Against all odds, Hendon had reached a second consecutive Wembley final despite suffering a crippling catalogue of injuries.Three other players, David Hyde, Roy Drake and Dave Bassett had also suffered leg breaks during the season, skipper Bobby Cantwell had a spell in hospital for a leg operation, Danny Lakey was a long term absentee with a stomach muscle injury and Geoff Riddy had been plagued all season with a serious ankle ligament problem. Hendon’s local rivals Wealdstone were appearing in their first and only Amateur Cup Final having never before managed to do better than reach the last eight despite sixty five years of trying.

 

The conditions for the final were far from ideal, the match was played in drizzle and a cold wind. April snow and heavy rain on the preceding two days had almost waterlogged the lush Wembley turf.

 

Hendon took an early lead when centre half Geoff Riddy shot through a ruck of players to beat Bryan Goymer, the Wealdstone goalkeeper.

 

Wealdstone fought back and just before half time a tentative cross shot from Bobby Childs deceived John Swannell in the Hendon goal for the equaliser.

 

In the second half Wealdstone gained the upper hand as the Hendon players seemed to tire on the heavy pitch. Bernie Bremer's scrambled goal three minutes from time gave Wealdstone the lead.

 

Just before the final whistle Bobby Childs scored his second goal, following up after John Swannell had saved well from Hugh Lindsay.