar and rebounded into play, to be cleared.

Finchley launched several hot attacks, McCann making some fine saves. then Mitchell placed a ground shot clear of Hill, but just wide of the post. Finchley came again, following a throw-in, but with the Green's defence at sea, Gallacher stepped into the breach and kicked clear.

After 38 minutes a fine combined movement gave Finchley the equaliser [through SMITH]. Both sides attacked in turn, but the game ended in a 4-4 draw, Golders Green's highest tally of goals in any game this season.