With Jack Haydock and Harry Stannard, both selected for the Isthmian League for the following Wednesday’s game against the Spartan League, restored to their usual positions the only surprise was the selection of Harry Fisher in the half-back line at the expense of last season’s captain, Frank Lemmer. Stannard stood in as skipper.

Barron, Ilford’s new signing from Bromley, kept them in the game with a string of saves, of both the brilliant and lucky type, as the Dons undeservedly lost their opening game. In a lack-lustre first half Stannard twice had the ball in the net, but both times was adjudged offside, and Charlie Smith brought the crowd to life just before the break with a terrific drive from close-range that hit Barron on the chest and rebounded into play like a rocket, the keeper somehow staying on his feet when lesser men might have been knocked into the back of the net. Haydock was in good form and dealt with the little Ilford could muster, mainly through the good work of ex-Blackpool player Bessex.

After the change-over the game livened up considerably. Only two minutes had passed when the visitors took the lead, Regan was put away by Goodyear and his effort from the edge of the box hit the post and rebounded wide to Bessex, he put it back in the middle quickly and Pemberton cleverly jumped over the ball, leaving Mogford unmarked and he had no difficulty scoring. The Dons retaliated and Jim Smith had a shot blocked by Mills and Stannard shot the rebound against the post, then Charlie Smith sent one inches over the bar. The centre-forward made the most of his next opportunity, his equaliser giving Barron no chance after Stannard had set him up. Wimbledon piled on the pressure but found Barron inspired, turning shot after shot over the bar or around the post. Stannard had the best opportunity, but threw his arms up in frustration after lifting the ball way over with the goal at his mercy. After twenty minutes of intense pressure the inevitable happened. Lister was guilty of dawdling when he had plenty of time to pass back to Haydock, and Regan nicked it of his toe and beat the keeper with a low short. With fifteen minutes left the momentum was gone, and when Ron Winsbury was forced to leave the field for the final ten minutes it got even harder for the home team. There was a chance to claw back a point in the last minute, but Barron was again equal to Charlie Smith’s smart header from Mason’s corner.