On a weekend of incredible high drama in the FA Cup Quarter Finals, we saw very much the same in grassroots football with the Panthers Girls coming to the back end of their Festival campaigns and various boys age groups competing for qualification in their Spring Trophy Event.

SATURDAY - GIRLS

Under 9 Panthers faced Leamington Lions in their Trophy Event semi final. This was undoubtedly the Panthers most complete performance of the season so far. Leamington Lions arrived with a squad of 10 players. With the Panthers having 6 players present, it meant the opposition had fresh legs on pitch throughout the match. Nevertheless, the Panthers girls never gave up, coming back from setbacks time and time again. The first half was closely matched. The Panthers attack and superb defence from Lily and Poppy in goal provided a stiff test for Leamington, but they were just as determined, resulting in a match that was dramatic from start to finish. After a few close attempts at goal, a superb first goal from Jodh, assisted by Aish, was immediately clawed back with a lightning goal from the Lions key striker. Powering on, the Panthers kept up momentum with Elizabeth, Roop and Aish strong in the midfield going both ways. Jodh & Aish combined again for Jodh's 2nd goal before another immediate Lions equaliser! The 2nd half saw the same raw fight from both teams, and guess what, Jodh completed her semi final hat trick, before the Lions responded to make the full time score 3-3 and to force a nail-biting period of extra time! The Panthers dug deep and the first 5 minutes of half time proved just as intense and evenly contested. Eventually in the final five minutes, the Lions fresh legs came to the fore, and they forced a dramatic late winner to deny the brave Panthers. The girls, however, should be immensely proud of their performance today and over the last few weeks, topping their group with 2 strong wins and pushing a strong team all the way! Well done!

Under 10 Panthers completed their Trophy Event group stage with a resounding performance and victory away to Kings Heath Warriors - A good campaign but unfortunately denied top spot and qualification by their defeat a few weeks ago to Redditch.

SATURDAY - BOYS

GNP Under 11 Tigers were away to Khalsa FC. The match started evenly before the Tigers started to pile on some pressure and got in to some great positions but just the finish was missing. Tigers then had a corner which was swung in by Aman and finished off superbly by Uday to give the Tigers the lead. Tigers also struck the post and crossbar in the 1st half. Second half was different as Khalsa came out strong. GNP backs were against the wall as pressure was piled on by the Leamington outfit and Tigers tired with no subs. However the boys kept going and that pressure was relieved when the ball came out to Aman just inside the opposition half and he smashed the ball over the goalkeeper and in to the net! Leamington came on strong but Tigers kept a resilient clean sheet. Great team performance by the boys. Player of the match was Zada, who was everywhere in his best game to date!

The Under 8 Tigers were in action in their Pool B Spring Trophy Event. First game was always going to be tough against Rugby Borough Pumas. Boys nonetheless gave a good account of themselves. 2nd game was one they should’ve won based on ability against Mount Nod but proved unlucky to lose. This was all setting up for the final game against Panjab Athletic. All of the boys stepped up and put in a great team display, battling fiercely and rewarded when Mohamed managed to bag a couple of goals assisted by Arveer and Varun. Dara was strong throughout in defence; Salman showed endless energy; Eesa battled like never before and Kaydon looked assured in goal. A special mention goes out to Arveer for his all-round performance It was a fabulous effort to have secured the win in the final game with the Tigers looking in control throughout.

Under 8 Lions faced off in Pool C of the Trophy Event against Leamington Brakes, Lillington and Coventry Sphinx Blue. Despite a hard fought victory against Sphinx, the boys couldn't quite overcome the other two teams

Under 8 Jaguars Pool D Trophy event round robin group consisted of Coventry Phoenix Blaze, Poppys Colts & Hillmorton Hawks. The Jaguars lost narrowly to Cov phoenix blaze with Agam denied by the post. The 2nd game against eventual group winners Poppys ended in a goalless draw, where the boys defended superbly and also offered an attacking threat. We were again unlucky not to score with Anshveer on the end of a couple of chances. In the final game with Hillmorton the opposition scored all their goals in the first half to secure a victory. Whilst the results didn't go their way, the boys did well to give it their all in the three games and were unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet.

The Under 7 Tigers played out a dramatic league fixture away to Coundon Court. Despite going a couple of goals down very early, the boys were not phased and put in a tremendous team display to pull things back. Arjun spearheaded the attack with 4 goals to drag GNP back into things before Gurshaan scored an incredulous goal from a narrow angle on the right to snatch the result! Fantastic Tigers - well done!

Our Under 7 Development group (pictured) continued their preparations towards a team launch in September with a friendly against a new team from Hillmorton Juniors. Oryn made his debut for the team having joined our Mini Kickers programme recently. The GNP boys put in a strong team performance, dynamic in attack, and robust and determined at the back. Seva picked up PotM honours with 3 fantastic 1st half saves as goalkeeper and a solid performance outfield. But all the boys were brilliant today, with goals coming from Shaan (2), Mithun, Isaac, Theo & Bobby! The boys start their Super 7s programme after Easter which will include bespoke additional midweek training sessions and more regular friendlies to help accelerate their development even further!

SUNDAY - BOYS

Under 9 Tigers played Chapelfields Colts away from home in their final trophy event match. The boys started positively and were able to put to great passing moves together with Sohan instrumental in midfield. It wasn't long before Samarvir opened the scoring, tapping in after some fine work by Dharam and Sohan. Jai quickly doubled the lead after another fine passing move. Colts pulled one back with a rare attack. In the 2nd half the Tigers started on the front foot, Jai was fouled on the edge of the box and Sohan smashed home the free kick, rounding off a great personal performance for him as PotM. Overall it was a convincing performance from the team and a much needed one after the heavy loss last week.

Under 9 Lions missed out narrowly away at Coventry Phoenix in the last of the 3 Trophy Event games against higher level opposition. It was neck and neck at halftime. Good battling by all the boys today, with coach having to move players around due to a number of injuries during the game. GNP possibly could have nicked it based on the number of missed opportunities. Thanks to Awais again for covering in goals again for most of the game due to Divith's injury. Goals from Anopa (3) and Majid (1). The boys have competed closely with all opponents in this event which bodes well for their league campaign and hopes of playing in a higher tier next season!

Under 10 Lions were up against Weddington Sports Barbarians in the final group game of the trophy event. Having started off brightly, GNP found themselves one goal down. GNP carried on battling and equalised through Evan; All square at half time. 2nd half, GNP turned up the level of performance, scoring 2 goals through quality strikes from Evan again and then Sehaj. Weddington managed a late 2nd goal, but GNP held on for the win! 2 wins out of 2 qualifying the Lions for the semi finals and they have been drawn away to Racing Club Warwick Gold to decide a place in the final! Player of the match was Evan for his brace of goals.

GNP Under 12 Tigers fell to a heavy and disappointing loss to Coventry United Reds in a super early kick off. Two cheap goals were conceded in the opening 15 mins when the play otherwise was good. Despite a lovely goal in reply scored by the returning Ayden and set up by Saavun, GNP let United forwards score unchallenged from set piece crosses twice to undo the good work. Despite a positive start to the 2nd half, a penalty put Cov Utd further ahead and GNP seemingly went into their shell, standing off the opposition and were duly punished with a regular stream of late goals. PotM : Harman B

Under 13 Tigers hosted Daventry Town in another crucial Division A encounter. Tigers started off strong, creating chances, and also looking strong in midfield and defence, keeping Daventry under control. Jayden struck the woodwork twice with chances. However, the 2 chances Daventry created were both converted into goals - cruel for GNP! 2nd half was similar to the 1st as the first with the Tigers again hitting the woodwork and missing some other great chances. Daventry scored again in the last few minutes of the game to seal a 3-0 win, which didnt really reflect the state of play. GNP will be looking back wondering how they haven't come away with something from the game.