The departure of Len Wallis for Walton in the week leading up to the game, yet another of the Amateur Cup final team to leave, caused further consternation amongst the Dons’ faithful. It seems to have been as much a surprise for the selection committee, as he had been named in the team to open the Isthmian League campaign against Ilford at Plough Lane. His place was taken by Jack Fuller with Dell, selected as stand-by, stepping up in place of the still absent (and never to return) Jimmy Nash and Norman Smith standing in at centre-forward in place of the unavailable Ron Head. Thus only three of the Final side made the starting XI.

The uncertainties soon transferred to the pitch as Ilford took a two goal first half lead. Mogford took advantage of an error in the Dons’ defence to open the scoring after only five minutes and the same player put in a high cross that Haydock misjudged and with the ball goal-bound Cannon could only watch his attempted clearance hit the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.

The half-time lemons had the desired effect and within three minutes of the restart Norman Smith ran in from a pass by Harry Stannard to reduce the arrears. With twenty-five minutes remaining Les Birkbeck’s diving header brought the scores level, after which Ilford picked up their game and it seemed the game was heading for a draw, but the home team had other ideas and, with five minutes to go, a free-kick from Len Cannon was headed towards goal by Smith, forcing the keeper to parry, and Stannard was on hand to nip in and get the winner.