This week saw all GNP Sports teams pay their respects by observing a minutes silence before their games for Armistice Day/Remembrance Sunday. It was another action packed weekend with some fantastic performances and results.

SATURDAY - GIRLS

The Under 9 Panthers made the 36 mile round trip this weekend to play Crusaders and scored their first goal within the 1st minute of the game! They created numerous chances but failed to capitalise again until just before half-time. Come the 2nd half, the afterburners were on which led to more chances. Ariana contributed with a couple of assists and some fantastic play throughout. Tino and Avneet both contributed with goals and assists. Rehat in goal was largely a spectator throughout but kept her concentration well when called upon. In the last 5 minutes Divjot moved from her usual defensive position and went up to play as striker, reaping the rewards with her 1st goal of the season. Well done girls!

Under 8 Panthers also faced the Crusaders in a match that didn’t let you take your eyes off it. The game swung quickly from end to end with both teams battling hard & creating many attempts at goal. Poppy and Aish were kept busy as goalkeepers, preventing the ball getting past them. Jodh was able to successfully connect, securing one goal in the first half. There was wonderful passing and interplay between Roop, Rhea and Avneet, effortlessly gliding across the pitch. It was our misfortune that one goal was disallowed but on the whole, another superb game between 2 evenly matched teams.

SATURDAY - BOYS

GNP Under 10 Tigers played host to a strong Racing Warwick team. The Racing goalkeeper must be one of the best in the league & largely kept their goal area secure however, GNPs persistent attacks finally paid off with a penalty which was nicely converted by Karum Malhi. Once again Karum pulled off a stunning strike from 20 yards out into the far top corner to create some breathing space for GNP. Moving into the 2nd half, the ball bounced on the edge of the box and Karum lifted it deftly over the keeper to secure a win and a brilliantly taken hat-trick, along with Player of the Match honours. Both teams continued to battle until the very last minute however GNP’s efforts brought a deserved clean sheet.

What a game the Under 7 Tigers had against Cov Jag Rovers. The Tigers went down within a minute but responded straight away with an equaliser by Aryan. They continued to apply pressure to the opponents with further goals from Jovan and Aryan whose continued excellent form brought him a total of 4 goals. Balraj consistent as ever managed the left side of the pitch well and also grabbed a goal for his efforts. Strong defending from Dara and captain Pravir meant the opposition found it difficult to break into our box. When the opposition did manage to break through they often met Archie who pulled off a couple of vital saves which we’ve become accustomed to. Mohamed continued his great development moving into the position as a winger effortlessly. Arveer, albeit not on the scoresheet, assisted in 3 goals and used his body well to demonstrate his strength across the pitch. Player of the match went to Jovan for his overall contribution playing as a striker, winger and defender. A great match personified by a wonderful work ethic by the Tigers’ boys.

The Under 7 Lions faced new opponents in Ryton Stars. Most of the match was played in our half with the Lions defending gallantly and working hard. Giaan and Fakhir fought tooth and nail for the team and whilst we competed we were outclassed by some really incisive play by an impressive Ryton outfit. Although we didn't score today the boys got stuck in and can take great credit for keeping the score as low as they did.

Under 7 Juniors played Cov Sphinx Blue today. After good few mins in, Sphinx scored several goals in quick succession. Our Juniors’ boys kept trying with Manveer and Angad defending well and our efforts were rewarded as Agam got a goal back. In the second half, again, the boys started off well with Dhanveer making some good saves, but conceded further goals which were simply unstoppable. Agam notched another goal to double his tally. The watching parents voted for their player of the match today and it was a shared award as Manveer and Agam were jointly nominated. Both had a brilliant game with Manveer defending really well and Agam’s goalscoring at the other end. Great effort boys!

A buoyant Under 7 Pumas played host to Rugby Borough Lions. The away team starting off the brighter of the two teams, leaving the Pumas on the back foot with the Lions constant attacks. The opposition created a number chances which were converted to take a clear lead. 2nd half saw the Pumas show more battle, winning challenges and 50/50s. However it wasn’t enough as Rugby continued to apply the pressure and stretched their lead in the match despite a GNP consolation goal for their efforts. The team weren’t at the races today, often 2nd to the ball, and found it difficult to release the ball when in possession. Despite the negative outcome, we take away positives to build on for our upcoming fixtures.

Under 8 Tigers hosted Hillmorton Clarets. Tigers struggled to get any rhythm in the first half as they struggled against more aggressive opposition. The half ended without the Tigers creating any clear chances. The 2nd half was an improvement, the Tigers pressed the opposition more quickly and played more direct football. Shawn continued his fine form in front of goal with a brace and Shrihan grabbed a goal to pull the Tigers back into the game. However a few unforced errors resulted in more goals for Hillmorton. Tigers were left disappointed this week and can't wait to move onto the next match!

SUNDAY - BOYS

The Under 11 Tigers got their groove back with a strong team performance away to Christ the King Rovers Blue. The game was bookmarked by 3 early goals and 3 late goals from GNP and a robust clean sheet against a CTK team fielding the bare 9 players. 5 different scorers on the mark with Ayden (2), Saavun, Arjun, Aarun & Cinar all finding the net. Iklil put in a masterful performance at the back, intercepting at will and carrying the ball forward with great poise, but Saavun took Player of the Match honours with an impressive 4 assists and midfield pressing to add to the penalty he scored! Well done Tigers!

The Under 11 Lions were away this week to Firefighters Juniors hoping to bounce back after a series of disappointing defeats. The Lions found themselves a goal down within a minute and struggled to get going, conceding another one 10 minutes later. However this did not seem to perturb them and they got themselves back into the game with Rajan breaking down the wing and finishing nicely into the corner. On the front foot, the Lions pushed for an equaliser but conceded a sloppy 3rd goal. Their heads didn’t drop and a well worked team goal allowed Ayomide to finish to reduce the arrears on the stroke of half time. It was a nail biting 2nd half and the Lions defended stoutly and at times rode their luck as the opposition failed to convert two penalty kicks. The first one was excellently kept out by Prabhvir with the 2nd struck wide. The Lions pushed again for an equaliser and found it when Rajan anticipated a through ball which came off a defender and he showed great composure when through on goal with only the keeper to beat. Thoroughly enjoyable game with the Lions showing great fighting spirit and heart to earn a well deserved draw.

Under 12 Tigers visited Grove Farm in Division A. A frustrating result today for the boys. The first 20 minutes they were dominant and went ahead 2-0. They had lots of chances to score more goals to put the game to bed. Unfortunately Grove Farm grabbed one back just before half-time which gave them the momentum second half to get back into the game. Having then lost the lead, the Tigers had to battle back and find their own equaliser, which they managed to do. Player of the match today was Max; he made some brilliant tackles which prevented the scoreline from getting worse for the Tigers and that gave them the push they needed to go on and equalise.

Our Under 14s were away to Ambleside this week. Ambleside dominated the majority of the first half and GNP did well to go into half time goalless. Second half brought a good response from the team and we managed to take the lead with 11 minutes to go through a Raman tap in after a cross from Zaid. Unfortunately, the pressure told in the end and Ambleside got a deserved equaliser in the last minute. Well done to the Under 14s squad who showed today, sometimes you have to grind out a result when not on top.

GNP Under 9 Lions were away against Coventrians. From the very first minute, the Lions were dominating the ball, the only surprise being the relatively small margin at half time. The 2nd half pattern of play was very much the same, with the Lions creating numerous chances, with some fantastic flowing football. This time they were more ruthless with their finishing and managed another 6 goals with Coventrians managing a sole consolation goal for their efforts. There were 4 goals for Evan and 1 each for Athrv, Rajan, Sehaj and Veeran. Despite Evan’s 4 goals, man of the match went to Mason Bhadal, for a good first half performance, keeping things simple and always looking for the forward pass. He is improving week in and week out, taking on board lessons from training. Mason spent the 2nd half in goals, so we could give our regular keeper Kian, a run out up front!

Under 9 Tigers were away to recent opponents, Southam United, and encountered a much closer game this time out. The game kicked off and was even for the first 10 mins. Then the Tigers took control and forced a string of saves from the Southam keeper. Eventually the pressure told with a goal from Ricky and a second from Rohan. Southam then played with a bit more intensity and from a succession of corners scored a good goal with a header. Second half started again with Tigers looking to increase the lead but some fantastic saves denied them. Southam then grabbed an equaliser from another corner despite multiple blocks by the GNP defence and keeper. Going in to the last few minutes of the games Ricky broke down to the byline and crossed in to the penalty box where Shaan tapped in at the back post. Great football from the boys in the last few minutes to see out the match.

GNP Under 9 Pumas travelled to Bulkington Lions. A dominant performance by the Pumas playing strong attacking football throughout the game, creating a lot of chances. Pumas went home with a convincing performance which included a hat-trick from Jaiden, 2 from Axel and a Bulkington own goal. Pumas were defensively solid at the back, Bulkington having little opportunity to score.

A slow start by the Under 10 Lions away to Ambleside, resulting in the home side taking the lead in the first 2 mins. Despite a rapid counter attack equaliser from the Lions, poor defending allowed Ambleside to re-take the lead very soon after and then grab another before half time. The 2nd half was much better with GNP having all the chances but we struggled to get the ball in the back of the net. A late exchange of goals kept Ambleside in the ascendency and they saw out the result.

Under 10 Pumas were away against a good Coventrians Phoenix side. It proved to be a great performance – the boys started the game very well, taking the lead with a calm and neat finish from Sarvan Garchay with Armaan Vraitch adding to the Pumas scoresheet not long after, with Zada Saleh providing a wonderful assist. Coventrians snatched a goal back to reduce the Pumas lead at halftime. Nevertheless GNP Pumas started the 2nd half in a similarly positive vein and stretched the lead further through Armaan Vraitch again. Coventrians narrowed the lead again and then piled the pressure on the Pumas but the team managed to hold on for a sweet victory.