A beautiful weekend for football with Spring season in full effect! Many of the younger teams continued their Trophy Event campaigns, whilst the older teams move into the home straight of their respective league campaigns as we reach the final 2 months of the season.

SATURDAY - GIRLS

The sun shone brightly on International Women’s Day and the Under 10 Panthers girls delivered a fantastic team performance sprinkled with individual brilliance. Their prowess on the field was evident from the outset, with each player contributing to what proved to be a strategic game against well organised opposition. The midfielders, Anya, Khloe, Roop, Prema and Jodh controlled the pace, making incisive passes that opened up opportunities for the forwards, Elizabeth and Rhea. A dominant first half without hitting the mark almost ended with conceding a goal. The opposition striker through 1 on 1 with Poppy but the goalkeeper making a brilliant save and helping her to the PotM award overall. Early in the 2nd half an individual run and powerful well-placed shot from Roop found the back of the net. This was quickly followed by a goal from Jodh assisted by Rhea. A few more attacks followed but the opposition keeper was in fine form and kept the opposition in touching distance. This led to a late rally from the opposition but great organisation, determination and superb defending from Anaiya, Lily and Aish ensured the girls kept a clean sheet and took the win. The girls are playing great football and are already looking to the next game!

Under 13 Panthers were away to Heath Ballerz. The Panthers had a couple of great early chances however couldn’t quite find the net. Heath Ballerz then switched gears and were 2-0 up heading into half time. The Panthers came out in the second half determined to come back and again missed their chances. Orna kept the Panthers in it with a series of great saves. Heath Ballerz however kept pressing and were just too quick, agile and powerful for the Panthers who lost 5-0.

Under 14 Panthers had a home tie against undefeated top of the league side Warwick Angels. The Panthers gave their all and battled all over the park but lost 0-6. The scoreline doesn’t fully reflect the game in which the Panthers had chances and restricted their opponents to shots from distance but the difference in quality showed in the end.

SATURDAY - BOYS

GNP Under 12 Tigers hosted Leek Wootton. The game started off bright for GNP who took the lead through Josiah with Muhamadou adding a second. Josiah scored a third which took GNP into HT 3-0 up. Second half GNP really put their foot on the accelerator with 4 goals from Josiah, with Harjan & Aman adding to the scoreline. Final score 9-0
PotM - Josiah Jones

The Under 9 Pumas faced Wellesbourne Wanderers at home. The Pumas created several chances in the first half but were unable to convert. Despite dominating possession and having more attempts on goal, they were caught on the counter and went into half time trailing by a goal. In the second half, the Pumas continued to press forward. Musa equalized with a brilliant strike, assisted by Ajeet. However, the opposition regained the lead with a long-range effort. Ajeet responded with a superb finish into the roof of the net to level the score once again. The team pushed hard in search of a winner but couldn't break through, ending the match in a draw. The Pumas displayed great determination and resilience throughout. Player of the Match was Ajeet for his crucial goal and assist. On to the final group game with top spot within the Pumas grasp!

Under 9 Lions came into the match top of the Trophy Event group table and were hungry to stay there. The Lions starting the game with a dominant display playing a great passing game, applying pressure and creating opportunities as we practice in training. Supported by Nikhil, Veer and Fakhir, Sahib opened the scoring then doubling our lead in quick succession. In the last minutes of the first half Claverdon were able to capitalise on an unforced error to get one back. The second half started as the first with most play in the opposition half. However, a mis-timed tackle in our penatly box allowed Claverdon to draw level from a penalty. The Lions continued to create chance after chance, striking the cross bar or just wide of the goal, really testing the keeper. Claverdon capitalised on a poorly handled clearance to gain the lead briefly before Sahib levelled the game once more. POTM went to Sahib for his determination. Great teamwork and passing from the squad. The boys go into a final game decider with Firefighters next week to determine the group winners!

Under 9 Jaguars played Rugby Borough Lions in the cup event. Rugby Borough were the better team and scored early on. Jaguars tried to pull a goal back, but the opposition were too strong. Dhanveer made some great saves to keep GNP within reach for a period. Second half, Rugby scored further goals to build a healthy lead. Mid way through the 2nd half, Raylan did manage to score one and then a couple of moments later converted a penalty. Agam hit the post and Jaguars pressed but were unable to find the back of the net again. Great effort by the boys in a game against a higher tier team.

Under 8 Pumas had an early start on a very sunny day, playing away to Sporting Rugby Raiders. The boys had another tentative start - we didn’t have any shots on target in the first half, and then conceded a goal. However, our goalkeeper Dayal swapped with our striker which changed the game, giving us some impetus in the final third, while our defence held strong too. A goal from Jodhbeer gave us some confidence, and two late goals from Dayal and Guransh ensured a win and the continuation of a positive run of form.

Under 8 Lions played against Hillmorton Juniors. The Lions started with a bang with a quick goal from Harvey in the first 15 minutes. The Lions were heading for a clear win with more goals from Harnam and Leo (2). However, the tide turned and the lead slowly diminished until the scores were tied. It was a fantastic team effort and good cohesion amongst the whole squad. The boys played a nice, clean game with regular attempts at goal. Well done boys!

Under 8 Jaguars achieved another high scoring victory, this time not without its complications, against a competitive Lillington team. A big shout out to PotM Seva who kept GNP in the game with some remarkable saves. The boys kept fighting, even in difficult moments, and found their rhythm at the end of the game when it mattered to secure the result! Goalscorers on the day were Oryn (4), Isaac (2), Theo (2), Varun and Stan.

Under 8 Tigers - no update

SUNDAY - BOYS

Under 16s got back to winning ways against Ambleside Thunders after the cup semi final defeat. It was a slow start to the game and after 17 mins the opposition scored. GNP responded immediately and equalised through Zaid after an assist from Dylan. The remainder of the half was quite scrappy in warm conditions. Half time changes paid off straight away through a brilliant assist by Ethan and a goal for Nana. 2 goals in 3 mins with just under 20 to go increased the lead with goals from Zaid and Tyler. Opposition scored a freak goal with mins to go but it proved no more than a consolation. Final score 4-2 to GNP.

Under 13 Tigers (pictured) hosted Hartshill Sports Hammers, who sit bottom of the league with no wins to date. The visitors belied their position with a robust 1st half display but the Tigers triumphed in the end thanks to a superb hat trick from wing back & PotM Cinar! Cinar opened the scoring on 11 mins from a wide free kick beautifully curled into the far top corner after a foul on Emmanuel. Hartshill responded when an inexplicable handball gifted them a penalty which they dispatched. It became a scrappy battle and remained 1-1 at half time. 2nd half gradually saw GNP exert some control on the game. Harman S was inches from breaking the deadlock after an incisive run and cross from Iklil. A flurry of corners followed and the deadlock was broken when Saavun's inswinging corner was diverted into his own net by the defender. Another good corner on 62 mins, this time from Arjun, saw Cinar arrive right on cue to volley in at the far post. And then with 2 mins left on the clock, Iklil's long throw was flicked on and Cinar arrived to volley home spectacularly, this time on his left foot to send the spectators wild with excitement - a truly unforgettable goal!!

Under 13 Lions hosted new opponents in Bulkington, who are flying high, top of the league. The boys started slowly and were 3-0 down within 15 mins after some sloppy defensive work. Thankfully Filip stopped the rot with a fine solo goal, and after this it became a classic thrilling game with non-stop end to end action. Bulkington added two more of their own before the break but were pegged back by two goals from Arjun; one from a penalty after Mohammed was brought down & the other a scuffed near-post tap in after good work down the left by Milad. 3-5 at half time and the 2nd half saw the teams exchange 2 goals apiece, GNP pushing for an unlikely comeback in the final stages after a superb free kick strike from Mario and then a great run and finish from Filip. Final score 5-7. A proud and spirited display from the Lions in spite of the squad being hit again by illness and injury!

Under 12s Pumas had an away fixture against Cov Saracens. Game ending in a goalless draw. Pumas creating several goal scoring opportunities, but were unable to convert their chances on a bumpy playing surface.

GNP U11 Tigers put in a spirited performance in their Trophy Event clash against Cov Jag, playing intelligent and attacking football throughout the match. Despite dominating large spells of the game, the Tigers were unfortunate to come away empty-handed. The match started with the Tigers controlling possession and showcasing their passing ability. Their high press and structured build-up play kept Cov Jag on the back foot, but against the run of play, the opposition found a breakthrough late in the first half. Undeterred, GNP came out in the second half with renewed energy and soon found their equalizer. The relentless pressing paid off as Aman slotted home to bring the game level. From there, the Tigers took control, launching wave after wave of attacks. However, the Cov Jag goalkeeper put in an outstanding display, making save after save to deny the Tigers the lead. As the game reached its climax, the Tigers continued to pile on the pressure, but in a cruel twist, Cov Jag managed to nick a goal late in the game, again against the run of play. The goal came under controversial circumstances, with an offside decision not going in GNP’s favour. With minutes remaining, the Tigers threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, but the Jag goalkeeper produced more heroics to secure the away victory. A frustrating result, but an impressive performance from the Tigers, who can take plenty of positives into their next match.

Under 11 Lions were up against Southam in another Trophy Event game. The first half was pretty even with chances and opportunities for both sides. GNP went into half time a goal down. The 2nd half was another even game, with GNP hitting the post. GNP couldn’t find a goal and Southam added a couple more. Well played all round though, against a well-organised Southam team and we go again next week, for the final Trophy Event group game. Player of the Match went to goalkeeper Benjamin, for a solid performance between the sticks.

The Under 9 Tigers visited FC Maine Athletes for their final Trophy Event Group match. The Tigers got straight to work, and set the tone at the start, attacking like there’s no time to lose. FC Maine however didn’t flinch and brought attacking threat of their own, finding an opening to score the first goal of the match. GNP soon equalised when Josiah found the net with an amazing free kick from long distance. The second half started with the same intensity with both teams attacking, and it was brilliant to see Jacob at his best, with 14 saves,winning himself the PotM award today, some saves were so magnificent that even the home supporters praised and applauded. However FC Maine scored another from a quick corner which caught GNP napping. GNP replied with another fine goal when Josiah converted a penalty for his 2nd of the game. Unfortunately the Tigers couldn’t build on this momentum with some disjointed passing when trying to build from the back. Maine took full advantage of this, developing a lead in the latter part of the second half from which the Tigers couldn’t respond. Nevertheless, the Tigers delivered an impressive performance against a pretty strong team from the tier above.