Druids outplay Hollingsworth for an easy 6-0 win (19 April 2009)

The Druids played Hollingsworth Juniors away on a very bumpy and sloping pitch. However, the Druids started well and raced into a 2-0 lead through two excellent goals by Andrew Frain after only 10 minutes of play. The first came from a clever through-ball by Chris Imiolek and the second from a flick from Ryan Jones. Halfway through the half, Dan Imiolek made the score 3-0 when he headed in from a corner. Hollingworth sporadically threatened, but keeper Andrew Metzelaar was alert to any danger. The whole team played well and passed the ball accurately on an uneven pitch. Most danger, however, came from long through balls which the Hollingworth defense just could not handle. Half-time 3-0 to the Druids. The second half was more of the same with Chris Imiolek scoring twice, one from a volley from outside the box and Nav Jafarian wrapped up the half dozen with a great individual goal. Hollingworth tried to force at least a consolation goal, but could not threaten enough to do so. Full-time 6-0 to the Druids.

Man of the Match for the Druids was Nav.

Druids forget how to defend and sloppily lose 3 - 4 to Signol (5 April 2009)

With a full squad the expectations were high for today's home match against Signol Athletic. The Druids started brightly and put the Signol defense under pressure from the start. After 10 minutes, the ball came back out from a corner and Alex Jackson hit a firm shot through a crowd of players for 1-0. Play then went from end to end and goalkeeper Andrew Metzelaar had to make a number of good saves to keep the Druids up. Then came Signol's first corner which slipped past the first post and was then headed in for the equaliser. Some 10 minutes later, a cross from a corner to the far post was headed in by a Signol forward unchallenged. 2 - 1 down and the Druids were struggling to find any rhythm in midfield. Half-time 2-1 to Signol. Dan Imiolek then switched to left midfield and this brought immediate rewards when he kept the ball in the box and then lopped the keeper for 2-2. This score-line did not last long when a free-kick from the halfway line was allowed to bounce in the Druids penalty area and the ball was then expertly dispatched in the corner of the Druids' goal. However, the Druids kept pressing and probably had their best spell midway through the second half. Again it was Dan Imiolek who came in from the left and drilled the ball into the roof of the Signol net. 3-3 and everybody thought that may be that. Then some 2 minutes from time the Druids failed to clear a corner and from the second resulting corner the ball was headed in by a Signol forward who ran into the box completely unchallenged. 3-4 and surely no way back. Just previously Andrew Metzelaar had made a wonder save to deny Signol and this kind of defending was doubly hard to justify. Overall, Signol kept the ball better and seemed to want it more. In a few weeks time, in the away fixture, we have a chance to redeem ourselves and show the opposition that we can be as keen to win as they were today.

Man of the Match for the Druids was Dan Imiolek.

Druids struggle against Hazel Grove B with depleted team and lose 1- 2 (29 March 2009)

Unfortunately only 9 Druids bothered to turn up for this match. Whether it was the clock going forward or not caring, this unacceptable situation made for an uneven contest from the start. The 9 remaining Druids made a match of it, but were always going to be under pressure from a lively Hazel Grove side. Andrew Metzelaar, the goalie was unavailable and Andrew Frain deputised in goal. The Druids held their own for some 15 minutes when a cross was cleared, but bounced off John Armitage for an own goal. Some 5 minutes later, Hazel Grove got a lucky break when a goal-bound shot deflected into the goal for the second goal. 2-0 to Hazel Grove and just before half-time a 10th Druid turned up. This changed the game somewhat and the Druids could now sporadically threaten. Half-time score 2-0 to Hazel Grove. The second half was much more even, although the Druids had only 10 players. Half-chances fell to both teams, but the standard of play was well below the usual. Ryan Jones then burst into the Hazel Grove box and was unfairly impeded. The resulting penalty was coolly dispatched by John Armitage. Hazel Grove had a player sent off in the incident which made the player tally 10 all. The Druids pressed for an unlikely equaliser, which should have come in the form of a second penalty which was not given. In fairness to the ref, the blatant handball incident took place when he was clearly unsighted and play continued. For the remainder of the match, the Druids tried to press forward without any finesse and the final ball just wasn't there today. Hazel Grove breathed a sigh of relief at the final whistle with the points going to them on this occasion. Let's hope we have our full team back at the return match and take sweet revenge for this poor performance and lack of commitment from those players who did not bother to turn up or notify their absence prior to the match.

Man of the Match for the Druids was John Armitage.

Druids take revenge on Reddish Vulcans A and run out 4 - 2 winners (22 March 2009)

As bad as it went in the cup last week, as good as it panned out today against the champions elect Reddish Vulcans A. Having lost not a single game this season, Reddish thought that this game against the Druids was going to be a stroll in the park. Yes, the Druids rode their luck on a number of occasions and the strong wind had a big part to play in this thrilling encounter. With a number of players unavailable, the Druids started with an unfamiliar back four and midfield. John Armitage moved to left back and did a sterling job. Sam Jafarian played again after many weeks off and had the Druids' defense well-organised. The Druids started brightly and threatened the Reddish goal early on. With the strong wind against, the ball was difficult to control and bounced all over the place. After 15 minutes, the Druids got a corner which was delivered inch-perfect to the incoming Ryan Jones who volleyed into the Reddish net.1 - 0 to the Druids and a perfect start. The Druids then lost the initiative and Reddish capitalised on the strong wind in their backs to first score from a throw-in which took the Druids defense off-guard and then with a massively deflected shot which crept into the Druids' top corner leaving goalie Andrew Metzelaar without a hope. The Druids fought back well and 2 minutes before the break, Ollie Jones made some space for himself and blasted the ball past the Reddish goalkeeper. Half-time 2 - 2. In the second half the Druids dominated with the wind in their backs and Jordan Gray scored their third with a free-kick some 25 yards out which deceived the Reddish defense and their goalkeeper. The Druids then rode their luck as Reddish pushed forward for the equaliser. The woodwork came to the rescue twice when it seemed easier for Reddish forwards to score. In stoppage time, the ball was thrown out to Alex Jackson who unleashed an unstoppable shot from some 40 yards. The only contender for goal of the season! Shortly afterwards the referee blew for full-time and the Druids had chalked up yet another well-deserved win.

Man of the Match for the Druids was Max Penney.

Druids  under-perform against Poynton Juniors in semi-final of SMJFL Cup (15 March 2009)

This semi-final cup game was a bit of an anti-climax for the Druids. With no game the previous weekend and only one game in the last four weeks, the whole team appeared rusty and unfit. Poynton capitalised on this and ran out easy 3-1 winners. The stage was set for an all-action game, but instead the match was played at a very low pace. Most of the action was at the Druids' goal end and the Druids ventured sporadically into the Poynton half. Halfway through the first half, a Poynton goal kick was helped on towards the edge of the Druids' box and with the keeper rushing out of his goal, the resulting lob ended up in the Druids' goal. A few minutes later Poynton got a corner and the ball ended up in the back of the net after some desperate attempts by the Druids' defenders to clear the ball. 2-0 to Poynton and finally the Druids' team began to show some urgency.They had their best spell just before half-time, but did not manage to trouble the Poynton keeper unduly. The second half was much more even with half-chances on both sides. Some 15 minutes from time, a free-kick from the side-line was converted in the box without any chance for the Druids' keeper. The referee then gave the Druids a soft penalty when Max Petch was bundled over in the box. Chris Imiolek gave the Poynton keeper no chance from the spot. 3-1 to Poynton and the Druids then huffed and puffed for further goals without any cutting edge. At the final whistle, Poynton were the deserved winners on the day, but the Druids will rue this lost opportunity to reach the final of this years' cup.

Man of the Match for the Druids was Scott Lewis.

Druids stroll past Hillgate Boys 5-1 in Cup (15 February 2009)

The Druids without 5 first team regulars still proved too strong for a brave Hillgate Boys side. The Druids started well and there was an excellent team spirit which made for a very good team performance today. The Druids took the lead after only 5 minutes with a well-taken free-kick from just outside the box. Chris Imiolek placed the ball in the top far corner for 1-0 to the Druids. Then 5 minutes later a challenge from a Hillgate players resulted in the player breaking his leg and the game was stopped for 30 minutes while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. The game then continued with the Druids passing the ball around and threatening the Hillgate goal. From a corner, Alex Jackson prodded home the second and Chris Imiolek scored from an acute angle to make the score 3-0 to the Druids. Just before half-time, Andrew Frain rode a few challenges and placed the ball into the far corner for 4-0. Half-time 4-0. The second half saw more of the same with the Druids taking their foot of the gas a little. Andrew Frain should have had a hat-trick, but failed to connect at the decisive moment. The Druids also rattled the bar and mid-way through the half a superb cross from Andrew Frain gave Chris Imiolek the simple task to chalk up his third and hat-trick. The match petered out and Hillgate scored a consolation goal in the dying minutes. Final score 5-1 to the Druids who were superior on the day. Next stop is the semi-final draw next week. 

Man of the match was Chris Imiolek for his hat-trick and determined forward running and play.

Druids unlucky to lose 2-1 against Cheadle & Gatley A (18 January 2009)

The Druids expected a full-strength squad, but due to some last minute injuries and cancellations, only a bare eleven remained to take the field against Cheadle & Gatley. Some players had to play in unfamiliar positions and this clearly showed in the first half when the Druids hardly competed. C&G took full advantage and from a corner the ball was deflected into the Druids net after 15 minutes of play. C&G kept pushing forward and the Druids were lucky not to concede again on more than one occasion. Just when the half had petered out with only one goal down, some hesitation in the box saw a looping header sail over Andrew Metzelaar in goal for the softest of goals. Half-time 2-0 to C&G. The Druids changed their tactics in the second half and more balls were released earlier for Chris Imiolek and Oliver Jones upfront.The Druids had some glorious opportunities to reduce the deficit, but somehow the ball stayed out of the C&G net. The Druids now dominated and 15 minutes into the second half, Rick Solomons shot from just within the box into the corner of the C&G net. 2-1 behind and everything to play for. Plenty of good chances came the Druids' way, but none were converted when it mattered. C&G were holding on for dear life and the final whistle came to them as a relief. The Druids deserved something out of this match but it was not to be. Final score 2-1 to C&G.

Man of the Match was Rick Solomons for his good performance in an unfamiliar right back role.

Druids sneak past Deltic 1-0 in Cup (11 January 2009)

Against all odds this match was on. The pitch was muddy and the wind strongly across so good fluent football was never going to be a factor. The first half was pretty much even with few chances for either side. The Druids were missing a number of regulars, but their replacements stood their ground. The Druids' defense gave nothing away and the team got some slick combinations going towards the end of the half. Just before half-time Ryan Jones should have given the Druids the lead, but his chip over the keeper just drifted into the side-netting. Then Chris Imiolek shot too softly from 3 yards out and Ryan Jones pounced too late to squeeze the ball over the Deltic goal-line. Half-time 0-0. The referee kept a very tight lid on the game and this affected Deltic more than the Druids. The Deltic players were getting increasingly agitated with the referee's decisions and some of their players received a booking. Then some 10 minutes into the second half, John Armitage unleashed a glorious cross from the left which was headed in at the near post by Jordan Gray. 1-0 to the Druids and on the balance of play just about deserved. Deltic pushed forward for the equaliser, but did not manage to carve out any clear-cut chances. Chris Imiolek went close and hit the inside of the post at the end of a very good move and then two direct free-kicks just outside the Deltic penalty area were squandered. The Deltic players frustration had reached boiling point and in quick succession 3 players were send off for insults to the referee. As a result, the remainder of the half was scrappy and disorganised from both teams and the match petered out at 1-0 to the Druids. The Druids are now in the hat for the QF draw later this month.

Man of the match was Dan Imiolek who had a steady return after 8 weeks out with injury.

Druids are edged out 2-3 by Hazel Grove A (30 November 2008)

Again, the Druids were struggling with players as 5 remained on the long-term casualty list. Apart from the first 10 minutes and last 10 minutes, the Druids had 11 players on the pitch. The fog cleared and playing conditions were excellent. Hazel Grove started briskly and dominated early on. A few half-chances were either dealt with or went over the bar. The Druids had some sporadic attacks without threatening the Hazel Grove keeper unduly. Then about 10 minutes before the interval, a quick break on the right gave the Hazel Grove forward the chance to squeeze the ball home via the upright. This was a deserved lead and the score remained 1-0 to the home side until half-time. The Druids gave a good account of themselves and got back into the match straight away with a superbly taken lob from Ryan Jones. Hazel Grove were out of their stride for the next ten minutes and the Druids kept pressing towards the Hazel Grove goal. Just when it seemed that the Druids were dealing with the Hazel Grove crosses comfortably, a cross from the right eluded the Druids' keeper and a Hazel Grove forward headed in from close range. Some 10 minutes later this lead was extended when after a melee in the Druids' box, the ball fell favourably for a Hazel Grove attacker to shoot into the roof of the Druids' net. 3-1 to Hazel Grove and shortly afterwards the Druids were down to 10 men. However, to their credit, the Druids kept coming and a few minutes before full-time, Alex Jackson fired in a powerful shot which half-palmed by the Hazel Grove keeper found the corner of the net. Shortly afterwards the referee whistled for full-time with a score 3-2 to Hazel Grove A.

Aaron Jennings was voted Man of the Match for his stout defending and forward support.

Druids in next cup round after 5-1 victory over Reddish North End (23 November 2008)

The Druids had a full squad for this match with still 5 regulars on the side-lines with injuries. Their replacements did very well and apart from the opposition, the weather also played a role in this venue. The mud and wind made good passing a problem, but the accolades need to go to the Reddish goalkeeper who saved at least half a dozen certain goals. The final score stuck on 5-1, but it could have been many more if the Druids had their shooting boots on this Sunday. The first half was dominated by the Druids and the one shot that Reddish had on goal found the net. Ryan Jones finished off a well placed through ball and Andrew Frain cut in from the right to make the half-time score 2-1 to the Druids. The second half brought total domination for the Druids and first Scott Lewis headed in from a corner and then Jordan Gray blasted in a free kick from the edge of the box. The scoring was rounded off by Rick Solomons who found the top corner from 25 yards out. Play then became a little bit of a free for all without the accuracy required to add to the Druids' tally and brave goal keeping from the Reddish keeper kept the score respectable. Alex Jackson was desperate to score, but apart from a thundering shot against the crossbar, it was not his lucky day. No sooner had the final whistle blown and the rain came down in buckets. Well done to both teams in difficult circumstances. The Druids are now in the second round of the cup and this match will be played on the 11th of January 2009.

Andrew Frain was voted Man of the Match for his goal and good forward running.

Druids invent new 4-4-0 formation but lose 3-0 against Reddish Vulcans (15 November 2008)

The injury jinx continued this weekend with 7 players out either injured or ill. In the end only 10 players remained to take the field against Reddish Vulcans. The Druids' goal was under pressure from the start, but the defense coped very well under the circumstances. Then after 20 minutes Chris Imiolek got a knock and could not continue. So, 9 players left and a new 4-4-0 system with no real chances of winning this match. The Druids continued to defend stoutly and the chances that the Vulcans inevitably got were dealt with without too much trouble. Oh, if we just had out regular side out, the match would have been different. Ten minutes before half-time, the Vulcans finally managed to break down the Druids defense and scored with a deflected shot which beat Andrew Metzelaar in goal. Half-time 1-0 to the Vulcans. In the second half, the Druids' backs were against the wall, but poor finishing by the Vulcans gave the score a reasonable look. Then from a corner, the Druids' defense hesitated and the ball ended up in the top of the net. Shortly afterwards the Vulcans lead was extended to 3-0 after good play at the edge of the box followed by a shot in the far corner. John Armitage then got a bad knock and had to leave the field also. For the remainder of the match the Druids held out remarkably well and the final whistle came none too soon. Even with 9 players, the Druids played well and their attitude was spot on regardless of the bad odds against a positive outcome in this match. We can't wait to get this Vulcans team back to our pitch with our full team available to redeem this frustrating loss.

The whole team was credited for the great effort and deserved Men of the Match.

Druids in need miracle after 10-1 hammering by MST Bootle JFC (2 November 2008)

The Druids played an U-17 MST Bootle side in the Cheshire Cup which resembled a Liverpool or Everton academy team. The Druids can more or less hold their own in Division 1 U-16 SML, but the football that MST Bootle played was different class. One-touch football, effortless finding players at the end of a pass, slick through-balls and devastating shooting. This summed up a dreadful afternoon and a football lesson. The Druids were 3-0 down after 10 minutes before creating the first good chance themselves. Unfortunately it was missed and shortly afterwards, Ryan Jones was what appeared blatantly fouled by the MST keeper in the box when through on goal. The referee waved play on to the astonishment of the spectators and players alike. We expected a penalty and may be a dismissal, but the ref would not have any of it. The MST Bootle side swept forward at will and scored four more times with unstoppable shots past the hapless Andrew Metzelaar in goal. He made a few great saves, but could not prevent the goal feast. Half-time 7-0 to MST Bootle. Whether MST Bootle took their foot of the accelerator or the Druids competed better, the second half was slightly better for morale. First the opposition extended their lead before Ryan Jones finally rescued honours for the Druids with a slick goal. A few more half-chances were created, but the MST Bootle's forwards did not waste any time increasing their lead to 10-1 with slick headers from one-time crosses. The final whistle came as a relief and the Druids could only hold their hands up and congratulate a far superior U-17 side. This was men against boys and in the end the Druids could hold up their heads and take heart that at least they had given it their all.

Back to reality in the league and hopefully more even games than this.

Man of the Match was Ryan Jones for his "never say die" attitude and solitary goal.

Depleted Druids settle for 1-1 draw (12 October 2008)

Injury ravaged Druids managed to hold out for a 1-1 draw against Cheadle Heath Nomads. This was a dreary match with both defenses indecisive and mistake prone. The Druids were missing regulars such as Andrew Metzelaar (GK), Oliver Jones, Chris Imiolek, Jordan Gray amongst others and this disturbed the rhythm of the team throughout the match. The Druids started well enough but had firing power missing upfront as both regular strikers were out. The game flowed from end-to-end with the Druids dominating without any real threat. A goal was always going to come from some individual play and on this occasion this was provided by Ryan Jones who shot the ball in the top corner from an acute angle. 1-0 to the Druids and this was also the half-time score line. After the break, the Druids started to defend deeper and deeper and this created a hatful of opportunities for the opposition. A number of mad scrambles in front of the Druids' goal did not result in a deserved equaliser and the match looked like petering out in favour of the Druids. Some 5 minutes from full-time a speculative cross from the right brought the well-deserved equaliser and both team had chances to sneak the game before the full-time whistle finally went. In the end this was the right result and hopefully the Druids now have a few weeks off to nurse their injured players back to fitness.

Man of the Match was Alex Jackson who never stopped running in midfield.

Druids beat Willaston White Star 3 - 0 in 1st Round of Cheshire Cup (5 October 2008)

As much as the Druids had an off-day last week, they were up for this cup match at Willaston. With the added bonus of having some injured players back in the squad and available for this match, the Druids knew they had their work cut out against a powerful Willaston U-17 side. In unexpected glorious sunshine, the game was pretty much even in the first 20 minutes. Both sides tried their luck from distance, but none of the shots troubled either keeper. Then 25 minutes into the match a good combination on the left saw John Armitage cross the ball into the box, where Oliver Jones pounced and flicked the ball against the underside of the bar. The ball did not cross the line and play continued. Some 5 minutes later, Chris Imiolek was put through and with only the keeper to beat he hit the keeper and the ball spun away for a corner. Both sides had further chances, but the half-time score remained at 0-0. In the second half the Druids continued their attacking play and Oliver Jones was a menace to the Willaston defense all afternoon. From a through ball he took the ball past the right back and squeezed the ball in the net from an acute angle. Finally 1-0 up and the Druids were on a roll. The Druids now attacked at will and some 10 minutes later, Oliver Jones beat most of the Willaston defense to score with a beautiful curling shot in the far corner, 2-0. The Willaston team had run out of puff and the Druids kept coming. 5 minutes before full-time Ryan Jones chipped the Willaston keeper for the third Druids' goal. Shortly afterwards the referee blew his whistle for full time. The Druids are in the next round.

Man of the Match was Jordan Gray for his tireless running and solid midfield play.