Friday 20 May - Reserves lose Cup Final replay

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1, YIEWSLEY 3. In the replay at Southall on Saturday of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup Final Golders Green were decisively beaten by Yiewsley by 3-1. In the first half of the game it looked as though extra time or a further replay might be necessary, but at the end of the first half Golders Green were unfortunate in having Birch injured and off the field for a good quarter-of-an-hour, and when he returned after half-time he was unable to do very much. He was moved to outside-right, Ward taking his place at right back and Read moving from the wing to right-half. Very soon after play commenced the Yiewsley forwards showed an ascendancy over the Golders Green defence, which was compensated for by a high standard of goalkeeping by Jacobs. The Greens began to wake up a little after some 15 minutes' play and, taking the ball to the Yiewsley end of the pitch, forced several corners. They were unable to score and as the result of some clever play Yiewsley were able to obtain their first corner. They did not score, however, and the ball went back to midfield, but the left-half, Akerman, returned it and Davies took it through to shoot. Jacobs cleared and shortly after this Birch was injured during another attack by Yiewsley. Very shortly after he left the field Yiewsley succeeded in breaking through the defence, and DAVIES scored. Half-time came with Yiewsley leading, but the Greens fighting back. When the teams ran out again to start the second half, Birch pluckily limped out with a heavily-bandaged ankle, and took up his new position at outside-right. For a time he was little more than a passenger, and he left the field again to have further attention. When he returned he was better able to pull his weight. Yiewsley's passing was so good and the attack so fast that they seemed to riddle the Green's defence. Payne did good work and was ably assisted by Weaver and Marrable. Bustard, Long and Murray combined weel together to place attacks, but just failed to beat the Yiewsley defenders on almost every occasion. The Greens drew level shortly after half-time, when a free kick was awarded them to the side of the Yiewsley goal. Read took the kick and centred beautifully. LONG was in position and headed the ball into goal. This was the last really good attacking done by Golders Green in the whole game. It was not long before Yiewsley drew away again with another goal from DAVIES, which was thoroughly deserved. At a later stage Davies made a flying attack on the Green's goal, racing down the wing with a half-back pounding after him. He got through and shot, but Jacobs was ready and saved in fine style. This concentrated into a bombardment of the goal rather than an attack, and Jacobs saved four successive shots before he could get hold of the ball to clear it. Yiewsley made sure of their victory some minutes before time with a third goal from GOODMAN, who received a pass from Pope and thoroughly deserved to score. The game was a very fast and clean one, and only once was the referee forced to use his whistle for any other reason than the ball going into touch or goal. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; L. Birch, T. Payne; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, G. Marrable; W, Read, F. Long, L. Bustard, Murray, L.J. Marcantonio. Yiewsley : J. Young; R. Matthews, W. Odell; J. Gardner, J. Barratt, A. Akerman; E. Phillips, E. Goodman, E. Davies, B. Pope, H. Baldrey. (Hendon Times, 20/05/1938, p. 5)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 06 May - Reserves go nap against Romford

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 5, ROMFORD RESERVES 0. Making a spectacular start against Romford Reserves in an Athenian League match at Claremont Road on Tuesday evening, Golders Green Reserves nearly scored in the first minute, when they had only nine players on the field. A few minutes later, playing with ten men, they did score; and after 20 minutes they had netted two more goals - still playing with ten men. Hill was the outstanding man on the field, his ball control being exceptional on the heavy, slippery ground. Hill and Chaventre scintillated in brilliant dribbles before swinging the ball across in perfect centres which brought goals. Bustard was not noticeable until he shot - then he leapt into the limelight. Weaver worked hard to keep his forwards moving, and to the halves belongs much of the credit for the goals, because but for their good ground work the ball would not have been kept in the Romford area for so long. Paine and A. Anderson were a clean kicking pair of backs, and Barnes impressed with his cool handling and strong clearances. Drew and Falk were yards too slow for the Green men, but Marrable and Read had a harder task on the other wing. Golders Green began with nine men, and then Chaventre arrived, followed later by Ward. It seemed as if Golders Green started off with only three forwards - the centre and the two inside men - but they nearly broke through in the first minute. Just as the forwards rushed the ball into the penalty area, Clift put out his foot and tapped it away. Ward punted upfield for Hill to race after the ball, dribble past Drew, and shoot. The goalkeeper smothered the ball, but could not hold it, and MARRABLE waltzed around him to tap the ball into the net, just beating Hill to the ball. Persevering work by HILL received its deserts the next time he broke through. The little inside-right was allowed to approach the penalty area and, seeing a favourable opening between the backs, he sent in a flashing shot which the goalkeeper never saw for the second goal. Then Bustard shook off the centre-half and sent in a screw shot to which he could not get his full power. Shortly before half-time BUSTARD combined well with L. Anderson and Weaver before he fired in a great drive from 30 yards which again gave Shepherd no chance. In the second half neither set of forwards was able to advance very far, owing to the tenacious tackling of the halves and backs. Romford tried hard, but the Green were always masters. Again Hill caught the eye with a clever move in hooking the ball over the goalmouth, after Ward had beaten two men. Bustard trapped the pass and shot, almost in one movement, but Homburg blocked the ball. Romford began to press and a smart bout of passing between Sally, Reynolds and Webb ended in Blogg's shot being turned aside for their first corner. Then they started on the other wing, but A. Anderson was a match for Blogg and Hart. Paine saved an almost certain goal when he coolly tackled Osborne , who was about to shoot. The Green's fourth goal came from READ, who met a long, waist-high pass from the other wing, and not long before the final [whistle] MARRABLE got No. 5 with a crashing drive. (Hendon Times, 06/05/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:30

Friday 06 May - Wind spoils good play

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3, BARKING RESERVES 1. Gaining their third successive Athenian League victory within a week, Golders Green Reserves are now well away from the bottom place in the table, which they occupied for a period. Right from the start the home side pressed and, within a couple of minutes, took the lead. Lambie headed the ball to the right, JOHNNY HILL gaining possession and running right through the defence to beat the goalkeeper with a low cross-shot which the visiting custodian apparently thought was going to rise. Some nice football on Barking's right saw Pidgeon and Weaver beaten. Hatful got in his centre, but Cockburn headed just wide. Golders Green went further ahead with the game only nine minutes old. Marrable gained possession, made ground, and passed to Bustard, from whom the ball went to Lambie. The centre-forward put out to the left and MARCANTONIO ran in to score in the right-hand corner of the net. Barking did not deserve to be two down on the play and immediately rallied. Ward miskicked to concede a corner, but this was cleared. A further corner followed a throw-in, but Melton shot over. Barnes saved from Wilson and then Todd failed to reach a grand pass from Lamb. At the other end Hill gave Groves a shot to hold following nice work by Marcantonio and Lambie, following which Barking came again, and Ward, trying to do too much, allowed the attack to get to close quarters, Barnes parrying a grand shot for a corner, after which he made another good save from Todd. Weaver conceded a corner unnecessarily and, from the clearance, the Green went down the field, Groves saving well from Bustard, after which a corner was forced. Then a long kick down the field put Barking away, but Mahoney shot over when well placed. After 35 minutes Barking reduced their arrears. A breakaway on the left saw the home defence in a tangle and Mahoney closed in, but shot poorly. WILSON, however, was on the spot to deflect the ball past the helpless Barnes. Just before the interval Barnes, in saving, scooped the ball and conceded a corner, but there was no further score before half-time. After the break, with the wind in their favour, the home side were almost continually on the offensive. For long periods on end the visitors were penned in their own half, but bad tactics and bad shooting on the part of the Green resulted in only one more goal being added. The Green kept the ball too close and in kicking did not allow for the wind. From the start they forced a corner, which Ward sent behind, following which Bustard ballooned the ball yards over the bar. The same player put in a further shot from a good way out, well wide of the posts. Another attack developed when Mackey miskicked, but Lambie put wide, while a further long kick resulted in the ball bouncing over Groves' head on to the roof of the netting. Barking broke away and Weaver had to concede a corner, following which Barnes smothered the ball close in and then saved a long one from Todd. The home side went back into attack and Marrable had really bad luck with a fine header, following which Bustard butted in to a good move by Hill, gaining a corner. Groves made a spectacular save. Hill headed back but, with the goalkeeper out of position, Mackey headed out a certain goal. Several offside decisions against the Green stopped promising movements, and it was not until 35 minutes had gone that the home side made the issue safe. Bustard and Ward were instrumental in forcing a corner, and from the kick an oblique shot from Hill hit the post and rebounded to MARCANTONIO, who, with Groves out of position, easily put the ball into the net. Barking came again and a breakaway looked dangerous, but Barnes stopped the ball in time, and then a free-kick to the Green put the ball back into the visitors' half, Groves saving from Bustard and Hill just before the final whistle. It must, of course, be agreed that the high wind was all against good football and that the team had had two mid-week matches, so due allowance must be made for a display which was not greatly to the credit of either side. Golder Green : W.E. Barnes; W. Noot, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, G. Marrable; W. Read, J. Hill, J. Lam ie, L. Bustard, L.J. Marcantonio. |Barking : E. Groves; E. Watkins, A. Mackey; A. Melton, C. Olley, R.Lamb; A. Hatful, J. Todd, R. Cockburn, F. Wilson, T. Mahoney. (Hendon Times, 06/05/1938, p.4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 29 April - "a" team deputises for Reserves

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 0, SUTTON UNITED RESERVES 1. Golders Green "A" team turned out for the Athenian League Reserve match with Sutton on Saturday at Golders Green, after the Middlesex Cup-tie between Wealdstone and Tufnell Park. Golders Green kicked off and Sutton soon began to take the upper hand. Neat, tricky play by Golders Green's left wing, J. Whiting and Waldeman, resulted in a breakaway, but they were not able to score. Sutton were the first to force a corner, but the ball was headed over the goal, giving Barnes a goal-kick. For almost every rush down the field by Golders Green, the Sutton team recovered the distance by a series of throw-ins. From a throw-in by J.W. Whiting, Rowe received the ball and made a fine run, shooting before being tackled by Balkwill. Ranson, the goalkeeper, was able to save, however, and the visitors pressed hard again. Barnes, the Green's goaslkeeper, was in excellent form and made several brilliant saves. The end of the first half came with no score for either team, and shortly after the second half opened Alaway and J. Anderson collided when going for the ball, and Alaway sprained his wrist. He played on after having it bandaged. The first score was for Sutton and came from TURNER, who received a corner kick from Pratt. He touched the ball as it bounced, and scored. From then until the final whistle plkay was very uninteresting, but on a number of occasions Sutton seemed as if they might score again, but |Barnes was always able to save. Golders Green Res. : W.E. Barnes; F. Alaway, W. Noot; J. Anderson, A. Anderson, J.W. Whiting; J. Whiting, L. Waldeman, R. Crowe, F. Wilmott, V. Rowe. Sutton United Res. : E. Ranson; J. Balkwill, J. Webb; L. Lindsay, R. Shepherd, A. Lowton; H. Pratt, H. Jones, M. Hipwell, E. Turner, M. Washbourne. (Hendon Times, 29/04/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:30

Friday 29 April - A.F.A. JUNIOR CUP WINNERS

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2, HASTINGS AND ST. LEONARDS RESERVES 0. Golders Green Reserves journeyed to Eastbourne to meet Hastings and St. Leonards Reserves in the Final of the A.F.A. Junior Cup on Saturday, and gained the trophy by two clear goals. The conditions were ideal for football. The Reserves had the pleasure of seeing Hastings' first string play Lewes in the Senior Cup Final before 5,000 people, most of whom stayed to see the two reserve teams, and those who stayed were not disappointed, for the game was really classic. From the kick-off Golders Green began attacking and were shooting at every opportunity. Hastings then attacked on the right, but this was easily broken up by W. Pidgeon, who was right on top of his form. When Golders Green really settled down, the football they played was brilliant. In one of their many attacks L. BUSTARD fastened on to the ball, evaded the centre-half, and bore away to the left. He swerved quickly and at the same time shot, the ball entering the net at terrific pace which completely took the goalkeeper by surprise. Thus after about 35 minutes' play Golders Green deservedly took the lead. This goal seemed to wake Hastings up and for the remainder of the first half they went all out for an equaliser. But for the superb goalkeeping of J. Jacobs, they must have scored. However, half-time came with Golders Green leading by one goal to nil. Upon resuming, Golders Green soon settled down and dominated the game, proving superior in every department. It came as no surprise when, from a corner kick taken by L. Bustard, J. HILL headed into the net to put Golders Green two up. The play remained interesting to the end, though no further goals were scored. So the Reserves won the A.F.A. Junior Cup for the first time in the club's history. EXTRACT FROM "SPORTING NOTES" - "Golders Green Reserves ... gained some distinction in the fact that no other club of the Isthmian, Athenian or London Leagues has ever won this trophy [A.F.A. Junior Cup]." Golders Green Reserves team (from HT, 22/04/1938, p. 4) : J. Jacobs; L. Birch, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, G. Marrable; W. Read, J. Hill, L. Bustard, F. Long, L.J. Marcantonio. (Hendon Times, 29/04/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 22 April - Cup Final a dfraw

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1, YIEWSLEY 1. In the last five minutes of their Middlesex Intermediate Cup Final with Yiewsley, at the Uxbridge R.A.F. Stadium, on [Easter] Monday, Golders Green Reserves equalised and a replay therefore becomes necessary. It was a fast and well-fought game, with plenty of good open play and many lucky escapes for both goals. The star of Golders Green's team was J. Hill, at inside-right, who played a first-rate game all the time and headed in the equaliser from a corner. Read actually netted a grand goal for Golders Green earlier on, but the referee blew for offside, against which Golders Green appealed unsuccessfully. Yiewsley set the pace from the kick-off, and looked like going through in the centre, but Birch put Davis off his shot. Jacobs held a shot from close in, and another from long range went wide. Then Golders Green made ground on the left, but Dymott robbed Marcantonio and drove a long pass forward, which led to Pope testing Jacobs. Golders Green responded with an attack in the centre, Bustard passing out to Marcantonio, who struck the crossbar with a lovely shot. At the other end Jacobs fell in saving from Davis, but held on to the ball and was able to clear. The Golders Green halves were working well and soon had the forwards attacking again. Young held from Hill and was reached twice more - once from a free kick - before the Yiewsley front line got the ball again. Then a good shot by Baldry struck the upright. Yiewsley forced a corner without result and a fine drive in by Butler was cleared by Jacobs. It was in Golders Green's next attack that they appeared to have taken the lead with a goal beautifully worked for, but the referee disallowed the goal. Golders Green were now having a full share of the play and were making great efforts, especially on the left wing, but the Yiewsley halves and backs were quick on the ball and marked their men well. The Yiewsley goal had a narrow escape when Dymott, passing the ball back, caught his goalkeeper unprepared. Young fell in attempting to reach the ball, which ran gently across the goalmouth with no forward there to finish off. Following a corner, Read shot wide, and there was another tense moment when Young fell and was injured in coming out to meet Bustard, who had broken clean away. Bustard's shot carried past the goalkeeper, but Odell cleared. At the other end there was a mix-up in front of goal and Jacobs had to throw the ball clear. Half-time arrived with no score, though Golders Green should have held the lead. The second half opened with Golders Green attacking strongly, but Yiewsley withstood the pressure and soon a breakaway led to DAVIS putting them ahead. Golders Green responded with determined attacks and the game was now played at a tremendous pace. Golders Green swung the ball about well, but the Yiewsley defence was too sound and such shots as did reach Young, he was well able to deal with. Play travelled from end to end, but the work of Golders Green was improving in spite of the handicap of a head wind and they were rewarded close on time with a corner, well taken by Marcantonio. The ball dropped at the far side of the goal and HILL nodded it in close under the bar, leaving Young quite helpless. It was an effort reflecting credit upon both men and Golders Green thoroughly deserved the goal. The game was played before a large holiday crowd and provided good entertainment. Golders Green Res. : J. Jacobs; L. Birch, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, J.W. Whiting; W. Read, J. Hill, L. Bustard, G. Marrable, L.J. Marcantonio. Yiewsley : Young; Dymott, Odell; Gardner, Barrett, Akerman; Phillips, Butler, Davis, Pope, Baldry. (Hendon Times, 22/04/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:30

Friday 22 April - Reserves beat Barnet

BARNET RESERVES 0, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1. This Athenian League Reserve Section game produced some excellent football, Golders Green being on top except for about ten minutes in the second half. The forward line always looked dangerous and, but for bad luck, the visiting side would have won by a bigger margin as the framework was hit on several occasions with the home goalkeeper beaten. This does not imply that Barnet were on the defensive the whole time, but their attack was usually kept in check by the two backs, who played well throughout, and by the goalkeeper, who made some good saves. The only goal was scored a quarter of an hour from the start. Good work by Long and Marrable anabled Hennon to net a nice goal, the home custodian having no chance. Golders Green Reserves : W.E. Barnes; F. Alaway, W. Noot; J.W. Whiting, A. McLean, R. Marsden; R. Crowe, F. Long, J. Hennon, J. Marrable, V. Rowe. (Hendon Times, 22/04/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:15

Friday 22 April - Reserves goalless draw

GOLDERS GREEN RFESERVERS 0, ENFIELD RESERVES 0. Playing Enfield Reserves in the Athenian League on Good Friday, Golders Green Reserves drew with no goals scored.(Hendon Times, 22/04/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 25 March - Reserves beat Southall

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3, SOUTHALL RESERVES 1. The Athenian League encounter between Golders Green Reserves and Southall Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday was a very poor display of football in spite of the fact that the home team won 3-1. During the greater part of the first half Golders Green had most of the play, but although they seemed to be at an advantage in having the wind in their backs, they were unable to force their attacks home. Southall made a number of breakaways, which were dangerous enough, but on each occasion the backs, Birch and Pidgeon, were able to cope with them, and were successful in clearing the goal. The first score of the game was made by Golders Green. It was a curious shot, originally made by J. Hill. This struck the crossbar and rebounded to E. BUCCI, who found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat. The attack which led to this goal was a decidedly confused one, and seemed to have little system about it. A good point which was noticeable, however, was that passing was not wild, but in most cases considered. Almost immediately after the goal was scored another attempt was made by Golders Green to increase their lead. This was on the part of Bustard, but was unsuccessful. Credit was due to T. Phillips, of Southall, for the excellent standard of his goalkeeping, which saved the visitors from being beaten by a far greater margin. The ground was so dry that at times great trouble was experienced in keeping control of the ball, and on several occasions a slightly wild kick sent the ball right outside the ground. The credit for Golders Green's second goal must go to J. HILL, who succeeded in doing himself what the rest of the forward line had failed to do with his passes. Before he scored, however, there was a melee in front of the goalmouth in which he nearly lost the ball. As he shot the ball it touched a Southall player. The third Golders Green goal was also Hill's, and he thoroughly deserved it. Both his goals were scored in the second half, and the second came as the result of some neat play in which Hill and Read were passing zig-zag fashion down the field. Finally HILL received the ball from Read and shot, beating Phillips completely. Weaver was sound at centre-half, but Rayner and Marrable, the right and left halves, were not so good as they could have been. Their sole usefulness lay in the tenacious way they forced their opposing forwards out of play in defence. Of the Southall team, Batelle was the most deserving of congratulations. He was the centre-half. The other two halves, Carpenter and Gorman, were safe players. The last goal of the game was scored by BATELLE, of Southall, after a melee in front of the Golders Green goal, which resulted from two successive corner kicks taken by Lake. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; L. Birch, W. Pidgeon; B. Rayner, B. Weaver, G. Marrable; W. Read, J. Hill, L. Bustard, E. Bucci, L. Marcantonio. Southall Reserves : T. Phillips; W. Walsh, G. Maloney; J. Carpenter, L. Batelle, E. Gorman; A. Fox, H. Tyler, A. Gotz, J. French, J. Lake. (Hendon Times, 25/03/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 18 March - Reserves lose at Tooting

TOOTING & MITCHAM UNITED RESERVES 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 0. Golders Green returned to their Athenian League programme on Saturday, and after their cup successes they were expected to win or at least draw with the lowly-placed Tooting team. The robust methods of the Tooting and Mitcham side, however, put the Reserves out of gear. Golders Green put up a very good display of football when possible, but to no avail, for Tooting and Mitcham's tactics bore fruit in the shape of two goals to Golders Green's none. However, the Reserves finished all intact, and it is hoped to see them put up as good a show of football tomorrow. (Hendon Times, 18/03/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 11 March - Reser ves reach AFA Junior Cup Final

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3, NORSEMEN 1. The ground at Twickenham was in excellent condition for the semi-final of the A.F.A. Junior Cup on Saturday. Golders Green won the toss and elected to kick towards a very strong sun. Straight from the kick-off Golders Green went to the attack and just missed scoring through J. Hill, who went through on his own, but the shot was blocked by a defender. Soon after this a Norseman pushed a ball down with his hands, which was not seen by the referee. The inside-right (STANLEY) went on with the ball and shot a good goal. This took no ill-effect on the Green, for they attacked strongly and a good pass by R. Ward found L. MARCANTONIO unmarked. He got the ball under control and fired in an unstoppable shot. After this it was all Golders Green and at times the Norsemen absolutely packed their goal to stay the relentless attack. However, no further goals came before the half-time whistle. Upon resuming, the play was much the same with Golders Green attacking. It looked as if the Norsemen were going to hold out, but ten minutes before the end W. Read, the Golders Green outside-right, received a good pass from B. Weaver and slammed the ball across for MARCANTONIO to head in a second goal. The Norsemen cracked up under the pressure and L. BUSTARD, fastening on to the ball, beat about four of the defenders before sending in a real pile-driver which gave the goal-keeper no chance. All the Golders Green team played well. (Hendon Times, 11/03/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 04 March - Reserve draw at Redhill

REDHILL RESERVES 3, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3. Golders Green Reserves drew on Saturday by three goals to three [sic], and taking into consideration that the first eleven made claims on H. Sharp, B. Weaver and G. Marrable, as reserves, the second string did remarkably well. The first half was well contested and at the interval the score was one goal each. In the second half Golders Green, having the wind in their favour, absolutely over-ran Redhill, although Redhill managed to scramble a couple of goals. Redhill's goalkeeper was in great form, for he saved shot after shot that at other times would have meant goals. The game ended with Golders Green well on top, but only able to draw. Goal scorers for Golders Green were : J. HILL, A. PINKHAM, L.J. MARCANTONIO. (Hendon Times, 04/03/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 18 February - Reserves win cup semi-final

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3, HILLINGDON BRITISH LEGION 1. Golders Green Reserves entered the final of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup [match report wrongly says London} on Saturday, when they defeated Hillingdon British Legion by three goals to one in the semi-final at Claremont Road. One would hardly have thought from the play that this was a semi-final match. There was raggedness in attack and both sides showed weakness in front of goal. For the greater part of the game the pace was slow, although it did speed up towards the end. Some doubt arose over Golders Green's last goal, scored by Bustard from a pass by Marcantonio, a question of offside being raised, but the referee allowed the goal. The match opened slowly with the play mostly in midfield, and for the first 15 minutes there was little excitement. Golders Green had more of the play, but their attack lacked finish and several promising movements petered out owing to weak play when in front of goal. After half-an-hour the Golders Green forwards went into action with more method. Bustard, playing well, took the ball up the centre and passed out to READ, who found the net with a good long shot. From the kick-off Hillingdon tried to draw level and on more than one occasion Jacobs saved the situation for the home side. Golders Green, however, were not by any means satisfied and they were soon attacking vigorously again, Marcantonio almost scoring with a good header. Hillingdon drew level shortly before half-time. When Jacobs ran out to meet the ball there was a skirmish and [J.] TAYLOR, capturing the ball, shot into the undefended goal. A few minutes later they had almost scored again, but Jacobs managed to push the ball over the top. The second half opened with Golders Green pressing again. In a few moments they had forced a corner. Read took it and sent a good shot into the players crowding the goalmouth, MARRABLE heading into the net. The home side were now pressing hard and keeping the play entirely in Hillingdon's half. The game began to speed up and Golders Green, although they had the best of things, were missing opportunities. Eventually BUSTARD, who had been working hard, took the ball from Marcantonio to score a few minutes before the final whistle went. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; S. Jones, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, H. Sharp; W. Read, J. Hill, L. Bustard, G. Marrable, L. Marcantonio. Hillindon British Legion : F. Wall; R. Taylor, F. Dungate; R. Hutchinson, F. Dover, W. Major; J. Davies, J. Taylor, S.H. Endersby, H. Fox, F. Long. (Hendon Times, 18/02/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 11 February - Reserves unlucky to lose

LEYTON RESERVES 1, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 0. Leyton Reserves won a well-contested match against Golders Green Reserves at Leyton on Saturday and secured a couple of Athenian League points. Leyton won the toss and kicked with the wind, but this proved no great advantage. Play went from end to end, but after half-an-hour Leyton Reserves had a bit of luck, for a ball which was shot by Graves, the Leyton right-half, was going wide, but it cannoned off another player and entered the net. The second half was much the same as the first, producing quite good football with one team as good as the other. The game ended with Golders Green Reserves rather unlucky to lose by one goal to nil. (Hendon Times, 11/02/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 04 February - Reserves' AFA Junior Cup victory

POLYTECHNIC RESERVES 0, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1. Golders Green Reserves met Polytechnic Reserves in the A.F.A. Junior Cup, fourth round replay [not fifth round replay as shown in the paper], on Saturday, and won by the only goal scored. Polytechnic won the toss and elected to kick with the wind, but Golders Green were soon attacking and the first thrill came when L. Bustard drove a ball just outside the upright. Golders Green looked as if they were going to put the issue beyond doubt before the interval, but the Poly. defence always seemed to be where they were wanted and withstood all the attacks of the Reserves' forwards, so at the interval there was no score. In the second half Golders Green, now with the wind behind them, absolutely dominated the game. One shot by H. Sharp down to the left-hand corner of the goal was magnificently saved by the Poly. goalkeeper. After 20 minutes L. BUSTARD received the ball from R. Ward. He was harassed, but he managed to hang on to the ball and shot, giving the goalkeeper no chance. How Golders Green kept up pressure without scoring further was amazing. Five minutes from the end Golders Green had a shock, for the Poly. were awarded a penalty for hands. G. Mallinder took the kick and, fortunately for Golders Green, the ball struck the upright and went into play, and the final whistle came with the score one goal to nil for Golders Green. This puts them into the semi-final of the A.F.A. Junior Cup. (Hendon Times, 04/02/1938, p.4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 28 January - Bad result for Reserves

BROMLEY RESERVES 3, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 0. Golders Green Reserves fell rather badly at Bromley, where the local team were right on top form. With this and the ball running right for them, they certainly deserved to win. L. Birch was hurt five minutes after the start and took no further part in the game - a bad handicap for Golders Green. Two mistakes by the Golders Green defence let in Bromley, who scored through Brind and Harvey. At half-time the score stood at 2-0 in favour of Bromley. After the interval Golders Green Reserves had much more of the play, but failed to turn good movements to account, and again Bromley scored from a corner. F. Centa headed into the net, making Bromley three goals up. There was no further score and Bromley finished worthy winners. (Hendon Times, 28/01/1938, p. 4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 21 January - Cup success for Reserves

ALDSMEDE 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3. Golders Green Reserves, handicapped by an under-sized pitch and half a gale blowing, put up quite a good show against Aldsmede in the third round of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup on Saturday. Aldsmede's captain won the toss and elected to kick into the wind. Straightaway Golders Green were in the attack and, swinging the ball about, kept Aldsmede on the defensive. A pass by B. Weaver resulted in L. MUNCER scoring a good goal which left the Aldsmede goalkeeper no chance. Soon after this L. BUSTARD gained possession, dribbled through the Aldsmede defence and scored a neat goal. At this point it looked as if the Reserves were going to get as many goals as they liked, but owing to a certain amount of bad luck and some bad shooting, the goals did not materialise. However, G. Marrable, who was the most conspicuous player on the field, swung the ball across to W. Read, who tranferred it to L. MARCANTONIO, whose positional play was a revelation. He had stepped up to the upright and slammed in the ball for another goal. Just before half-time Aldsmede were awarded a penalty for hands against L. Birch and B. SMITH converted. After resuming, Aldsmede had more of the game owing to the wind being in their favour, and a mistake by W. Read in hanging on to the ball saw Aldsmede's left-half gain possession and take a pot shot at goal. J. Jacobs failed to gather and the ball bounced to J. REYNOLDS, Aldsmede's outside-right, who promptly netted. Golders Green Reserves were now again getting on top and kept pressing, but no further score came, and Golders Green came away winners by 3-2. The next round is the semi-final. (Hendon Times, 21/01/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 14 January - Disappointing Cup-tie

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2, POLYTECHNIC RESERVES 2. The Reserves of Golders Green and Polytechnic put up a very disappointing display at Claremont Road on Saturday, when they played in the fourth round of the A.F.A Junior Cup. Golders Green were without their half-back line, having had to send them away with the first team, and consequently they had out T. Lewis, W. Hawkins and L. Bustard. The centre-forward was W. Pidgeon. This was an alteration from the advertised programme, too. The backs were L. Birch and J. Shorland. In the Polytechnic team the left winger was brought to centre-forward, and the other two men each moved one place to the left, giving Chown at centre, Dibley inside-left, and O’Neill outside. The backs also changed places, Robinson playing right and Mallinder at left. At the opening of play the Polytechnic team displayed a slight superiority, but this was soon overcome by the home team. Golders Green then proceeded to play quite a fast game, pressing fairly hard, but shooting wildly. When the attack was reversed and the Polytechnic assailed the Golders Green goal, the backs were well able to cope with the onslaughts and the ball was usually cleared. After about 25 minutes of indifferent play, Golders Green made a good running attack. They closed in on the Polytechnic goal and Forster had the greatest difficulty in clearing. The ball then passed to BUSTARD, who finding himself with nobody to pass to, decided to have a try himself, and the result was the Greens' first goal. The second soon followed. This was scored by MUNCER, who had been trying at intervals to find the net right from the opening of the game. His success had the effect of livening up the home team up for a short time, but later the two-goal lead seemed to give them a false feeling of satisfaction. Bustard was the star turn during the first half. He seemed to be everywhere, putting in a great deal of hard work. His play would, however, have been better appreciated in the forward line, which was sadly in need of a steadying influence. As individual players, Read, Hill, Muncer and Marcantonio all put up some bright play, but in the matter of co-ordination and co-operation the line was lacking. Half-time came with a two-nothing lead for the Greens and it looked as though they had made one more step towards the cup. This appearance persisted for a time in the second half. Then the Polytechnic team woke up. After allowing Golders Green to run them back to goal a number of times they came up and fought. They played better football, passes finding their men, and the defence finally crumbled. Jacobs put up a good show in goal, but was unable to cope with the attack, and eventually the Poly. scored their first goal through CHOWN. It was not until CHOWN scored another goal that Golders Green seemed to take the attacks seriously. Pidgeon made one or two attempts to gain the necessary odd goal for the win, but the backing he received was not sufficient. Several corners were forced, but the Polytechnic defence was strong enough to hold the Greens in check. It was debated whether extra time should be taken, but a replay was decided on. The Greens must play a much livelier and more wide-awake game if they wish to make another step forward. Golders Green Reserves: J. Jacobs; L. Birch, J. Shorland; T. Lewis, W. Hawkins, L. Bustard; W. Read, J. Hill, W. Pidgeon, L. Muncer, L. Marcantonio. Polytechnic Reserves: F.G. Forster; K. Robinson, G. Mallinder; S. McDonnell, C. Proffitt, C. Adams; H. Lowe, S. Miller, C. Chown, A. Dibley, C. O'N eill. (Hendon Times, 14/01/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 07 January - Re-arranged Reserves Draw

SUTTON UNITED RESERVES 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2. Owing to several injuries, Golders Green Reserves had to re-shuffle their team on Saturday, L. Bustard playing at right-back, G. Marrable at centre-half, H. Butt at left-half and L. Muncer centre-forward. Under the circumstances they put up a good show. Sutton commenced as if they meant to crush the Reserves and but for good work by the backs and goalkeeper they must have scored. Golders Green, however, withstood the pressure until a misunderstanding between Pidgeon and Jacobs let Sutton in to score the first goal, through PLANK. The Green rallied and the forwards played some really good football, Hill being outstanding. At half-time the score remained the same, Sutton being one up. Soon after resuming the Green were awarded a corner from the right wing, which was taken by Read, who placed his kick right to the far post, where MARCANTONIO had positioned himself, and he coolly headed the ball into the net, making the scores equal. Sutton came on again and very soon regained their lead. From a good pass PRATT, the outside-left, converted. The Green attacked strongly and forced a corner, which was taken by Read, and again MARCANTONIO nodded into the net to make the score two-all. For the remainder of the game Sutton were attacking strongly, but with the Green defence working like trojans, they withstood the onslaught until the end. (Hendon Times, 07/01/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 31 December - Boxing Day draw

WEALDSTONE RESERVES 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2. On Boxing Day, Golders Green Reserves visited Wealdstone Reserves and drew two all. The Golders green team were strengthened by the inclusion of Bloxham at Right-half and Shorland at left-back, both these players putting up a remarkably good performance, while a particularly fine display was given in goal by Yeo, who was taking the place of Painter, who was unablke to play. Golders Green's goals were scored by BLOXHAM and HILL. (Hendon Times, 31/12/1937, p. 4)

Posted at 18:30

Friday 31 December - Christmas Day 11-goal thriller

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 5, WEALDSTONE RESERVES 6. Golders Green Reserves were at home to Wealdstone Reserves on Christmas Day and lost by 6-5. Golders Green scored first through Pidgeon. Wealdstone equalised, and then went ahead, taking the score to 3-1. Golders Green took up the play again and scored a further goal, making the half-time position 3-2 in favour of Wealdstone. Mills, the Wealdstone outside-left, fell while running down the wing on his own and broke an ankle, but he was able to be taken home after treatment. The Golders Green scorers were: PIDGEON (2), HILL (2) and MARCANTONIO. (Hendon Times, 31/12/1937, p. 4)

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Friday 24 December - Reserves' AFA Junior Cup win

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 4, AQUARIUS 1. Golders Green Reserves emerged from their A.F.A. Junior Cup-tie with Aquarius, at Claremont Road, victors by 4-1. The game opened with Golders Green fielding ten men and the visitors only eight, but the deficiencies were soon repaired. BUSTARD opened the score for Golders Green in the first minute and had all four goals to his credit. He tested the Aquarius goalkeeper several times in the opening stages and Marcantonio was also consistently dangerous to the visiting defence. Read gave a good display on the right wing, but was not always helped by McKenzie. Aquarius nearly equalised when Lomax put up a good solo run, but he shot wide. BUSTARD beat the goalkeeper neatly to give Golders Green their second, dealing neatly with a pass from Bucci, who gave a splendid show throughout the game. Towards half-time Aquarius were swinging the ball about and looked more dangerous, but their goal was a gift from Pidgeon, Golders Green's left-back, who placed the ball in his own goal after Weaver had missed a clearance kick. Jacobs fell in trying to save and the ball rolled easily over the line. Close on half-time BUSTARD restored the margin of two for Golders Green. In the second half the Golders Green wingers did a lot of good work without success and Jones, at right-back, showed up well in defence. Both goalkeepers had a fair amount of work to do, but most of the attacking came from Golders Green. Jacobs distinguished himself with grand saves from Povinger and Miller. Aquarius found the net once more, but the whistle went for offside, and the final goal was BUSTARD's fourth. Golders Green Reserves: Jacobs; Jones, Pidgeon; Lewis, Weaver, Bucci; Read, McKenzie, Bustard, Muncer, Marcantonio. Aquarius : Gerring; Mulley, McAdam; Rogers, Greaves, Berry; Miller, Povinger, Latham, Muller, Lomax. (Hendon Times, 24/12/1937, p. 2)

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Friday 17 December - Reserves cup win over Hayes

HAYES RESERVES 3, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 4. Hayes Reserves started off this Middlesex Intermediate Cup-tie with a dash down the field from the left wing, but S. Jones, who is only 16 years of age and a very promising right-back, easily beat J. Hunter for the ball. Hayes were playing with a rather stiff breeze, which kept the Golders Green defence rather busy. During one of Hayes' attacks the ball was passed from Pickford to Hunter, who swung the ball across. This was easily intercepted by Weaver, but on following through with the ball, he slipped on the greasy surface, which left HANNIGAN (the Hayes centre-forward) with the ball, and he promptly drove into the net. Golders Green then livened up considerably and went to the attack with vigour, and from a good movement started by Ward, McKenzie pushed the ball forward for READ to bang into the back of the net. Hayes came again and just before half-time they scored through HUNTER. Upon resuming, Hayes attacked strongly and from a lovely pass by Hunter, BOSTOCK took a first-timer and scored. Things now looked pretty hopeless, but the Golders Green team thought otherwise, and from that goal to the end of the game they were definitely on top. They started swinging the ball about instead of holding it and from a pass by Ward, MARCANTONIO scored a good goal after beating two of Hayes' defenders. Again the Green pressed and BUSTARD, gaining possession of the ball, beat the Hayes right-back, and from 30 yards out he sent a terrific shot into the net. Ten minutes from time WARD drove in a lovely cross-shot which found the net. This proved to be the winning goal, so after being 3-1 down, Golders Green turned what looked like certain defeat into a brilliant victory. Golders Green Res.: J. Jacobs; S. Jones, T. Lewis; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, L. Bustard; W. Read, A. McKenzie, W. Pidgeon, L. Muncer, L. Marcantonio. Hayes Res.: J. Oliver; F. Hills, J. Goodeham; L. Wright, A. Gilham, F. Pickford; H. Clare, L. Hutchings, F. Hannigan, T. Bostock, J. Hunter. (Hendon Times, 17/12/1937, p. 4)

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Friday 10 December - Reserves outplay Barking, but lose

Golders Green Reserves, although losing by 4 goals to 2 at Barking on Saturday, gave their finest display of football this season. At times it reached brilliance. From the start Barking swung the ball to J. Ralf, their right-winger, who was the danger man of the Barking attack. He swung the ball back to the middle for S. Forman to shoot over. This looked as if the game were going to be one-sided in favour of Barking, but this proved to be very untrue. The Green came to the attack, the ball being pushed through the middle by B. Weaver to R. Graves (his first appearance for Golders Green), who cleverly beat two men and sent in a stinging shot which crashed against the upright. The Green kept up this attack for a considerable period, forcing corner after corner, but they did everything but score. They hit the uprights, the crossbar, even the goalkeeper's legs, but the ball would not go in the net. From one of Barking's rare breakaways, a melee in front of goal resulted in a score. Not dismayed, the Green returned to the attack, but after a further 10 minutes' play the Barking half-backs worked the ball towards the Green's goal and the centre-half pushed ther ball to FORMAN, who took a first-timer from about 10 yards out, the ball entering the goal off an upright. Golders Green had had practically all the play, but found themselves two down. They rallied again and five minutes from half-time LEWIS gained possession of the ball, and, advancing to within about 15 yards of the goal, he let drive, the ball entering the net at terrific speed, so at half-time the Green were only one goal down. Upon resuming the snowstorm started and the light became bad. At one period of this half there were ten of Golders Green's team in the Barking half. From another breakaway, Forman, of Barking, shot and hit the crossbar. Bouncing down, the ball hit J. Jacobs on the back and went into the net. Golders Green tried again, this time with more fortune. GRAVES gained possession and went through on his own, and, after tricking three of Barking's defence, finally netted clear of the Barking goalkeepoer. The light was now getting so bad that the game was almost impossible to follow. Once the referee pointed to the middle for another goal, but Bustard showed the referee the ball, which was near the touchline after someone had cleared. A bounce-up was then given. Barking scored again, still against the run of the play. This was the last goal, so the final whistle went with Golders Green the l,osers by 4 goals to 2. (Hendon Times, 10/12/1937, p .4)

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Friday 03 December - Reserves fall to Barnet

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1, BARNET RESERVES 3. Golders Green Reserves were outplayed during the second half of the game with Barnet Reserves on Saturday at Claremont Road in an Athenian League (Reserve Section) match. During the opening few minutes it seemed as though the home team might reasonably hold Barnet in check, especially when DUNNE netted the ball after a melee in front of goal. Dunne was playing at inside-right in place of J. Hill, who had an injured knee. Immediately after this, the Barnet forwards launched an attack which carried them right up in front of the Golders Green goal, and had it not been for Birch's presence in the goalmouth, the score would have been level. Jacobs had to run out to stop an attack from his left, and he slipped. The ball came back quickly, but fortunately Birch had run into the breach and cleared with a very fine kick. Birch had been brought into Alaway's place at right-back from the Strollers' team. Barnet's reply to Golders Green's first goal was not long in coming, however, and after some fast wing play and good passing GILBERT, at outside-left, succeeded in beating Jacobs with a lovely shot which left him lying on the ground. No further score was made in the first half of the game, but on several occasions Golders Green forced corner kicks which were not of much use. The wing men seemed unable to place the ball well, and when Bustard took the kicks himself there was no one able to score from a well-placed kick. Once more Golders Green Reserves were suffering from the fault of badly-timed passes. The half-backs frequently placed the ball well, but the forwards were slower than the Barnet men in getting on the spot. In the second half this failing became more pronounced and Barnet put on a turn of speed hitherto concealed. They pressed the Golders Green defence, and it speaks volumes for Jacobs' goalkeeping that they did not score more than two additional goals. Golders Green almost succeeded in scoring from Marcantonio and A. McKenzie, but the shot went wide. Barnet combined machine-like precision in their passing with a wealth of anticipation, thereby gaining most of the play. Their second goal was also scored by GILBERT, who took a pass from Weightman after breaking through the defence. Not very long after this WEIGHTMAN brought Barnet's total to three with a nicely-timed shot from a corner by D. McKenzie. Both these goals were made early in the second " 45 ", and although the Greens fought back sufficiently to keep the visitors away from the danger line for the rest of the game, they could not summon enough co-ordination or speed to score again. Although Marrable's play was not up to his usual standard, Weaver proved a steadying influence in the half-back line. There was little outstanding in the play of either team, although Rose, the Barnet goalkeeper, displayed his ability on one or two occasions. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; L. Birch, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, G. Marrable; W. Read, P. Dunne, L. Bustard, A. McKenzie, L. Marcantonio. Barnet Reserves : R.C. Rose; E. Sheppard, A.B. Grieve; J. Conyer, J. Bertauche, L. Tebbitt; D. McKenzxie, W. Little, W. Weightman, J. Jarrett, J. Gilbert. (Hendon Times, 03/12/1937, p. 4)

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Friday 26 November - A.F.A Junior Cup win for Reserves

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2, P.L.A. RESERVES 0. Entertaining the P.L.A. Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday in the second round of the A.F.A. Junior Cup, Golders Green Reserves should have put up a better show than they did. The two teams were evenly matched, P.L.A. making up in speed for the advantage Golders Green seemed to have in weight. The trouble with the home team was that they seemed to lack the ability to drive home an attack after breaking through the defence. It speaks well for the Golders Green defenders, however, that the home goal was seldom in any danger. R. Banks, the P.L.A. goalkeeper, was in fine fettle and saved many difficult shots. Play opened in a very quiet manner and Golders Green were soon attacking. For the greater part of the game they maintained the play in the P.L.A. section of the field, and it was only when the visitors made a fast breakaway that play entered the Golders Green end of the field. On several occasions the Golders Green forwards had pressed the attack to the point of scoring and a wild kick or poor pass spoiled a chance. Scarborough seemed over-anxious to gain some of the honours. The first goal did not fall until shortly before half-time. Golders Green had forced a number of corner kicks, and at last one was productive of good. The ball came sailing in from the corner, very well placed, and was fended off by Banks. It came to [J.} HILL, however, and he booted it hard into the back of the net. At the change of ends Bustard went to centre-forward and Scarborough took his place at left-half. Weaver and Ward played well and Bustard's presence in the forward line added a modicum of power and cohesion which it had lacked. This, unfortunately, was not enough to render the line all powerful, but it did result in one more goal, this time from MARCANTONIO, who had worked hard on the left wing. Read, too, on the right wing, had played a hard game. Johnson and Cobb, the P.L.A. left wing, were a very fine pair of players, and the centre-half, Ellis, was a sound man. The team as a whole, however, seemed to lack weight to carry an attack. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; F. Alaway, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, L. Bustard; W. Read, J. Hill, A. Scarborough, B.L. Muncer, L. Marcantonio. P.L.A. Reserves : R. Banks; W. Hutchings, J. Beane; T. Parkhouse, E. Ellis, C. Courtenay; E. Brockwell, W. Keegan, L. Stark, A. Johnson, C. Cobb. (Hendon Times, 26/11/1937, p.4)

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Friday 12 November - Reserves cup-tie defeat

Golders Green Reserves were beaten [by 2 goals to 0] on Saturday by a better side [Leyton Reserves] which contained six first eleven experienced players, in the Athenian League Reserve Section Challenge Cup. The game was very evenly contested, but after 30 minutes' play, W. Pidgeon had a foul given against him just outside the penalty area on the right. The kick was taken by G. Andrew, Leyton's outside-right, who put the ball into the middle of the goal. R. Ward headed, but it went up in the air, and was allowed to fall to the ground, when S. Bellinger (inside-right) tapped the ball into the net. Shortly after this reverse L. Bustard should have made the scores level, but he missed an open goal from about four yards out, so with the half-time whistle Leyton were one up. Upon the resumption of play Leyton went straight through with the ball and from a pass by W. Graves, A. Carter (centre-forward) put Leyton another goal up. Golders Green halves tried to get the forwards moving, but the finish of the inside forward was very weak and the attacks which the Green set up proved futile. It was only the better finish of Leyton's forwards which won them the match. They were quicker on the ball and took advantage of any opportunities offered. There was no further score and the final whistle blew with Leyton worthy winners. (Hendon Times, 12/11/1937, p.4)

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Friday 05 November - Trio of goals for Reserves

A strange point in the Golders Green Reserves' win over Old Wallingtonians by three goals to nil on Saturday in the A.F.A. Junior Cup, was that the goalkeeper for the visitors made a large number of brilliant saves, yet each of the three scoring shots was gentle and should have been easy to save. Bale, the Wallingtonians' goalkeeper, was good, but was not properly served by his backs, Moore and Dearing. On the other hand, Golders Green were sound in their defence and rather weak at the end of an attack. They suffered considerably from the failing of making pretty play close in front of goal instead of kicking straight and hard. Marcantonio and Read, the two wing men, were fast and in the first half the latter did much good work which was spoiled by weak support from the inside-right and the centre. Bustard, however, at centre, did score the two goals of the first half. Wallingtonians found that the Golders Green defence was a very hard-shelled nut, and they were unable to crack it, although their left-winger, Bond, made several attempts to break through. Although Golders Green Reserves were playing with the wind in the first half, they were not, apparently, in very good form. A tale of opportunities missed would be a good description of their work. A sticky pitch made it possible to keep the ball well down to the ground, with the result that better football was seen than has been noticed for the greater part of this season. The visitors attacked swiftly at the kick-off and had a good chance to lead early in the match. The home backs were sound, however, and Alaway cleared to midfield. Here the pass was taken up by Weaver and put over to Muncer, but this was of no avail. Shortly before Golders Green scored their first goal, 20 minutes after play started, Bond received a pass and had a clear run through the Golders Green defence. He came within about 20 yards of the goal before shooting and made his effort with the wrong side of his boot. The ball went right out. After the goal-kick Read received the ball and took it well away and centred to Bustard. With no serious opposition, BUSTARD made a safe and gentle shot at goal, which resulted in the first score. Several times after this Read made attempts to repeat the manoeuvre, but was unsuccessful, Dunne or Bustard failing to complete it. The second goal came also from BUSTARD, two minutes before the whistle blew for half-time, and was again a slow, gentle shot. The second half was, in the main, a repetition of the first, although the visitors played slightly better, taking the game more to the Golders Green end of the field. The only other goal was scored by Ward. A penalty was awarded to Golders Green for a handling offence. WARD took the kick and scored with a simple shot. The Greens repeatedly attempted to increase their lead, but lacked the ability to push their attacks right home. Their win should have been by a greater margin than it was. Golders Green Res : J. Jacobs; F. Alaway, N. Shillabeer; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, G. Marrable; W. Read, P. Dunne, L. Bustard, B.L. Muncer, L. Marcantonio. Old Wallingtonians : F.J. Bale; H.G. Dearing, R.W. Moore; J,.M. Williams, W. Baker, R.T. Boorne; W. Gould, A.T. Sleet, C.J. King, V.H. Fern, F.W.J. Bond. (Hendon Times, 05/11/1937, p.4)

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Friday 29 October - Reserves win at Romford

Golders Green Reserves gained their first two away points [by winning 2-1] on Saturday, when opposed to Romford Reserves. The game was very uninteresting to watch. If Golders Green had piled up a big score they would not have been flattered. The opposition was so weak that it was impossible to judge the standard of play. The outstanding players for the Reserves were undoubtedly R. Ward at right-half, W. Pearson at centre-half, and G. Marrable at inside-left. The game started with Golders Green pressing, but the finishing of the forwards left something to be desired. After 20 minutes play W. PIDGEON, who was being tried out at centre-forward, received a beautiful pass from R. Ward and scored a really good goal. The play continued to be one-sided, for the Reserves were pressing the whole time, but without result. A breakaway by the Romford forwards rewarded them with a goal from SANDERS, the inside-left. After the interval things went very much the same way, and mid-way through the second half J. MARCANTONIO, who certainly showed much promise for a lad of 17 years, ran through the Romford defence to register a good goal which proved to be the winner. (Hendon Times, 29/10/1937, p.4)

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Friday 22 October - Reserves lose away

Golders Green Reserves suffered another defeat at the hands of Walthamstow Reserves at Walthamstow on Saturday. The Greens' defence was slow and uncertain and the small forwards were baulked at every turn by the powerful Avenue defenders. [Greens'] defenders did not know the value of first-time clearances, with the exception of J. Bloxham at left-half and B. Weaver at centre-half. The forwards were too individual, and this all contributed to the Greens' defeat. Walthamstow's fast and thrustful halves and forwards brought them three goals in the first half, one through GREEN (the Avenue centre-forward), one from the inside right and one from a penalty. In the second half Golders Green Reserves did much more pressing and scored a good goal through J. BLOXHAM. Then the Avenue went further ahead when the inside-right scored, and 10 minutes from the close the inside-left netted. Thus the final whistle went with Golders Green losing by 5 goals to 1. (Hendon Times, 22/10/1937, p.4)

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Friday 15 October - Reserves cup defeat by Finchley

The reserve teams of Golders Green and Finchley met at Claremont Road on Saturday in the opening round of the London Intermediate Cup, [Finchley winning 3-1,] and altogether the display was a disappointing one, both teams presenting a great deal of ineffectual football. Finchley's defence was weak, but the Golders Green forward line seemed unable to press home any attack which they started. The Finchley forwards were better drilled, and had it not been for the soundness of the Green's defence, the score would have been a larger one in the visitors' favour. A combination of the Finchley forwards with the Golders Green half-backs, backs and either goalkeeper would have made a good team. Both teams played quite fast from the kick-off, Finchley showing a slightly better turn of speed, and also being rather quicker on the ball. The first quarter-of-an-hour, however, showed which team had the better chance of winning. The visitors were far more determined in their attack, and although the Greens' defence seldom conceded a corner, they were hard pressed. G. Bennett, the Finchley centre-forward, made a flying attack on the Golders Green goal from a pass from the fast left winger, Watkins. The backs were able to retrieve, however, and the ball went to Bustard. He broke away and was through the Finchley defence like the wind, but he sent the ball over the goal. The attack returned to the Golders Green end of the field and after an unfortunate incident in which a Golders Green man handled the ball, a free kick by Finchley, taken by MILNE, produced the first goal. In the remainder of the first half Golders Green attacked steadily, but lacked the finishing power to complete the movements. On a number of occasions Soden misplaced his shots, which went away to the right instead of towards goal. Had he been playing inside-left instead of inside-right, his play would have been more effective. The highlight of this half of the game was a kick by Smith, the Finchley right-back, who cleared the ball froma quarter down the field right into the arms of the Golders Green goalkeeper. Hill caught it and allowed it to slip from his grasp, but recovered, and as he was about to clear he was obstructed. He fell to the ground and covered the ball. A free kick was awarded. After the change of ends Finchley speeded up the game and at an early stage PAYNTER increased the lead to 2-0. The Greens' reply to this was a series of attacks in which the Finchley backs were forced to concede corner after corner, but the forwards lacked the extra punch needed to drive home. Finchley again broke away and PAYNTER scored the third goal after a steady attack. The greatest event of the match was yet to be, however. The Golders Green forwards maintained an attack which resulted in several corner kicks. None was productive of the hoped-for result, however, until BUSTARD scored direct from one of his kicks. It was a really beautiful shot, beating Ramsay completely, and landing in the back corner of the net. Although the Greens tried hard after this to pull up for a draw, they weere unsuccessful, and Finchley Reserves took a step towards the London Intermediate Cup. Golders Green Reserves : R. Hill; H. Bennett, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, B. Weaver, J.W. Bloxham; W. Read, W. Soden, W. Stovell, G. Marrab le, L. Bustard. Finchley Reserves : R. Ramsay; G. Trimmer, H. Smith; G. Willmore, W. Daniel, C. Milne; T. Jefferson, J. Paynter, G. Bennett, S. Baker, C. Watkins. (Hendon Times, 15/10/1937, p.4)

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Friday 08 October - Reserves lose points to Enfield

Although beaten by two goals to one at Enfield, Golders Green Reserves showed plenty of fight. If their finishing had been as good as their approach work, there might have been a different result. Enfield pressed strongly from the start. Brown was only just wide of the mark with two great shots. Ready, the outside-right of Enfield, engineered a clever move for Jackson, the Enfield centre-forward, to score the first goal. Golders Green half-back line well supported the forwards and Stovell and Marrable made some good raids, but without troubling the Enfield goalkeeper. Golders Green had as much of the play in the second half and the Enfield goalkeeper saved well from Marrable. Stovell's clever work brought many openings for the Green, but the other forwards failed badly. Enfield broke away on the left through the left-half, who scored a good goal. Soon after this reverse the Green scored a really brilliant goal through Bustard at outside-left, leaving the final score 2-1 in favour of Enfield. (Hendon Times, 08/10/1937, p.4)

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Friday 01 October - Goal-scoring Reserves

Although Golders Green Reserves over-ran the defence of Redhill Reserves at Claremont Road on Saturday, they did not put up that display which the score of 8-2 would lead one to suppose. The whole story could be told in very few words. Redhill Reserves' defence was weak. As a protection to Springett, the goalkeeper, Lockyer and Major were of very little service. In the Golders Green forward line, J. Hill, through the weakness of his leg, was a passenger during the greater part of the second half, but Stovell made up for this, assisted very strongly by Marrable. F. Boston, a cut above the other members of the team for style and play, was yet not quite back to his old first team standard. In the half-back line, Bustard, Peverell and Read teamed up well together, and Peverell was quite sound in the centre position, though slightly lacking in confidence. Both he and Read, with encouragement and good coaching, should soon reach the top notch. Lewis and Walker saved R. Hill from having much work to do in goal, but on one occasion he received a nasty knock. R. Hill seems to have been very unfortunate this season. In the Redhill forward line there were two alterations. F. Corbey was unable to play at inside-left, and Graffham was moved across from outside-right to fill his place. H. Pearse was brought forward to outside-right from right-half, and R.W. Howlett was put in at right-half. This must have considerably weakened the attacking powers of the team, for, on several occasions, movements were easily frustrated which should have resulted in goals being scored. Woodroffe, the centre-forward, and Tyler, the outside-left, were the only two promising players in the team. Howlett, Baker and Vale, the half-backs, were not able to feed their forwards consistently. The home team opened their play in a rather uncertain fashion, but soon found they could run round the defence with the greatest ease. Soon after the kick-off they were massed round the Redhill goal, and it was bad judgment on the part of the forwards that enabled Springett to clear. A short attack by Redhill was quickly repulsed, and the play returned to the Redhill end of the field. Each of the forwards made an attempt to score, but it was not until the ball came away to the halves that an opening showed itself. BUSTARD had the ball, and slammed it into the back of the net. F. Boston was responsible for another attack, and having tricked two defenders, he centred to J. Hill, who headed the ball towards goal. Springett gathered it neatly, however, and cleared. After several attempts, STOVELL then succeeded in scoring. He received a pass from Marrable, and with a clear field he beat the goalkeeper. Redhill fought back for a short time and Bustard and Walker showed some good defensive work against Pearse and Dowding. Golders Green scored two more goals, one by READ and the other by STOVELL, before Redhill made any other reply. The visitors' first goal seemed to be due to a misunderstanding by R. Hill. WOODROFFE received ther ball from Graffham, and shot it gently in by the right-hand post. Hill, trying to save, sprawled on the ground, but was just too late. STOVELL increased the lead again, however, and J. HILL was the next member of the Green's team to score, bringing the total to six, where it remained until half-time. After the change-over Golders Green made a sustained attack on the Redhill goal, but sent the ball out, through wild shooting, on a number of occasions. Redhill countered and, with a move started by Vale and Baker, the forwards went down the field. Tyler centred to Woodroffe close to goal. WOODROFFE took his chance, and Redhill's score was two. For a period after this Redhill tried to pull together, and R. Hill, Lewis and Walker had a fairly hard time, but Golders Green scored two more goals, MARRABLE and F. BOSTON being the marksmen. This high total of goals may be useful in the end-of-season reckoning in the League, but if the Reserves are to gain more League points they must play a more definite game than they did on Saturday. Golders Green : R. Hill; T. Lewis, Walker; W. Read, A. S. Peverell, L. Bustard; A.N. Other, J. Hill, W. Stovell, G. Marrable, F.S. Boston. Redhill : Springett; Lockyer, Major; Howlett, Baker, Vale;, Pearse, Dowding, Woodroffe, Graffham, Tyler. (Hendon Times, 01/10/1937, p.4)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 17 September - Reserves fall heavily

Although the strength of Golders Green and Walthamstow Avenue reserve teams was about equal, Golders Green allowed the visitors to take away five goals to two on Saturday in a game which should have been a draw. Jacobs, the Green's goalkeeper, was too spectacular, and three of the Avenue's goals were scored when he was out of goal. On each occasion he had been lured out to pick up the ball. When he came out, however, a pass was made to Green, the centre-forward, who had a simple job to score. Jacobs certainly saved a number of goals which seemed almost certainties, since the backs, Allaway and Hayward, were not very sure of themselves at times, but his principle of running out to clear was applied too frequently when the Avenue forwards were close on the goal. When play started it seemed as though the game would be fairly even, but the Avenue were more precise in their methods. The first goal was scored by WASTELL for the Avenue about five minutes after the kick-off, and the shot had Jacobs completely beaten. It was a good piece of play on Wastell's part, and the goalkeeper did the best he could. The players opened out their formation after this and a wing attack by Golders Green brought Read, the outside-right, into a scoring position. He shot hard, but just too high, and the ball sailed over the crossbar. Following closely on this the Greens equalised from a corner kick. The wind was blowing stongly down the pitch towards the Avenue goalmouth, and the arc the ball described when READ took the kick carried it neatly into the goal. Pinner tried to save, but did not realise what was happening until too late. This seemed to buck the home team up a little, and they played with more verve than they had previously displayed. Stovell had a hard time to cope with Hotchkiss, a new player on trial with the Avenue, and only managed to beat him once or twice. He played a good game, however,, and was well worth his place. Green and Wastell were the only outstanding players in the visitors' team. Two more goals fell to the lot of Walthamstow before half-time, and both were scored by Green. The first he scored after a running pass from Hotchkiss. He beat Bryn Evans, the centre-half, and had a clear field. Jacobs ran out instead of waiting, and GREEN scored. The other goal came as a result of a centre from Groves. The Avenue forwards were well up on the goal, and Jacobs, not relying on the backs and halves, ran out to pick up the ball. Before he could succeed, in the confusion of feet, Groves passed to GREEN, who scored. The second half started with another goal for the Avenue, obtained [by GREEN] in a similar manner. This time Wastell, the outside-right, made the pass. Golders Green's second goal followed some hard play. Hill started a move down field, and passed to Stovell, who beat the centre-half and backs. Pinner ran out and almost reached the ball, but STOVELL neatly heeled it into the air over Pinner's head, and, passing on, scored. It was, withouit doubt, the best goal of the match. This gave new life to the game, which had become sluggish, and Stovell again tried to score, but was unsuccessful. The goalkeeper waited for the attack and was able to save. The Avenue's last goal was obtained by GREEN. He managed to get a good run, and although he seemed to be offside, he had cleared the ball first. The backs tried to stop him and Jacobs ran out of goal, but the result was a clear field for a safe shot. (Hendon Times, 17/09/1937, p.4)

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Friday 10 September - Reserves beaten at Hayes

Golders Green Reserves were away to Hayes Reserves on Saturday. So far as Golders Green were concerned the game was far below the standard displayed in the previous week. Bustard was a passenger all through the match, receiving another knock immediately after kick-off, but his incapacity was no excuse for the remainder of the team, whose poor display led to a result of 3-0 in favour of Hayes. (Hendon Times, 10/09/1937, p.11)

Posted at 18:00

Friday 03 September - Big win for Reserves

Golders Green Reserves romped to victory over Tooting & Mitcham second team at Claremont Road on Saturday [by 7-2]. Heartened by an early lead, Golders Green played well together, with plenty of spirit and opportunism in the front line. They led by the only two goals scored in the first half, and added five to the visitors' two after the change of ends. Stovell played a good game at centre-forward, Hill and Soden were a bright pair on the right wing, and Bustard and Marrable showed a good understanding on the left. Ward was the most striking of the halves, though Weaver was invariably sound in the centre. Ward was moved up from right-back, his place being taken by Pidgeon. Jacobs had some warm spells in the Golders Green goal, and generally acted with sound judgment. Tooting and Mitcham put out an interesting team, considerably changed from the one announced. Ray deputised for Odenbright at centre-forward, Clark took the place of Manners at inside-right, and on the outside was H. Palmer, aged only 15 and a half, but showing great speed and a degree of skill suggesting far more experience. Manners, from Sutton, and Earl, brother of Curly Earl, the old West Ham player, formed the left wing, Earl deputising for S. Smith. At right-half was A. Turnbull, Tufnell Park's right-half and one of Tooting and Mitcham's old players. On the left Crammer was played in place of F. Lever, and at right-back H. Hall displaced A. Dixon. Ceilus, in goal, played for Wimbledon Reserves last year. From the kick-off Tooting and Mitcham pressed on the left, but Ward broke up the attack, and although the visitors immediately set up a promising movement on the other wing, it came to nothing. Weaver sent Bustard away, and he centred to Stovell, who reached the visitors' goal, but Ceilus held the ball. Stovell and Soden worked through again, but Ceilus saved Stovell's shot. He also dealt with a low shot through from Weaver. Bustard sent the ball wide of the mark, and after two unproductive corners, Golders Green fell back, Palmer and Clark carrying the ball into the home area, but not succeeding in passing the backs. The visitors' halves were supporting the forwards well now, and several openings came in the centre and on the right wing, Palmer being very prominent. Jacobs held a stiff shot, and saved twice more before Golders Green took up the attack again. Stovell forced Ceilus to concede a corner, following which Soden shot over the bar. Then BUSTARD opened the score, turning the ball in from Soden, and shortly afterwards BUSTARD increased the Golders Green lead, converting a pass from Hill. Early in the second hall RAY scored for the visitors with a neat piece of headwork, but BUSTARD restored the lead of two. Jacobs fell in clearing again from RAY, who followed up smartly and netted before Jacobs could recover. Then it became a case of merely waiting for further goals for Golders Green, the visiting defence weakening badly. STOVELL netted during a scramble in front of goal, and found the mark again with a running shot after a good solo effort. LEWIS added the sixth, and the seventh came from SODEN. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; W. Pidgeon, T. Caswell; R. Ward, B. Weaver, T. Lewis; E. Soden, J. Hill, W. Stovell, G. Marrable, L. Bustard. Tooting & Mitcham Reserves : G. Ceilus; H. Hall, L. Burrage; A. Turnbull, A. Richardson, Crammer; H. Palmer, Clark, W. Ray, Earl, Manners. (Hendon Times, 03/09/1937, p. 6)

Posted at 18:00