20,000 people gathered at Upton Park last Saturday morning to see London's biggest match of the season. Three charabanc-loads of Willesden folk, and several hundred who had gone by train or bus, were there to cheer the local team. The game was a magnificent one, full of sensations, and fought with grim determination from start to finish.

West Ham won the toss and led off well, but the game soon became even, and for some time the close passing of Willesden was more successful than the big kicking of the opposing side. Ellis set a wonderful example, working hard and distributing cleverly. There was a corner to West Ham, but Sutton relieved, whilst Chapple, a little later, brought off two very fine saves with the utmost coolness.

Following a good run by Smith at the other end, the Willesden goal was again in danger and Chapple kicked away in the nick of time. Then came the tit-bit of the match. Fletcher received well inside his own half, and pushed the ball ahead to Blackstock. The centre forward gave Acqueroff, who passed on to Smith. The Latter put across a perfect centre which found Ellis nicely placed, and the goalkeeper powerless to save his shot. The whole movement had only taken a few seconds. West Ham made great efforts to equalise, but Chapple was equal to every emergency. Fletcher received a nasty kick And was carried off, but he was back before half-time, which found Willesden with a well-earned lead.

From the kick-off after the interval it was evident that the home team were going to spoil the close-passing game at all rests. Backs and half-backs kicked hard and high, and a very speedy set of forwards followed the ball every time. After an uneasy five minutes round the Willesden goal, which Chapple was defending like a hero. Homans initiated a combined movement which found Blackstock well placed, but was spoilt by palpable "hands" on the part of a defender. Cooper took the resulting penalty and made no mistake with a lightning drive. From this point sensation followed sensation. West Ham pressed in the most determined fashion. A penalty for a doubtful charge by Fletcher was awarded, and the crowd seemed pleased when the kick was muffed. Three corners to the home team followed in succession. From each Chapple brought off smart saves. Then another penalty was awarded for a charge that certainly did not warrant it, and Chapple saved in wonderful fashion.

A minute later Fletcher cleared from the goal-line, and after an attack at the other end, which was spoilt by offside, Neale managed to get a twisting hall past the Willesden goalie. Gallant efforts were made by the West Ham boys to equalise, hut although they pinned their opponents in their own half, their shooting was poor. Blackstock came within an ace of scoring at the end of a fine run, and the climax came a few minutes from time. when the referee saw fit to award a free kick four yards from the Willesden goal, and allowed it to be taken twice. On each occasion, however, it was cleared and our boys held their lead to the welcome end. At a reception to both teams. Alderman Davies, chairman of the West Ham Education Committee, offered a warm welcome to the visitors, on whose behalf Councillor H. C. Blaxland, J.P., chairman of the Willesden District Council, returned thanks to "our friendly rivals," whom we seemed destined to meet each year for the same purpose.