Druids fight-back in vain as they lose 4-2 (29 April 2007)

A depleted Druids side took on Woodley Albion in this last fixture of the season. The Druids started brightly enough and Alex Jackson fired over from 10 yards with the goal at his mercy.Some sloppy defending from quick breakaways allowed Woodley to score three times in 10 minutes and this gave the Druids a mountain to climb. The Druids play improved and they were certainly not the lesser side in this closely contested fixture. Just before half-time, a mix-up in the Druids defense saw Woodley increase their lead to 4-0 which was also the half-time score. With a full squad after the break, the Druids put on the pressure and dominated from start to finish. First, Chris Imiolek was in the right place to fire home and then 10 minutes later, the Druids were awarded a penalty which Chris Imiolek drilled into the corner. The Druids piled on the pressure, but despite numerous shots, they could not reduce the arrears further. Woodley Albion broke away on various occasions, but they could not beat Andrew Metzelaar in goal  who made some outstanding saves. The Druids finished strongly and at the full-time whistle the Druids had redeemed their poor first half performance and came out of this match as credible losers.

Man of the match was Andrew Metzelaar for his outstanding saves in the second half.

Druids hit form and beat Ryecroft 3-2 (22 April 2007)

The Druids wanted to win this season's last fixture at home and started brightly. Unfortunately, some hesitant defending saw Ryecroft take the lead after 5 minutes. The Druids recovered well and they strung together some good combinations. It was only a matter of time before they got the equaliser and Sam Jafarian duly obliged with a good run and finish. Within 10 minutes the Druids were 3-1 up with a superb taken goal from Angus McAlister and a poachers goal from Chris Imiolek. Half-time 3-1 to the Druids. The second half started even with both sides having chances, but the finish was lacking. In the last 10 minutes the Druids were under pressure, but without real chances being created by Ryecroft. The referee forgot his watch and an extra 5 minutes were added to the regulation time. In these 5 minutes Ryecroft managed to get another goal back and shortly afterwards the ref blew for full-time. Final score 3-2 to the Druids.

Man of the match was Matt Dobson for his solid performance in midfield.

Druids slump to 3- 5 home defeat (15 April 2007)

The Druids started well and took a deserved lead through George Troup. The visitors equaliser within 2 minutes and the sparkle went out of the Druids play. The back four did not stick together and Hazel Grove scored two more goals before the break. After half-time, Dan Imiolek hit the underside of the bar before Chris Imiolek reduced the deficit to 2-3. All was now possible, but he Druids relaxed and conceded two sloppy goals to go 2-5 down. Late on, Matt Dobson got another one back for the Druids with a neat flick from the edge of the box. Final score: 3-5 to Hazel Grove.

Man of the match was Alex Jackson for his commitment and tireless running.

Druids soundly beaten 6-1 by Wilmslow Sports (11 March 2007)

The Druids took the field with the idea that they only had to turn up for this match to win. Things turned out differently and a strangely lethargic Druids side when down 6-1 without a whimper. The first 20 minutes were even, but some sloppy play enabled Wilmslow to take the lead and then extend this lead with 3 further goals before half-time. Half-time 0-4. The second half was slightly better, but the Druids were very open at the back and Wilmslow scored again from a free kick taken in their own half. The Druids pressed without an end product until Angus McAlister reduced the arrears with a well-struck shot. There was still time for a 6th goal for Wilmslow 5 minutes from time and Alex Jackson hit the underside of the bar. It was unclear whether the ball had crossed the line or not, but no goal was awarded and the final score remained at 6-1 for Wilmslow Sports.

The Druids now have an uphill battle to finish 2nd in the league and on evidence of this performance the chances of that happening are even at best.

Druids lose 1-2 to Ryecroft Rangers in mud bath (4 March 2007)

With hindsight his match should have been called-off due to the mud on the pitch which made play virtually impossible. The Druids opted to play against the strong wind in the first half and they paid the price for this poor choice as they were immediately under pressure from long balls. In the 3rd minute a long ball saw the Ryecroft forwards free on goal and they managed to score from their third attempt at goal (as the ball got stuck in the mud twice!) . The Druids found going forward hard going and persisted in playing through the middle where the pitch was at its worst. Halfway through the half a miss-hit shot looped into the air and the ball somehow ended up in the net as the Druids goalkeeper lost his footing in the mud and was then impeded by his own players on the goal-line. Half-time 2-0 to Ryecroft. At the start of the second half, the wind had eased and the Druids could not take the same advantage of a long-ball game. The midfield battled hard, but the ball just did not want to move from the mud. On one such occasion, Alex Jackson fought his way through the mud and a number of Ryecroft defenders to score a neat goal. With 20 minutes to play, the Druids suddenly fancied their chances, but it was Ryecroft that created the better opportunities. y this time, all the players were exhausted and the Druids did not manage to pull another goal back to snatch a draw. The full-time whistle came with some relief to all and the Druids had lost vital points in their push for promotion.

Man of the Match was Alex Jackson who never stopped battling.

Druids are outfought by Wilmslow Albion 0-5 (25 February 2007)

This was very even match for the first twenty minutes with half-chances on both sides. Albion took a lucky lead when a harmless cross was headed into his own goal by Dan Imiolek. Just as the teams were thinking about half-time, a through-ball outwitted the Druids' defense and the ball was squeezed in from a tight angle. Half-time 0-2. The Druids continued to battle with Dan Imiolek outstanding at the back. The Druids failed to carve out any clear-cut chances an Albion increased their lead, when from a corner the ball was headed in just inside the post. The Druids heads dropped a little and Albion created a lot of chances to increase their lead. In quick succession Albion were awarded two debatable penalties, both of which were saved by the outstanding Druids goalie Andrew Metzelaar. He could do little to prevent Albion increasing their lead to 5-0 as the Druids had clearly lost their shape. The score was kept at a respectable score thanks to the brave goalkeeping of Andrew Metzelaar who was rightly awarded Man of the Match.

Rusty Druids are edged out by Juno 3-4 (18 February 2007)

Due to half-term holidays, the Druids could only muster a 11-player side and they found themselves on the back-foot from the kick-off. Juno United where first to the ball and found passing much easier than the Druids on the bobbly pitch. Play was end-to-end, with Juno getting the break-through from a suspiciously off-side looking through-ball with the eventual shot just beating Andrew Metzelaar in goal. The Druids had their chances, but the killer instinct was missing today. Half-time score 0-1. The Druids started the second-half much brighter and they carved out some chances that went begging at the final touch. Against the run of play, Juno then scored again with a clean strike from the edge of the penalty with the Druids' defense unable to close down the opposition. Remarkably, the Druids came back well from this set-back and Chris Imiolek reduced the margin a few minutes later.Then 10 minutes from time, Alex Jackson slipped a through-ball to Chris Imiolek who duly finished. With the score at 2-2, the Druids felt they could hang-on to a draw, but again the Juno strikers were not sufficiently closed down and Juno scored two late goals in quick succession to go 4-2 up. before Alex Jackson had brought the sides closer again with a well taken goal two minutes from time. Unfortunately there was not enough time left for a second Druids' fight-back and when the final whistle blew, the Druids had lost only their second game of the season.

Man of the match was Jamie McHarq for his solid performance in an unfamiliar position at left-back.

George rallies Druids' Troups for 5-2 win against Rose Hill Rovers (4 Feb 2007)

A slightly depleted Druids squad took on bottom-of-the-table Rose Hill Rovers. The Druids started well and went ahead after 10 minutes through a well-placed shot by Sam Jafarian. Rose Hill bounced back with a break-away goal five minutes later, but after that, the rest of the half belonged to George Troup who rounded off an excellent display with two well-taken goals. The Druids were in a comfort zone and paid the price fifteen minutes after half-time when some sloppy defending saw Rose Hill reduce the deficit to one goal. The Druids then made some changes to shore up their defense and Sam Jafarian scored two further goals to make the final score 5-2 to the Druids.

Man of the match was Aaron Jennings for his solid performance in the Druids defense.

Druids beat Lisbon St. Anthonys 5-2 (28th January 2007)

After a two-month break, enforced by holidays and bad weather, the Druids finally took the field in a league match. The opposition was Lisbon St. Anthonys who were just below the Druids in the league table. The Druids started well and they should have gone ahead after 2 minutes when Chris Imiolek hit the underside of the bar from six yards. A number of other chances were spurned by the home side and then from a breakaway Lisbon St. Anthonys scored from a free chance in the Druid's penalty area. The Druids were out of sorts for the next ten minutes and the opposition scored again after some slack defending in the box. The game drifted towards half-time, when Sam Jafarian found himself in space and coolly finished. Half-time 1-2. Straight after the break, the Druids were awarded a free-kick some 25 yards out. Alex Jackson put the ball in the top corner and the Druids were back on level terms. With the wind in the back, the Druids then pressed on and from a corner, Jamie McHarq found himself with time and space to slot home from 6 yards. The opposition's keeper then handled the ball outside the penalty area and from the resulting free-kick, Sam Jafarian prodded home number four. The Druids were on a roll and Alex Jackson put the result beyond doubt when he ran through the centre of the opposition's defense and finished with a crisp shot some 10 minutes from time. The final score: 5-2 to the Druids.

Man of the match was Alex Jackson for his all-round contribution and two goals.

Druids lose 3-1 to Wilmslow Albion in Cup (26 November 2006)

This was more of the same for the Druids as they again failed to beat a good Wilmslow Albion side. The first half was an evenly contested game with both team trying hard to gain the upper hand. Then 5 minutes before half-time the ball was swung in from the right and although the initial header did not beat Andrew Metzelaar in goal, the rebound fell unkindly to the same forward who took his chance with ease. The Druids started well in the second half and desperately tried to find an equaliser. However, it was Wilmslow Albion who scored with a shot from the edge of the box. Minutes later, the Druids were awarded a penalty for hand-ball, but Dan Imiolek put the spot-kick over the bar. Disappointed in failing to get back into the game, the Druids then went through a sticky patch with Wilmslow Albion increasing their lead still further 3-0. This inspired the Druids and they came back well and their efforts were finally rewarded 5 minutes from time when John Ashall crossed the ball for Dan Imiolek to finish with a great header. At the final whistle, Wilmslow Albion were worthy 3-1 winners and through to the next round.

Man of the Match was George Troup for his tireless running at the back.

Druids stumble 0-4 over Wilmslow Albion (19 November 2006)

The Druids started this important match well and they took the initiative early on. A number of half-chances came their way, but none was converted against a determined and hard-tackling Wilmslow Albion side. Just as it looked that the first half would finish goalless, a half-hearted clearance at the back gave Wilmslow Albion the chance to score an undeserved opener. Half-time 1-0. The second half was more of the same, but this time it was Wilmslow Albion that created the chances and the Druids had to defend vigorously. Andy Metzelaar made a number of great saves and on one occasion a double save denied the Wilmslow Albion forwards. A disputed decision by the linesman saw a goal-kick retaken and this resulted in the second goal for the home side. Heads then dropped and Wilmslow Albion scored two more goals in the final ten minutes. Not quite the result the Druids wanted, but a few lessons have hopefully been learned. Next week the Druids are playing Wilmslow Albion in the Cup.

Man of the Match was Andrew Metzelaar for his many outstanding saves in goal.

Druids snatch unlikely 2-2 draw against Mountfield Rovers (12 November 2006)

The Druids started this important match without the usual zest and fighting spirit. Their play was lethargic and the passing went astray too many times. It was no surprise when Mountfield took the lead with 10 minutes on the clock. The Druids were restricted to a few long balls to the isolated Chris Imiolek upfront. The half-time whistle came as a relief to all and Mountfield's lead should have been greater at the interval thanks to bad finishing and the solid goal keeping by Andrew Metzelaar. The second half started with Sam Jafarian and debutant Jamie McHarg coming on to create some urgency upfront. Slowly, the Druids fought their way back into this match, but they conceded a second goal within 10 minutes of the second half. This seemed to inspire the Druids and they now pushed forward with greater urgency. With 15 minutes to go, a corner from Alex Jackson saw Dan Imiolek head the ball firmly past the Mountfield keeper. In the next ten minutes the Druids pressurised their opposition relentlessly. Just as it seemed that the Druids would lose their first match, a great run from Jamie McHarg saw him cross the ball in the six-yard box where John Ashall gratefully accepted the chance to bring the sides level. The final whistle was greeted with relief and the Druids had snatched an unlikely draw from the jaws of defeat.

Man of the Match was Sam Butterworth who was outstanding at the back.

Expected win for Druids as they beat High Lane Juniors 5-1 in CUP (5 November 2006)

The Druids were expected to win this match against opposition from the 4th Division. The Druids were quick out of the blocks and Chris Imiolek scored a brilliant hat-trick halfway through the first half. His first saw him skip past a number of defenders and then finishing with a shot high into the net. The second was a lob and the third after a great individual run through a static High Lane defense. Half-time 3-0. In the second half, the Druids made some changes and the game became a little bit scrappy. Angus McAllister, Martin Crossdale and others made useful contributions as substitutes. Midway through the second half Max Petch scored from close range and John Ashall made the final score 5-1 after evading a number of tackles and coolly slotting in from a tight angle. A mix-up in the defense saw one of the Druids defenders turn the ball into its own net. When the final whistle blew, the Druids were deserved winners with the final score 5-1 to the Druids.

Man of the Match was Max Petch for his goal and general lively play.

Druids draw 4-4 with Lisbon St. Anthonys (22 October 2006)

With a number of players missing from the starting line-up, the Druids were always going to be on the back-foot in this match. Sam Jafarian scored an early goal and the Druids seized the initiative early on. Lisbon St. Anthonys proved  skill-full side and they scored two goals in quick succession. Alex Jackson equalised for the Druids before the home side again got their noses in front just before half-time. Half-time score Lisbon St. Anthonys 3 - Druids 2. After the break, Sam Jafarian completed his hat-trick, but not before the Druids had again gone a goal down due to some sloppy defending. All in all, not one of the Druids better games, but after a week's rest and with a cup game to come, the Druids should soon be on the march again.

Full time: Lisbon St. Anthonys 4 Druids 4.

Man of the Match was Sam Jafarian for a well-taken hat-trick during the match

Druids beat Woodley Albion 2- 1 (15 October 2005)

For the spectators this was an entertaining match to watch, for the Druids Manager it was too close for comfort. The Druids battled hard to win and the result was a well-deserved victory over a good Woodley Albion side. In the first half, the visitors were restricted to very few chances. The Druids, on the other hand, did everything right but score. Chris Imiolek hit the post and the bar and it looked like it might not be the Druids' day. Then just before half-time, a good combination on the right saw Alex Jackson chip the outstanding Woodley Albion keeper for the first goal. Half-time 1 - 0. After the break, the Druids continued to press forward. A rare break saw the Woodley Albion forwards free on goal and they managed to beat the Druids keeper from close range. The Druids then lost the initiative for ten minutes and a perfectly good challenge from Sam Butterworth was rewarded with a controversial penalty. Andrew Metzelaar guessed right and saved the goal-bound shot. The Druids took heart from this stroke of fortune and after a great solo run by Oliver Jones, the rebound fell for Angus McAlister, who on his full debut, could not miss. 2 -1 for the Druids.

Full time: Druids 2 Woodley Albion 1.

Man of the Match was Aaron Jennings for a solid performance at the back.

Druids outclass Rose Hill Rovers 5-0 (8th October 2006)

In a poor match played on a very small pitch, Alderley Edge Druids comprehensively beat Rose Hill Rovers, currently languishing at the bottom of the table. The Druids found it difficult to get their game together on the small pitch and apart from a solo goal from Oliver Jones, the first half gave the spectators little to enjoy. The second half started brighter and Chris Imiolek scored a hat-trick within 15 minutes which made the score 4-0. Alex Jackson then added a fifth with a spectacular long-range shot. Debutant Angus McAllister came on in the second half and did well. At the end this was a thoroughly forgettable match and the Druids will have their work cut out next week against Woodley Albion at Chorley Hall Lane.

Full time Druids 5 Rose Hill Rovers 0.

Man of the Match was Dan Imiolek for his excellent defending.  

Druids outplay Juno United 6-1 (1st October 2006)

Alderley Edge Druids knew they were facing some stiff opposition today and both teams had chances in the first 10 minutes to score. Juno then broke away and with the Druids defense ball-watching, the ball was competently dispatched in the bottom corner. This 1-0 down score-line seemed to give the Druids a lift and from a corner, Max Petch headed against the keeper and Sam Jafarian was close by to head the rebound into the net. The Druids attacks now became relentless and Oliver Jones scored one of his typical break-away goals. Shortly before half-time, Chris Imiolek coolly placed the ball outside of the keeper's reach in the top corner. Half-time score 3-1 to the Druids. The Druids then made some changes and the game became a little scrappy. In the last 10 minutes, with Juno running out of steam, the Druids managed to score three more times through Oliver Jones (2) and Sam Jafarian. Final score Druids 6 Juno United 1.

Man of the Match was Sam Jafarian for his excellent forward running and his two goals.

Druids edge Hazel Grove 3-2 (24 September 2006)

This match started in heavy rain and finished in bright sunshine. For the Druids the play reflected the weather and they found themselves down after just 2 minutes when a wicked cross was deflected past helpless goalie Andrew Metzelaar. The Druids soon found their feet and Oliver Jones scored after a great individual run. Alderley then missed a penalty, Max Penney the unfortunate taker. Soon after, the Druids found themselves 2-1 behind after a mix-up in the defense when a Hazel Grove forward knocked the ball against the Alderley keeper and was fortunate enough to get the rebound. Alderley kept their poise and Oliver Jones equalised just before half-time, again after a great solo run. Half-time 2-2. The sun came out and Alderley started to put their game together. Some great runs ended in good saves by the Hazel Grove keeper or on a number of occasions the ball went just past the post. From a corner Chris Imiolek finally managed to squeeze the ball in from close range. Alderley Druids won 3-2 and were well worth their win in the end.

Man of the Match was Dan Imiolek for his tireless running.