Friday 10 February - Reserves' narrow defeat

ENFIELD RESERVES 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1. Golders Green Reserves lost their cup-tie [in the Athenian League Reserves Challenge Cup] by the odd goal of three at the Southbury Road Stadium on Saturday. It was an excellent game, and with a little luck in the closing stages, when for 20 minutes the visitors peppered the Enfield goal and did everything but score, they might easily have forced a replay. Enfield opened the scoring after about ten minutes, when SHEPHERD, at inside-left, notched the point. The game was very even, but the interval came without further score. Midway in the second half the home side went further ahead, CHATT netting. The Green were handicapped by an injury to Davis, who got a nasty kick, and was in consequence slowed up. Right following Enfield's second point the Green retaliated and MORGAN scored a good goal. From this point until the end Golders Green were on top, and on one instance Wade, with his back to the play, caught a hot shot from R. Ward in the middle of his back and the ball was cleared by sheer luck. Jacobs played a good game in goal, and Weaver and Pidgeon were sound backs, with Pidgeon the " big man " of the defence. Robson was the best of the half-back line, while WILLMOTT was the best of a satisfactory forward quintette. Golders Green : J. Jacobs; B. Weaver, W. Pidgeon; H.W. Robson, R. Button, W.E. Barnes; G. Morgan, L.R. Ward, A. Davidson, E. Willmott, F. Davis. Enfield : C.F. Wade; R. Briggs, A. Bygrave; H. Ward, A. Daniels, R. Hinsby; L. Starling, J. Simmonds, W. Wisboden, E. Shepherd, H. Chatt. (Hendon Times, 10/02/1939, p. 4)

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Friday 03 February - Reserves' good display

BARKING RESERVES 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1. With Button commandeered by the first eleven, Pidgeon, the skipper, not available, and Martinson down with 'flu, Golders Green Reserves did exceptionally well to run the powerful Barking side - second in the Athenian League Reserve Section table - to a goal at Vicarage Field, especially in view of the fact that Robson had been down with a cold all week and was hardly fit. The whole side, however, went into the fray with enthusiasm, and put up a good all-round performance. The two "A" team backs, Shepherd and Coish, though not as experienced as the regulars, resisted stubbornly ; Weaver took over at centre-half again, and showed good form. Jacobs was a safe goalkeeper, while Robson and Long, the wing halves, gave nothing away. Davis, at outside-left, played a great game, but the other forwards were not quite up to their usual standard. At the same time, with any luck, the Green would have drawn level in the second half. Barking scored both their goals before the interval, and DAVIS reduced the arrears in the second half. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; S. Shepherd, A. Coish; H.W. Robson, B. Weaver, F. Long; G. Morgan; L.R. Ward, R.F. Coppola, E. Willmott, F. Davis. (Hendon Times, 03/02/1939, p. 4)

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Friday 27 January - Reserves' fine show at Barnet

BARNET RESERVES 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2. Golders Green second eleven put up a great performance at Barnet last Saturday and, with any luck at all, would have won their Athenian League game. The ground was, in common with most others, in a bad state, but a good game was witnessed. Playing down the slope in the first half, the visitors were well on top, and it came as no surprise when, from a pass by Long, COPPOLA put them ahead within ten minutes. The Green continued to be the superior side, and just before half-time COPPOLA netted the second goal, the ball coming to him from the left. The visitors were unfortunate not to score goals in the second half, when they had every bit as much of the play as the home side. Barnet, however, scored a good goal midway through the half, and equalised just before time as the result of a defesive mix-up. Jacobs played a great game in goal, while the two backs were sound, Martinson being outstanding. Robson played his usual strong game at right-half, while Weaver, coming in at centre-half, acquitted himself most creditably, using his experience to advantage in avoiding a lot of unnecessary running about on the heavy pitch. Long played at left-half, and showed an excellent knowledge of the requirements of the position. The forwards all worked hard and well, to complete a satisfactory display. Golders Green : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; H.W. Robson, B. Weaver, F. Long; G. Morgan, L.R. Ward, R.F. Coppola, E. Willmott, W.E. Barnes. (Hendon Times, 27/01/1939, p. 4)

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Friday 20 January - A.F.A. Junior Cup win

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3, MOOR GREEN (BIRMINGHAM) RESERVES 1. With a moderately good display of football, Golders Green Reserves on Saturday took one more step forward in the A.F.A. Junior Cup. They encountered a team from a Birmingham suburb - Moor Green Reserves - and, in the second half of the game, gave them a sound beating. At one time it seemed as though play might have to stop, so bad was the light, but the fog seemed to lift slightly, and the match was played out. In the first half there was not a lot of interesting play. The ground was very heavy, especially in midfield and in front of both goals. The Green had to find a last-minute substitute for Davis, who was called away to stand by for the first team, and E. Sandrock appeared at outside-left. He appeared to lack confidence, but showed flashes of usefulness. Several times during the first half Coppola had very bad luck in failing to score for, after beating the defence, his shots struck the crossbar or an upright. He was the first to net, but this was disallowed as another Golders Green player was offside at the time. Moor Green did not like the mud and could not use their fast turn of speed to effect. Had the ground been in better condition a very different result might have appeared, because on several occasions Ward and Morgan found themselves outrun in a race for the ball with Edwards and Blythe, while it was all Martinson and Pidgeon could do to hold Jenkinson and Holbrook in check on some occasions. Half-time came with the Midlanders looking slightly more fagged than the Green, and this told after the interval. The home team forced several advantages and were the first to score, through COPPOLA, who made a clean runaway and had Raikes beaten hands down. The second goal followed almost immediately, from Morgan. From a forward pass which cleared the halves, MORGAN was away and, neatly evading Blythe, he shot well into the net - a thoroughly deserved score. It was some time before Moor Green responded to this lead, but eventually WHITEHEAD instituted a giood forward movement which gave him the chance to score froma right wing pass. The failing light began to tell, and there was a certain amount of wild play. Golders Green pulled themselves together, however, and MORGAN added a third goal from a pass by Sandrock, on the left wing. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; H.W. Robson, R. Button, W.E. Barnes; G. Morgan, L.R. Ward, R.F. Coppola, E. Willmott, E. Sandrock. Moor Green (Birmingham) Reserves : R. Raikes; A.W. Bavastock, C. Blythe; F. Wheeler, C. Foulks, J, Edwards; D. Warwick, E. Jenkinson, E. Whiteheadc, S. Holbrook, T. Stanley. (Hendon Times, 20/01/1939, p. 4)

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Friday 13 January - Reserves' away point at Wealdstone

WEALDSTONE RESERVES 1, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1. Golders Green Reserves played an excellent game at Lower Mead, and well merited their point. They took the lead after ten minutes, following a centre from Davis, who played a great game at outside-left. Coppola completely missed the ball, but MORGAN, following up, banged it home. The Green held their advantage until about ten minutes from time, when an unfortunate incident occurred, which undoubtedly upset their equilibrium. Barnes came across and, with a sliding tackle, robbed the Wealdstone inside-right and went through with the ball. The Wealdstone man was involved in a spot of trouble, and the referee, turning round, ordered both men off the field. Immediately following this, during a Wealdstone attack, Button tried to get to a ball coming in from the right, failed to make good contact, and the ball rebounded from Robson into the net. The Green played well right through the team. Jacobs, in goal, was excellent, the two backs were very safe, while the whole of the half-back line was extremely good. Morgan had a splendid game at outside-right, though early on he failed to appreciate some of the moves made by Ward, who, as an inside forward, was a revelation and was perhaps the best attacker on the field. Coppola played well at centre-forward, and Willmott gave one of his best displays this season at inside-left. His partner, F. Davis, was outstanding, and had a field day though up against a sound back. He is a fighter all the way, showed a good burst of speed, and put over some fine centres. On this display he must seriously be considered as a candidate for the first eleven. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; W.H. Robson, R. Button, W. Barnes; G. Morgan, L.R. Ward, R. Coppola, E. Willmott, F. Davis. (Hendon Times, 13/01/1939, p. 4)

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Friday 06 January - Reserves' good fight

LEYTON RESERVES 3, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2. Although narrowly beaten, Golders Green Reserves played one of their best games of the season at Lea Bridge Road on Saturday, and twice held the lead before finally going under by the odd goal of five. It was anybody's game, and with a little luck Coppola might have scored on several occasions. A draw would have been a fair result. The Green took the lead through MORGAN after ten minutes' play, and held their own well right through the half. After 35 minutes, however, Leyton broke away on the left, and Barnes had no chance with the winger's shot. The interval came with the score 1-1, and it was the Green who scored next, WILLMOTT netting a good goal after 15 minutes' play. Five minutes later Leyton were on terms, their outside-left getting through to score. Just over half-an-hour had gone when Leyton were awarded a penalty, but Barnes, deputising in goal for Jacobs, saved splendidly. Ten minutes from the end the home team's winner was notched. The ball went out to the right, and as Barnes came out to narrow the winger's angle, he passed unexpectedly along the ground to the centre-forward, who shot into an empty goal. Barnes made an able deputy for Jacobs, while Martinson and Pidgeon were excellent, though the former received a nasty knock in the second half which slowed him down. Ward, Robson and Button, the three half-backs, played strongly and well, while Morgan and Sandrock made an effective right wing. Coppola had an excellent game at centre-forward, and was unfortunate on a number of occasions. Long played well at inside-left, and Willmott, in an unaccustomed position at outsuide-left, acquitted himself creditably. Goldedrs Green Reserves : W.E. Barnes ; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, W. Robson, R. Button; G. Morgan, E. Sandrock, R. Coppola, F. Long, E. Willmott. (Hendon Times, 06/01/1939, p. 4)

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Friday 23 December - Reserves win Cup replay

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 4, KENILWORTH 2. Golders Green Reserves made no mistake in their replay of the 4th round tie of the A.F.A. Junior Cup with Kenilworth, gaining the right to entertain Moor Green in the next round. Owing to the absence of Griffin, Willmott moved to inside-left and Barnes took over at outside-left. Kenilworth took the offensive at the commencement and, within ten minutes had taken the lead, but this was short-lived, THOMAS equalising within a few minutes. Kenilworth went ahead again, but before the interval, which came with the score two all, THOMAS had again put the Green on terms. In the second half Golders Green were the more dangerous and faster side. BARNES put them ahead with a good effort from Morgan's centre, and MORGAN made the game safe by scoring the fourth. Jacobs, in goal, played well, if not quite as safe as usual, the backs, after a shaky start, settled down to play soundly, but the undoubted mainstay of the team was the half-back line, which played a very strong game and which was usually the master of the opposing attack. The two wingers were good, Morgan beding the best forward on view. Golders Green : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; W. Robson, R. Button, F. Davis; G. Morgan, J. Hill, R. Thomas, E. Willmott, W. Barnes. (Hendon Times, 23/12/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 16 December - Reserves "off song"

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1, LEYTON RESERVES 4. The cryptic title " A. Newman " in the published side of Golders Green Reserves hid the identity of R. Thomas, the Hayes centre-forward, whose transfer was through in time to enable him to turn out. Though he was poorly supported from wings and rear, he proved his ability, and was the outstanding player in the side. Jacobs, in goal, played a splendid game, Ward was an excellent right-back, and Morgan, though starved badly, was in good form on the right. All the rest of the team were out of the picture. There was no method in the home side's play ; they were kicking wildly, and their clearances were anywhere. Leyton, led by their veteran, " Sonny " Graves, were a workmanlike combination and thoroughly deserved their success. The visitors went ahead right from the commencement. Pitson went down on the right and centred for GRIFFITHS to put past Jacobs with a shot which gave him no chance. Following this the Green attacked for a considerable period, and should have scored several times. Thomas put Morgan away beautifully, and the winger centred well, but Marcantonio missed a " sitter " from the pass. Pitson and Cullum were a continual source of danger to the home defence, which, with the exception of Ward, was erratic, and Jacobs was frequently in action. Thomas again put Morgan away, and the winger sent in a glorious cross-shot which Anderson had to get right down to save. A minute later Marcantonio again missed an easy chance from another Morgan centre. The interval came without further score, but in the second half the Green were completely outplayed. After ten minutes CULLUM netted the second and about ten minutes later he put on the third. Leyton's score was taken to four after half-an-hour, CULLUM beating Jacobs. The Green then staged a belated rally, and were awarded a penalty, WARD netting from the spot. Towards the end Thomas made a fine ran through, beating Boyle and Gadson, but shot just wide of the upright. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; L.R. Ward, W. Pidgeon; W. Robson, R. Button, F. Davis; G. Morgan, F. Long, R. Thomas, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantonio. Leyton Reserves : F. Anderson; A. Boyle, H. Gadson; H.W. Graves, W. Harden, A. Warren; T. Pitson, J. Cullum, A. Carter, R. Griffiths, W.J. Margetts. (Hendon Times, 16/12/1938. p. 4)

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Friday 09 December - Reserves draw after 5-1 lead

KENILWORTH 6, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 6. In the A.F.A. Junior Cup, 4th round, Golders Green Reserves, after commanding a 5-1 lead at half-time against Kenilworth at Ravensbourne, only drew 6-6. Golders Green were depleted by the last minute call of the First eleven for Button, as it was not expected that Graves would be fit to turn out, following an injury in the County game ; and by an accident to Weaver, who was unable to play. In the circumstances F. Davis dropped to left-half, and C.J. Donovan was called in at centre-half, V. Rowe in on the wing. In the first half COPPOLA and MORGAN scored two goals each and WILLMOTT one, to give the Green a commanding lead, but after the interval, owing to the weakness of Donovan, the wing halves and backs were continually drawn out of position. COPPOLA scored the only goal for the Green this half, and Kenilworth drew level. Jacobs, in goal, played a exceptionally sound game. He saved one of the two penalties awarded against Donovan,. and could not be blamed for any of the goals. He was afforded poor protection by his backs. Neither of the backs was up to form, but the wing halves, Ward and Davis, did well, though the former was inclined to keep the ball too close and the latter was somewhat slow. Coppola led the forward line splendidly, but in the second half he received poor support. Morgan did well, but owing to the weakness in the defence, was starved in the second half. Willmott opened out the game well, and Hill worked hard, but kept the ball too close. The replay is at Ravensbourne on December 17. Goldedrs Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; L.R. Ward, C.J. Donovan, F. Davis; G. Morgan, J. Hill, R.Coppola, E. Willmott, V. Rowe. (Hendon Times, 09/12/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 02 December - Missing Report

LYLE SPORTS - W, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES - L. [The Hendon Times edition of 2nd December 1938 does not give a scoreline or report for this match in the London Intermediate Cup. The only indication of the result comes in a heading and sub-heading for the Golders Green matches which reads: "THE GREENS ARE BLUE! - A Saturday of Heavy Defeats for all Three Teams." Reports on the first team and "A" team can be found in their respective sections of the website.]

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Friday 25 November - Unlucky Reserves

HAYES RESERVES 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1. Fielding a team weakened by the calls of the senior eleven and lacking the services of F. Long through injury, Golders Green Reserves visited Hayes for the 2nd Round of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup, and were unfortunate in losing by 2-1. W.E. Barnes deputised for Pidgeon, J.W. Whiting for Willmott, while J. Hill took the inside-right berth. Hayes scored after ten minutes, Smith, their outside-right, breaking away and centring. Jacobs was uncertain whether to come out or stay at home, and while he hesitated the home side's centre-forward banged the ball into the net. Twenty minutes later Hayes went further ahead from a similar movement, but this time the winger put in a short pass and the inside man went through the backs, giving Jacobs no chance. From now to the interval it was all Hayes, but the Green's defence held out. Following the change-over the visitors went all out and fought back like tigers. Their reward came after 20 minutes, when Hill put Duenas away. The home defence cleared the centre, but ROBSON gained possession and hit home a fine goal. Except for one or two breakaways Hayes were now penned in, and at least four shots were unlucky not to get home. On one occasion Duenas was pushed in the back as he was going through, but the referee did not see the incident. Jacobs, in goal, except for his one early slip, was brilliant, both backs defended well, while the half-back line was a tower of strength. Hill was the best of the forward line, and played a fine game, while Duenas was a trier all through. Pinkham did not have many chances, and the left wing was rather weak. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacoba; P. Martinson, W.E. Barnes; W. Robson, R. Button, F. Davis; N. Duenas, J. Hill, A.I. Pinkham, W.H. Whiting, L.J. Marcantonio. (Hendon Times, 25/11/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 18 November - Reserves' sound victory

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3, SOUTHALL RESERVES 1. Although Golders Green Reserves beat Southall Reserves with a margin of two goals in the Athenian League at Claremont Road on Saturday, there was no score made until twenty minutes before the close of the second half. Even then it was the Southall inside-right who scored, a well-deserved goal. In the first half Southall played a fairly good game, but Golders Green were always on top, securing the greater part of the play. It was only owing to very sound defence on the part of Spencer, in goal, and Tite and Gregory, the backs, that no score was made. The Golders Green forwards put up a good display, but although they shot well they could not beat Spencer, who made some very good clearances. Lancaster was another Southall man who played strongly throughout the game. In the second half Southall took the offensive, and gradually forced the Greens back, until they succeeded in drawing first blood through BLACK. This woke up the Greens, and they fought off subsequent attacks. From one of these attacks Martinson, the Green's right back, cleared to Robson. The latter took the ball away and sent it to DUENAS on the left wing. He scored with a lovely cross-shot in the top corner of the net. With the scores level both teams were on their mettle, but the Greens proved that they had the extra push necessary to carry out more hard work, and again Robson passed to Duenas. The latter, unable to get through, swung the ball across to Marcantonio, who forced a corner. He sent in a beautiful pass right in the goalmouth, and although Lewin missed it DUENAS scored, heading the ball into the net. Five minutes later Golders Green had consolidated their position with a third goal. This came from a good pass by Robson, which was intercepted by MARCANTONIO, who headed it and beat Spencer. The outstanding players in the Golders Green team were Robson and Button. They kept the Southall forwards well covered during the whole game, and Jacobs, in goal, gave a sound display. Golders Green Reservers : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; R. Robson, R. Button, F.W. Davis; N. Duenas, F. Long, C.V. Lewin, J. Hill, L.J. Marcantonio. Southall Reserves : J. Spencer; G. Tite, C. Gregory; J. Mitchell, J. Mansell, J. Lancaster; F. Kennett, J. Black, R. Gardner, J. Birrell, A. Fox. (Hendon Times, 18/11/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 11 November - Kew Association trounced in AFA Junior Cup

KEW ASSOCIATION 0, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 8. Golders Green Reserves are showing the first team how to score goals. In their last five games, all of which have been won, the second string have scored 24 goals and conceded 6. On Saturday they added eight to their tally, but the game was not as one-sided as the score indicates, the visiting backs, Martinson and Pidgeon, having plenty of work but clearing their lines quickly and well, with the result that Jacobs, in goal, was never seriously troubled, though what work he had to do he did in good style. The three halves laid the foundation of the win. They were on top all through : Robson played a storming game and fed the forwards well, Button was three men rolled into one, while Davis played an exceptionally sound role at left-half. Hill was the weak link in the forward line. Duenas, on the wing, not only scored a goal, but had bad luck in hitting the post at least half-a-dozen times ; he showed great promise. Lewin was a first-rate leader of the attack, while Willmott was the star turn, opening the defence with long sweeping passes and making four of the goals notched. Marcantonio showed his old form, swinging the ball about well and shooting hard and true. MARCANTONIO opened the scoring after about 10 minutes and added to the lead soon afterwards. After half-an-hour LEWIN was put through by Willmott and made three, while MARCANTONIO completed his hat-trick before the interval, which came with the score 4-0. Soon after the resumption MARCANTONIO added a fifth and LEWIN scored a perfect goal - perhaps the best of the match. Then HILL, and lastly DUENAS, completed the rout. Just before the end Golders Green were awarded a penalty for an obscure offence, and Pidgeon brought cheers from all sides by deliberately lifting the ball into the goalkeeper's hands. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; W. Robson, R. Button, F. Davis; N. Duenas, J. Hill, C.V. Lewin, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantionio. (Hendon Times, 11/11/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 04 November - London Intermediate Cup win

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 6, PREMIER MILLS 3. Golders Green Reserves passed through to the Third Round of the London Intermediate Cup with a comfortable win over the Premier Mills on Saturday, at Claremont Road. They defeated the visitors by 6 goals to 3 in a game made all the more interesting by the exciting sequence of events in the second half. The final score was not really indicative of the game. On the whole the match was fairly even. Scores were standing at 3-3 until well into the second half, when suddenly the visitors' defence collapsed and there was a rapid succession of goals, one of which was scored by a Premier Mills defender. After this they settled down and kept Golders Green at bay until the final whistle. The game opened slowly, but after fifteen minutes MARCANTONIO went through to score from a corner by Morgan. From another of Morgan's corners MARRABLE scored the home side's second goal ten minutes later. DOWNHAM scored for Premier Mills, bringing the score up to two[-one] before half-time. The game up to this point had been level, with both teams showing strong defence and good forward tactics. In the second half the scores evened up to 3-3 with goals by MARCANTONIO from a pass by Morgan for the home side; and HART and SMITH for the visitors. After the half had been going for about 15 minutes the Mills' defence collapsed. LEWIN, who went forward with a strong attack by Golders Green, took a pass from Morgan to net the home team's fourth goal. Then Golders Green stormed their opponents' goal, and the Premier Mills left-back, Stables, miskicked and scored for the home side. The visitors were now thoroughly demoralised. There was good forward passing by Golders Green, a desperate defence, and then MORGAN, who had played well throughout the match, scored. The game then began to even up again, and Premier Mills made a desperate attempt to draw level, but Golders Green had too great a lead, and the match finished at 6-3 in their favour. The teams were:-- Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; B. Weaver, R. Button, F.W. Davis; G. Morgan, G. Marrable, C.V. Lewin, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantonio. Premier Mills : H. Batchelor; H. Beck, H. Stables; R. Munden, G. Daniels, G. Marks; G. Smith, G. Palmer, H. Hutchinson, W. Hart, R. Downham. (Hendon Times, 04/11/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 28 October - Middlesex Intermediate Cup win

LYONS CLUB 0, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3. Golders Green Reserves advanced to the next stage of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup by a good win over Lyons Club on Saturday. For the first 20 minutes the home side played very good football, but Golders Green, by moving the ball quickly from man to man, gradually gained the upper hand. Willmott opened the scoring after 25 minutes. Martinson made a good clearance to Marrable, playing his first game since being injured. He made ground and passed to Morgan, who centred. Hill and Lewin both missed the ball, but WILLMOTT, running between the backs with fine anticipation, hit it hard and true into the net. Lewin then headed in, but was just offside. The increase of the lead, however, was not delayed. Hill started the movement, passing to Morgan, who slipped the ball to LEWIN. The centre-forward edged out to the right, but as the back was getting ready to tackle, suddenly stopped, swung round and let drive, the ball sailing into the top corner of the net. Half-time came with the score 2-0, and early in the second period Willmott started a movement, passing to Marcantonio. He squared the ball to LEWIN, who ran through like lightning and drove the ball home. Twice more - making five times in all - Lewin netted, but in each case he was adjudged offside. The whole team played rhythmically and well, a feature of the game being the excellent covering between Button and the two backs. Jacobs was a safe custodian and made many fine clearances; Martinson, a cool steady back, with Pidgeon as an excellent partner. Button, at centre-half, was in great form and was outstanding, while Marrable played a very sound game. Davis was slow at the start, but when he warmed up after about a quarter of an hour, he was very fine indeed. Lewin led the forwards in great style, being speedy and clever, never shirking anything, while Hill and Willmott played sound constructive football. The two wingers did well, to complete a pleasing display. Golders Green Reserves : J. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; G. Marrable, R. Button, F. Davis; G. Morgan, J. Hill, C.V. Lewin, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantonio. (Hendon Times, 28/10/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 21 October - Lloyds Bank Res. beaten in friendly

LLOYDS BANK RESERVES 1, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3. Golders Green Reserves were engaged on Saturday in a friendly match at New Beckenham, and the result was a win for Golders Green by three goals to one, against Lloyds Bank Reserves. Morgan, Duenas and Marcantonio were the winning marksmen. (Hendon Times, 21/10/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 14 October - Reserves' Cup victory

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 4, CLEVEDON UNITED 2. Golders Green Reserves scored a well-earned victory overClevedon United on Saturday, in the second round of the London Intermediate Cup. Three new players made their debuts for the club - P. Martinson at right back, J. Lambert at left-half, and A, Duneas at centre-forward. Martinson gave a very good display and proved a strong defensive man, while Duneas at first seemed rather nervous. He missed one or two chances, but later made up for this. Lambert played some good football and did a lot of hard work. Just as play commenced rain began to fall, and it continued steadily throughout the match. This seemed to suit Golders Green, and they played a fast and fairly neat game. Shortly after the start Marcantonio made a spectacular run downfield, experly evading the opposing halves and backs. He centred cleanly, but Duneas was out of position through fear of being offside, and the Greens were unable to profit by this. The slippery pitch soon contributed to the injury of one of the Clevedon players, who was tackled by Lambert. He fell awkwardly and bruised his leg badly, but was able to take the field after about ten minutes. The Greens' first goal was scored by MORGAN. A determined attack by the visitors resulted in Pidgeon clearing to Lambert, and he passed the ball to Duneas, who was well-marked. He was able to get rid of it to Morgan. Sapsford, who was playing centre-forward for Clevedon, showed signs of becoming dangerous, but for the greater part of the time he was well marked. He had moved to centre in place of S. Lucas, who did not play, and T. Davis was the inside-left. The second goal was scored by MARCANTONIO, who found his turn of speed on the wing thus well rewarded. Duneas was able to score the third point before half-time. This was an excellent piece of work, as he was being harried by the centre-half, E. Smith, during the whole of his run from the centre of the field. Eventually Smith succeeded in robbing Duneas of the ball close in front of the goal, but just as he was about to pass it back to Sweeting, in goal, DUNEAS gave a beautiful kick from behind Smith, and played the ball from between his feet right into the net. It seemed that Golders Green would increase the half-time lead to four by the way they were playing, and indeed the ball did enter the net once more, but Duneas, who played it from a pass, was given offside. After the interval Shambrook, who had been on the Clevedon right wing, moved to the left wing, changing places with R. Regan. SAPSFORD scored Clevedon's first goal as a result of a melee in front of goal following a corner kick. The Reserves were not quite so lively just after the interval, but they pulled themselves together and eventually forced the play to the Clevedon end of the pitch, gaining a corner kick, which was taken by Marcantonio. This was well placed, and a moment later MORGAN added another goal to Golders Green's total. Clevedon were able to reduce the lead to two goals when they forced a corner, which was taken by Regan. SAPSFORD again scored. J. Hill played a quiet game, but received the plaudits of the spectators on one or two occasions. Morgan's two goals must not give the impression that he did not miss a number of opportunities. He was occasionally rather slow. Golders Green Reserves: F. Jacobs; P. Martinson, W. Pidgeon; R. Rob son, R. Button, J. Lambert; G. Morgan, J. Hill, A. Duneas, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantonio. Clewveland United : J. Sweeting; C. Seaney, L. Fairman; W. Smart, E. Smith, B. Snook; D. Shambrook, W. Collins, L. Sapsford, T. Davis, R. Regan. (Hendon Times, 14/10/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 07 October - Reserves were unlucky

HAYES RESERVES 3, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1. Golders Green Reserves were definitely unlucky at Hayes on Saturday, as their centre-half, R. Button, had the misfortune to receive an injury in the first twenty minutes, and was compelled to leave the field. He caught the full force of the ball in the face and, in falling, dislocated his wrist. He returned at outside-right after the interval, but was on for only ten minutes when he received a bad kick on the ankle and again had to retire. He was playing a great game at centre-half, and his loss was doubly felt. After the accident Lambert moved to centre-half, Willmott came back to left-half, and the visitors played four forwards. The game opened quietly, and swung from end to end, but the Green's backs were not covering each other well and played too wide apart, so that at the interval Hayes were leading by 2-0, and but for the excellence of Barnes in goal the score would have been higher. Immediately after the interval McMahon beat three players and put a beautiful pass to MARCANTONIO, who netted easily. Within striking distance, the Green peppered the home goal, but though they hit post and crossbar, they were unable to equalise. After about half-an-hour, Pidgeon was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area, and Hayes thus scored their third. The visiting half-back line, before Button's injury, were excellent. Robson was first-rate, while Lambert, a newcomer at left-half, played a magnificent game. Willmott, at inside-left, has improved well. Duenas, at centre-forward, tried hard, but hardly had a single good pass. Parker, at outside-right, was rather slow, but McMahon and Marcantonio showed good form. Golders Green Reserves : W.E. Barnes; W. Noot, W. Pidgeon; H.W. Robson, R. Button, W. Lambert; A. Parker, R.B. McMahon, N. Duenas, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantonio. (Hendon Times, 07/10/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 30 September - Reserves' fast game

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1, WEALDSTONE RESERVES 1. Golders Green Reserves' match on Saturday, at Claremont Road, when they entertained Wealdstone Reserves, was a well-played game on the whole, but the forwards of both teams lacked the necessary finishing power which would have brought the game to a decisive end. Both teams had chance after chance to score and failed to make use of them. Part of this was due to faulty passing, for two out of every three passes went to a member of the opposing team, but the lack of co-ordination between the Golders Green forwards accounted for the fact that they only scored once. Right at the commencemwnt of the game the visitors made a good attacking move, which was quickly countered by the Greens. Nicholson and Marshall, the Wealdstone right wing, took the ball down to the Golders Green area, but Marshall lost it to Pidgeon, who punted it up to mid-field, where Marcantonio and Willmott were ready to take an opportunity as soon as it presented itself. They were quickly off the mark and, using good passing tactics, they almost broke through the defence. A slightly faster turn of speed would have brought them through. As it was, the backs were able to catch them, and harried Marcantonio so much as to spoil his shot at goal. Plenty of action carried the game forward with excitement and interest, although neither side seemed able to take the initial advantage. Parker and Russell made several attempts to score, but they were unable to get near enough to do any good. On one occasion Parker made a very fine attempt, but his shot was punched over the crossbar by Walker, giving a corner. It was only after a hard tussle that Wealdstone were able to get the ball away. If Willmott had been able to control his passes a little better, he could have fed Marcantonio well, but he was inclined to kick too hard. Parker, on the other wing, was playing a fair game, but in the early part of the match he tried to be too tricky, and on a number of occasions lost the ball through this habit. It appeared that there would be no score at half-time, but when there were only a few minutes to go Golders Green took a turn for the better in their play and forced home an attack. They had brought the ball well up towards the Wealdstone goal when it was kicked into touch. Bucci took the throw-in, and Button received the ball. He passed to Coppola, who carried it a short distance before sending the ball to RUSSELL, who was near and to one side of the goal. A beautiful first-time shot beat Walker. In the second half Golders Green were showing signs of weariness, and there was not so much punch behind their efforts. The equalising shot came ab out midway through the second half.. Pamphlin, the Wealdstone left-half, sent a beautiful pass to BASSETT, who was quick to seize his chance and, with a clever display of dribbling, made his way through the defence of Robson, Button and Noot, to find only Lines to beat. The goalkeeper had no chance to save the shot. The remaining play was fast but unavailing. Golders Green Reserves : A. Lines; W. Noot, W. Pidgeon; H.W. Robson, R. Button, G. Bucci; W. Parker, L. Russell, R.F. Coppola, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantonio. Wealdstone Reserves: E. Walker; C. Barker, W. Howe; L. Green, R. Bidewell, S. Pamphlin; H. Marshall, R. Nicholson, F. Hayden, E. Bassett, K. Porter. (Hendon Times, 30/09/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 23 September - Reserves well beaten

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2, ENFIELD RESERVES 4. Golders Green Reserves were soundly beaten at Claremont Road on Saturday, when they entertained Enfield Reservers in an Athenian League match. From the commencement of the game the visitors showed a superior turn of speed, and although the Golders Green defence did their utmost to keep the attackers at bay, four well-earned goals were scored against them, while the home forwards were only able to obtain two. Golders Green, kicking off against the wind, made a determined rush towards the Enfield goal, evidently with the object of scoring by shock tactics in the first few minutes, but they did not succeed. Hockaday and Symons, working well together, cleared the ball to the centre-forward, who passed it out to DALLY on the left wing. In company with Wade, he made a good run down-field, passing and re-passing, and finally gained a position to shoot. He placed the ball well out of the reach of Lines. This had the effect of spurring the Greens on, and for a few minutes it seemed that they would draw level, especially when Marcantonio found himself close in front of goal and the ball at his feet, but he failed to take the opportunity which Morgan's pass had given him. Enfield increased the lead with a goal from Abel. This came after Lines had taken a goal-kick, and the ball was sent forward by the centre-half, H. Ward. ABEL threaded his way through a throng of players and was able to score. A period of mid-field play followed, and it was not until ten minutes before half-time that Golders Green made their first score. For a short time the home team seemed to wake up and return to ther form they had displayed the previous week. Their passing became straight and sure, and they were able to force a corner. This came as the result of a try for goal b y Marrable, and was taken by Morgan. The ball landed in the midst of a group of players, and was passed out to PINKHAM. He returned it quickly, and Bulling jumped for it. Failing to reach it he overbalanced and fell. This success was an added incentive to Golders Green, but they could not press home an attack. On a number of occasions they were in a position to score comfortably, but failed because of the lack of that " first-time " mentality which makes a footballer shoot as soon as he has an opportunity instead of risking the loss of a chance by trying to improve the opening. A demonstration of this was given when Willmott lost the ball before trying to score for the Greens, and the back who took it from him passed it to Wade. With a display of clever football, WADE took a run down-field to the Golders Green goal, evading the defence all the way and, instead of waiting, shot and beat Lines with a beautiful kick. This brought the score to 1-3, and so it remained until the interval. The play of the Golders Green men did not show the improvement that might have been expected of them after the change of ends, although they then had the wind in their favour. They made several attacks on the Enfield goal, all of which ought to have succeeded, but which failed because of a lack of co-operation and of punch. Once they were right in front of the goal, and three forwards each had a shot at scoring, but none of them was accurate enough to beat Bulling. Enfield's fourth goal was scored by Dally. A very fine forward line movement was instituted, and they carried the ball right through the Golders Green defence, finally passing to DALLY, who was close in front of the goalmouth. A further attempt to reduce Enfield's lead was made by the Greens, and when they were showing a really determined front the spectators, although few in number, raised a commendable round of cheering. This came to a climax when MARRABLE added a second to Pinkham's hitherto lone goal. After such a passing success, however, the Greens were unable to make any further impression, and the game came to a close without any further incident. One slight accident occurred during the second half, which resulted in a spectator going home with a cut lip and a headache. The ball was kicked into touch by a player, and it struck Mrs. M. Rayner, an ardent supporter of the club, full in the face. She was attended by a member of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, and stayed to the end of the game. Golders Green Reserves : A. Lines; W. Noot, W. Pidgeon; F. Poynting, R. Button, G. Bucci; G. Morgan, G. Marrable, A.I. Pinkham, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantonio. Enfield Reserves : J. Bulling; J. Symons, L. Wood; C.R. Hockaday, H. Ward, S. Daniels; H. Brooks, C. Morgan, A. Abel, C. Wade, L. Dally. (Hendon Times, 23/09/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 16 September - Reserves show good form

GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 3, TOOTING & MITCHAM UNITED RESERVES 2. Golders Green Reserves and Tooting & Mitcham United Reserves had a ding-dong struggle at Claremont Road on Saturday, when they met for the second time in the Athenian League Reserve Section. The result was a reversal of their previous encounter, the Greens winning by three goals to two. There was a strong wind blowing along the pitch towards the pavilion, and during the first half Tooting and Mitcham had the advantage of it in their backs. Even with this, however, they could not succeed in forcing a serious breach in the defence. Right at the start of the game there was a thrill when the visitors made a concerted attack on the Golders Green goal and nearly succeeded in scoring. Noot and Pidgeon were on the spot and, helped by the half-backs, they were able to clear. The pass went to Marcantonio, on the left wing, and he took the ball away neatly. Working well in combination with Long, he passed the opposing halves, Rooney and Jarrett, and centred to Pinkham, who just failed to score. Much of the play after this was inconsequential, first one and then the other team having the advantage, but failing to press it home. Golders Green were the first to score, after about half-an-hour's play. They were able to force a corner, and it was taken by Marcantonio. As the ball came across it was cleared, but not successfully, and it went to PINKHAM, who placed a beautiful shot right in the back of the net. This had the effect of spurring Tooting on to greater efforts, and they pressed hard. This time they were able to break through, and CHAPPELL, the centre-forward, played a dropping shot which deceived Lines, the goalkeeper. He tried to fist it out, but misjudged the fall of the ball, and it slid over his hand into goal. With the score level, Golders Green renewed their attack with vigour and kept the play near the visitors' goal. Eventually they made a fast attack from the left wing, and Marcantonio made a lovely pass right across the goalmouth. This was not intercepted by an other forward, and would have passed harmlessly away, but RUSSELL. the Tooting left-back, came sprinting in towards the goal at top speed, and, before he could avoid it, he had caught the ball and sent a well-nigh perfect shot into the net. This accident left Golders Green leading at half-time, and play proceeded without much incident until about a quarter-of-an-hour from time, when the Greens increased their lead to 3-1. MORGAN, the right winger, was well placed, just outside a crowd of players in front of the Tooting goal, and the ball passed backwards to him. He was quick to take advantage of the position he found with the keeper leaving the goalmouth unattended, and placed a beautiful shot clean in the net. This left little doubt as to where the victory would lie, but Tooting did not relax their efforts, bringing the play back to the Golders Green end of the field. They pressed hard and finally they were rewarded with a goal similar to the second scored for Golders Green. A pass came across the front of goal, and PIDGEON, in trying to clear, miskicked and sent the ball past Lines. On the whole Golders Green Reserves put up a good display of football, and certain of the new men are deserving of congratulation, notably Morgan, Pinkham and Willmott. Marcantonio persisted in holding on too long. Pidgeon and Noot were sound as a defence, and Lines played well when called upon. In the Tooting team the close co-operation between the forwards and the halves was a noticeable point, and Jones made a number of good individual efforts as the centre-forward. Golders Green Reserves : A. Lines; W. Noot, W. Pidgeon; G. Marrable, R. Button, G.Bucci; G. Morgan, F. Long, A.I. Pinkham, E. Willmott, L.J. Marcantonio. (Hendon Times, 16/09/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 09 September - Ten man Reserves draw

MOLESEY 2, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 2. Without a League fixture on Saturday, Golders Green Reserves arranged a friendly match with Molesey. Unfortunately, the visitors fielded a depleted side, and played with ten men, but in spite of this handicap managed to draw 2-2. The Green took the lead in about 10 minutes, a movement on the right wing giving Ponting, at right-half, an opportunity of putting Pinkham through. He gave the ball to Morgan, a new young outside-right, and the winger put over a glorious pass across to MARCANTONIO, who screwed the ball into the right hand corner of the net. Molesey equalised just before the interval, which arrived with the score 1-1. In the second half Golders Green pressed strongly, and within a quarter-of-an-hour they went ahead again. Marcantonio gave to Pinkham, who put the ball back to the wing. ROWE ran into an open space close in and the ball came back to him to tap into the net. Molesey pressed hard for the equaliser, which came with about a quarter-of-an-hour to go. It was a good game, well contested, in spite of the visitors' disadvantage. Lines might have saved the home side's second goal by coming out, but on the whole he played a satisfactory game as custodian. Noot and Pidgeon performed well, while Ponting, a new player from the 'Spurs Juniors, gave a splendid display at right-half. Another 'Spurs Junior, at centre-half, Button, showed a very fine conception of the game and gace a good exhibition. Pinkham worked hard and well at centre-forward, and the two wingers, Marcantonio and Morgan, did all that was asked of them. (Hendon Times, 09/09/1938, p. 4)

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Friday 02 September - Reserves' heavy loss

TOOTING & MITCHAM UNITED RESERVES 4, GOLDERS GREEN RESERVES 1. In their opening League game with Tooting & Mitcham United Res., Golders Green Res. played well in the first half of the game, but Scott, at outside-right, was the weak link, and they were unlucky to be 2 down at half-time. Early on Pidgeon handled in the area and Tooting opened their scoring. They went further ahead when Noot was drawn out of position. In the second half the Greens were outplayed, and it was only the sterling display of the defence which saved them from a heavier adverse score. Lines, in goal, and Ward, at right-half, were outstanding in their play. BUSTARD scored the Greens' only goal from a penalty. (Hendon Times, 02/09/1938, p.4)

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