SATURDAY - GIRLS
Under 9 Panthers met once again with Khalsa Lionesses in Harbury. In the 1st half the girls had a stronghold in the final third of the pitch with constant attacking and so many close calls. Rhea marked the first goal of the match. There was a minor setback when the opposition scored but Roop sealed a fantastic game with
a hat trick under her belt. Lily was dominant with her power, ensuring that the game stayed in Khalsa's danger area. The girls played an intensly enjoyable game. Keep up the great work!
Under 10 Panthers vs Albion Foundation
Another brilliant performance by the Under 12 Panthers against Cov United Red to build on the promise of the previous 2 games. The girls kept the ball in the opposition's half for the majority of the 1st half but were unlucky and gave away a goal. Isla was denied an opportunity following some excellent runs. The Panthers did well to keep strong in the 2nd half and again dominated territorially, keeping supporters transfixed as they made several attempts at goal right up to the final whistle.
Under 13 Panthers hosted 3rd placed Warwick Angels and lost 4-1. The scoreline doesn’t reflect just how close a match it was with GNP unlucky to not get at least a point. Simran Dhesi put in a true captain's display with some superb defensive blocks and also getting on the score sheet. A great team display showing positive signs for next season.
SATURDAY - BOYS
The GNP Super 6s (Year 1s) made their competitive debut as a team in a friendly against Soccer Rockz Warriors. After a solid start and goalless opening period, GNP exploded into life with a superb hat trick from Aron. Warriors hit back but keeper Rhys and defender Rayan were both superb at the back to give GNP a great platform to attack from. 2nd half, further goals were added by Joban (2), Jagraaj, Rhys and more from Aron, and they were well supported by Tobias & Dhillan to seal a comprehensive performance! An exciting future awaits for the latest group off the GNP Sports Mini Kickers "production line"!
Under 7 Tigers played against Cov Phoenix. This match was a mixed bag of highs and lows for the boys. We opened the game with a cracking goal from Gurshaan causing the opposition to pile on the pressure and that early lead was then taken away. At half time the boys returned with a renewed energy and playing with some pace the team had some great attempts which allowed Gurshaan to complete his hat trick earning him the POTM.
Under 7 Lions lost out somehow to Brinklow Juniors in an away game. GNP were leading at halftime but Brinklow had a strong bench and with multiple options, they put out a whole different team in the 2nd half. The final 10 mins was very tough and Lions couldn't cope with the fresh Brinklow legs in the end. Overall a valiant team effort by GNP, with the scoreline not reflecting what happened in the game.
The Under 8 Jaguars (pictured) played an outstanding game against Copsewood Hurricanes. Right from the start, the Jaguars showed their attacking prowess, with Angad scoring a hat-trick within the first few minutes. The teamwork between Anshveer and Angad was incredible, leading to those early goals. The momentum continued when we were awarded a free kick, which Agam scored, and he went on to score another goal just before half-time. Dhanveer was amazing in goal in the first half, with Kavin and Manveer providing excellent support in defence. Despite the opposition pulling one back, GNP never lost their focus. Gavin made some fantastic saves, and Amarvir almost scored with a shot that hit the crossbar. Agam tucked away a penalty to close off the game and an incredible result, especially after a recent run of bad luck.
Under 8 Pumas played against Bulkington Poppy's in a league game, 2 weeks after their cup final match. The Pumas played with great intensity and the 1st half was back and forth where both teams had multiple chances. Poppy's struck first, early in the 2nd half, but soon after, a penalty was given to the Pumas which Yash converted to equalise. The Pumas kept pushing forward and Harvey tucked a Sunny pass into the net to give the Pumas the lead and a well earned outcome. Nirvair's high energy and work rate earned him PotM.
Under 8 Lions faced Leamington Brakes Purple in an entertaining end to end game. The Lions fought hard and were rewarded with goals from Fakhir and Manroop in the 1st half. Lions let Brakes back into the game in the 2nd half and were unlucky not to end up on top at the full time whistle. Player of the match went to Manroop who marauded up and down the right wing today!
Under 8 Tigers were up against Panjab Athletic (PA) and got off to a great start with Arveer scoring early. PA hit back almost immediately & added another 2 goals with lapses in tracking back by the wingers. Dara defended the box as well as he could, but was left exposed at times and Kaydon was fantastic as Player of the Match, stopping several long range shots by PA. Arveer then fizzed a great free kick into the top corner. PA managed to grab another couple before Eesa scored from a cracking effort. Mohamed had some great chances but couldn’t get his shots away, whilst Salman also had some great runs, and with time, will find the pitch easier to navigate. All in all a decent effort by the Tigers, but definitely one that they can improve on.
Under 11 Tigers vs Leek Wootton