The CWYL Boys league had a weekend off for half term, so the spotlight was on our Saturday teams. And wow, didn't they step up?! We had 8 teams in action on the Saturday, including our five girls teams. ALL five girls teams won their fixtures, including a first ever victory for our new Under 8s Panthers team! The other 3 teams in action also saw two wins and a high scoring draw. So an invincible weekend for the club and a fantastic achievement!!

SATURDAY – GIRLS

The Panthers Under 8 team celebrated an impressive victory on their home turf against a determined SoccerRockz Wildcats squad, showcasing their talent, resilience, and outstanding teamwork. From the first whistle, the Panthers played with focus and enthusiasm, impressing both coaches and fans alike. Siya led the charge with two beautifully executed goals, skilfully finding her way through the opposition’s defence. Jasika added to the scoreboard with a great shot. The girls’ unity and passion were evident throughout the game, with each player contributing to both offensive and defensive plays. Their fantastic team spirit and high energy brought excitement to every minute on the pitch. It was a memorable morning filled with cheers, smiles, and the pride of a well-earned victory!

Under 10 Panthers played Coventrians and secured a resounding victory against old rivals. A full squad with 3 subs, meant coach Dean had lots of fresh legs to work with. The first whistle evidenced an immediate hunger from every single player. Panthers were relentless with their pressing and attacking thrust culminating in a brilliant goal from Elizabeth assisted by Rhea. Jodh added another fine team goal, assisted again by Rhea. The energy continued with debutant and latest Wildcats graduate Prema laying on a pass for Roop to score. The 2nd half brought further excitement with the Panthers keeping the Coventrians goalie very busy, whilst GNP keeper Poppy barely had a touch all game! This speaks volumes for how amazing the attack and then backline were, when needed. A fantastic goal was scored by Roop from a solo run from her own half. Great communication, calling and tactical team play, which has been practised in training, all contributed to gaining the upper hand and resulted in an opportunist goal from Elizabeth to seal the convincing win. Absolutely brilliant work today girls!

The Under 11 Panthers visited Coventry United. The girls had no subs and with a couple of players carrying injuries we were unsure how the morning would go. The team started off strongly and scored in the first 10 minutes. A great cross from Suvreet on the right was slotted home by Avneet. Avneet then added a second after good play from the team. The opposition were strong but the GNP defence soaked up the pressure. Peyton had her goalkeeper debut and made many great saves. Avneet scored again to complete her hat trick, with a carbon copy of the first goal, Suvreet supplying another great assist. The amount of effort and heart shown by all the team was exceptional. A special mention to Isla today. We didn’t think she was going to get up from the whack in the head she got. She showed the true heart within this team by coming back on and finishing the game. The 2nd half was more balanced with good chances as well as good defensive play from both sides. Coventry United scored in the 2nd half to close the deficit but our girls kept their heads up. These girls are battling hard for each other and making both coaches and parents so proud. Great effort today girls - Go Panthers!

The Under 13 Panthers welcomed 2 new players making their debuts; Nimrut and Ramneek; in their game against Ilmington United. Panthers got off to a slow start conceding a goal within 5 minutes. This was however just the wake-up call they needed. The Panthers were piling on the pressure and were awarded a free kick. Hannah stepped up and placed it into the box for Mankirat to score. Rose proved why she’s such a great midfielder with a great solo run from her own half right into the box of the opposition to make it 2-1. Panthers were unrelenting in their pursuit for more goals with 2 more for Mankirat to complete yet another hat-trick. The defence with Avani, Enya, Lilly and Hannah looked solid and absorbed a lot of pressure as Ilmington pressed high. On the rare occasion they broke through, Orna was there to stop any further goals. With 10 minutes left, Lizzie made a good run and grabbed a goal from the right wing. Following a throw-in from Hannah delivered into the box, Jeevani dispossessed the defender and then dispatched the chance to complete a 6-1 victory to continue the great league run.

Under 14 Panthers secured their first win of the season with a 7-1 home win against SJB Juniors. The Panthers started brightly and had several early attacks that were all saved by the SBJ keeper. The opposition struggled to control Kia and Mekenna’s attacking play and it wasn’t long before the Panthers took control of the game with 2 goals from Kia, a hat-trick for Mekenna, one for Esme and a converted penalty from Saff who made no mistake from the spot following a foul on Poppy in the area.

SATURDAY - BOYS

Under 9 Jaguars played against Balsall and Berkswell Hornets. They started on the front foot and were awarded with an own goal following a Raylan cross. Shortly after Angad was able to score a brace, one which was applauded by all spectators for its quality! Jaguars attacked relentlessly and were awarded with a goal from Agam before half time to provide a comfortable lead. The 2nd half started like the first. Raylan was able to double his tally with a goal from a cross in from Anshveer. Agam doubled his tally with a goal whilst also assisting Raylan for him to complete his hat trick, sealing a great result for the boys!

GNP Under 9 Lions hosted Vision Spartans at home. The first half threatened to be a repeat of last week's encounter with the same opponents, with both teams creating chances. However, it was the Lions that broke the deadlock with Nikhil slotting one into the net. After last week's defeat this was the boost the Lions needed. Both sides continued to create chances but Vision caught the Lions on the back foot to equalise. In the second half the Lions roared to life. A second goal from Nikhil gave the Lions the lead, followed by further goals from Sahib and Veer to cement the Lions lead. Continued pressure from the Lions created multiple opportunities testing Vision, resulting in an own goal. Vision didn't switch off and were determined to get back into the game. The Lions kept a strong defensive line providing excellent support to Sehaj. A late goal from Vision wasn't enough to turn the tide. A fine victory against a well organised team. Well done Lions!

The Under 9 Pumas faced off against Sky Blues Phoenix in an intense away match. From the first whistle, both teams pushed the pace, creating multiple scoring opportunities. The opposition struck first and soon after scored a second when a shot slipped past the keeper and bounced over the line. Undeterred, the Pumas kept up the pressure. Early in the second half, Harvey blasted a powerful shot into the net, followed by a close chance from Nirvair just minutes later with a sharp finish in the box. Harvey soon found his second goal, putting the Pumas ahead as the team came together, determined to push forward. The game turned into a thrilling end-to-end battle, with the opposition reclaiming the lead after capitalizing on two chances. In the final minute, Musa broke free for a one-on-one with the keeper, scoring with a calm, ice cold finish. The team showed incredible spirit, fighting to the very end. Harvey was awarded Player of the Match for his relentless pressure and outstanding attacking play.

SUNDAY - BOYS

Under 9 Tigers were up against Cov Phoenix (recent Pool C Trophy Event winners) in a half term friendly. It was a competitive start before a wonderful long range pass from Arveer to Veer who then teed up Eesa to open the scoring. Opposition tried to get back into it and Jacob had to be sharp to stop further attacks. Eesa then received another great assist from Arveer to slot another home. Josiah then came on down the right wing and grabbed another before half time. Salman and Rivan had a great game at the back knowing when to defend and attack. Veer and Rajan also had a super game by using their touches effectively to pass or shoot which was pleasing to see. 2nd half Cov Phoenix pressed higher up the pitch, but Jacob was determined to stop them; he was unlucky to have conceded a penalty which was converted, but this was a by product of his aggressive, front foot goalkeeping approach, which is exactly what . Eesa grabbed his hat-trick (earning him Player of the Match) with great play by Josiah passing it into the box. Tigers kept pressing and with the final kick of the game Arveer grabbed a goal as Cov Phoenix struggled to get it away. Another great performance from the U9 Tigers in a highly competitive friendly.