Depleted Druids lose last home game 2 - 3 to Signol Athletic

The Druids lost their last home game to Signol Athletic who proved an average side, which the Druids at full strength would have beaten without too much problem. Unfortunately, the Druids had only 10 players and lost Ryan Jones also early on with an ankle injury. Jones continued but at half strength only. Again, 9 and a bit players to play 11 with ample reserves. This has been the Druids' story this season. With 11 players easily one of the best teams in the division, but alas mostly playing with 9 or 10 players. Again, the Druids took the lead through Elliott Howarth who scored with relative ease after good passing in the box. The Druids held on to their lead until half-time. The same pattern developed in the second half. Only this time the Druids were slowly running out of puff and Andy Moore got a groin injury and Dan Imiolek got cramp. It was like last man standing and still the Druids held on. Then out of the blue a good distance shot beat goalie Andrew Metzelaar for 1-1. Shortly thereafter, the ball was cleared off the line by Scott Lewis, but not far enough and the ball was squeezed in at the rebound. The defense then grew tired and a third goal followed in quick succession. The Druids still managed to get a goal back, but did not have the power to force another goal. Ryan Jones shot into the top corner from a tight angle. Disappointing result, but more disappointing was the fact that not even 11 players could bother to turn up for the Druids last ever match.

Man of the Match was Scott Lewis.

Thanks to all the players that did turn up and all the parents' support today. Plans to continue next year are afoot, but the league and format are still under discussion. Further news about this will be made available shortly.

All the best for the future to all the Druids.

28 April 2010

10-men Druids hold on for deserved 2-2 draw against Norbury Athletic

A depleted squad today with only 10 players available, this did look not promising. However, throughout the match. the Druids' defense was outstanding and gave nothing away. Norbury huffed and puffed, but could not break the Druids down. Midway through the first half, Chris Imiolek twisted his knee and the Druids were down to 91/2 men. With one striker, the Druids relied on breakaways and they caught out the Norbury defense on two occasions in the first half. Both time they scored through Jo Traynor and Norbury found themselves 2-0 down at the break. The same pattern emerged in the second half, with Norbury attacking and the Druids digging in. Again, no real chances were created, and in fact, the Druids should have extended their lead when from a rare corner Matt Dobson hit the post with a header. Jo Traynor had two further chances to extend the lead, but his shots lacked the power to beat the Norbury keeper. Norbury did get a goal back 7 minutes from time when the Druids failed to clear their penalty area and Andrew Metzelaar in goal was finally beaten. It looked like the Druids would hold on for a deserved victory, and with full-time well past, a final cross into the Druids' box was skilfully squeezed in past the helpless Druids' keeper. This was the last kick of the game and the match finished at 2-2.

Man of the Match was Jordan Gray and the whole Druids' defense who were magnificent throughout the match.

25 April 2010

Two own goals sink Druids against Poynton Juniors 2 - 4

The  Druids had their full squad out for this match and even some subs. They started brightly and took the lead through Chris Imiolek who got at the end of a one-two and drilled the ball in the corner. The Druids were comfortable and apart from some long-distance shots, the Druids' keeper had little to deal with. From a corner the ball fell unfortunately on the back heel of a Druids' defender and the ball rolled in the net. 1-1 and the Druids took the lead deservedly some 10 minutes later when Oliver Jones had the simple task of tapping the ball into the Poynton goal after some good interplay upfront. Half-time 2-1 to the Druids. A real ding-dong battle developed in midfield with both sides trying to get the upper hand. From an innocent looking attack, Jordan Gray got his foot to the ball to clear, but managed to steer the ball past his own keeper for 2-2.  Shortly afterwards, the injustice was complete when a free-kick bounced so high in the box that it eluded not only the Druids' defense, but also the Druids' keeper and the ball sailed high into the Druids' goal. The Druids then pushed up with three at the back. They managed to hit the post and top of the bar, but the equaliser just would not come. Two minutes before full-time, Poynton took advantage and broke away and scored from a one-on-one. 4-2 to Poynton and the match finished a few minutes later. Bad luck, but this was an intense game with lots of commitment by both sides. Poynton just took it on the day and left the Druids licking their wounds.

Man of the Match was John Armitage for his good tackling in midfield.

21 April 2010