GNP Sports Juniors FC wish all members and their families a Happy New Year! Many of our teams were back in action after the Xmas break. Please find our round up of the action below....

SATURDAY

GNP Under 7 Lions kicked off the 2nd half of their season against Coventry Copsewood (Panthers) in friendly action. The young Lions flew out of the blocks with flair and attacking prowess, going up after a couple of brilliant finishes from Paras. The opposition soon managed to get a goal back against the run of play. However after a powerful goal from Melvin and another from Jeevun, GNP led at half time. The 2nd half saw the Lions start strongly again with Jayden notching two goals, one a great run with the other seeing him rounding the keeper to score. GNP then allowed the opposition back into the game after a lack of concentration, but Melvin extended the strong lead via a penalty he earned himself. A final consolation followed for Copsewood but GNP deservedly came out on top in an exciting game to watch.

Under 7 Tigers played Coventrians in a friendly which provided the opportunity to rotate the team and test some of the players in unfamiliar positions. The game was evenly matched in the opening 10 minutes with GNP struggling to keep good possession. Coventrians went ahead with a scrappy goal. However, Arvin was excellent in defense and levelled after the Tigers started to play with more intensity. After that the Tigers were on top, MOTM Arvin completed a first half hat-trick, all very similar goals, Arvin winning the ball in the opposition half and forcing his way through the defence himself to score. It was all one-way traffic for a spell, Aryan and Jai grabbing a goal each before the break, both simple finishes after some good team passing. The second half started with another GNP goal after Kyan won the ball  from a Coventrians kick-off then playing through Jai, who finished smartly. Kyan, Aryan and Arvin added another goal each in the 2nd half. Apart from the opening 10 mins, the performance was exceptional and is exactly what we asked for, players working hard for each other, winning the ball back quickly when out of possession and running forward to support attacking moves.

Our Under 8 Panthers girls team, a product of our FA Wildcats program, were not playing this weekend. However there was a wonderful surprise for the Panthers from their new team sponsor McDonalds. The girls were invited to McDonalds Walsgrave for lunch (pictured) on an otherwise miserable Saturday afternoon. Following dessert, McDonalds manager, Ian, unveiled brand new training equipment, which he presented to the team. A big Thank you McDonalds!

SUNDAY

Under 9 Pumas started the new year away against Brinklow Juniors Colts in the winter trophy event. Slow GNP start in the 1st half  against a well organised Brinklow team, both teams holding their own to go in goalless at half time. The Pumas came out a completely different team, passing the ball around nicely resulting in Armaan Vraitch scoring to put the Pumas into the lead.  Pumas then scored again very quickly through Aman Dhesi who struck from the half way line.  Aman then neatly put his 2nd away from a shot just outside the area. The 2nd half was characterised by some great passing and pressing from the team with Mason Mattu also pulling off a handful of excellent saves to earn a clean sheet.  An awesome defensive display from Abhi and Arjun Makh. Great work in midfield and upfront from the remaining players, but a man of the match performance from Haris Hussain who showed excellent skill down the right wing.

The Under 9 Lions played Coventrians today in the Trophy Event group stage. The Lions shook off the cobwebs and fought hard for the entire game but could not produce that little bit of magic to get the goal they so well deserved. In an amazing attacking display the spoils were shared with neither team being able to find the back of the net.

GNP Under 10 Tigers were made to work hard in their Winter Trophy Event opener, coming back from a 2 goal deficit to Firefighters Juniors to earn a draw in an exciting cup tie. The Tigers are in the middle of a tough spell with every shot conceded seemingly resulting in a goal against at the moment. The same happened today, Firefighters scoring with their 1st foray into GNP territory. GNP hit back through Elio's strike after Saavun's surging drive down the left. However Firefighters took a shock 2 goal lead after 2 shots the GNP keeper should have done much better with! This team's famous fighting spirit meant the game was never over and it was our outstanding captain, Saavun, who drove the team forward continuously and scored 2 crucial and clinically taken goals having been teed up by Arjun & Cinar respectively. A must win game next week at home to Mount Nod to decide qualification.

The Under 10 Lions kicked off their 2022 campaign and were back in Cup action against Alvis Eagles in the opening game of their group. The Lions had much of the possession in the first half but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal. The deadlock was finally broken by Kyan who slotted home from close range following good work by Harman and Rajan on the counter. Unfortunately Alvis were allowed back into the game following a defensive mix up and the teams went into the interval all level. The second half was much the same but goals from Harman and Rajan secured the points for the Lions. The Lions were admittedly not at their best today but the boys did well to grind out a result.

Under 11 Tigers hosted Cov Jag in their 3rd encounter this season. And what a way to re-start the season! It’s always an interesting game against this team and it took about 15/20 mins for the boys to work off the rustiness from the christmas break and wake up, in which time they were 2 goals down. The boys finally started playing and had some great chances but were not able to capitalise, ending the half 4 goals down!. But the boys did not give up and showed the real Tigers within them with an explosive final 10mins where GNP levelled up thanks to goals from Josh, Manveer, Anesu & Max. Well done to the boys for a great game of football and a special mention for the MOTM Nav.

GNP U11 Lions visited Lillington Juniors Rangers.It was a fast paced game  with Nathan creating a wonderful solo goal to open the scoring. Just before half time Lillington equalised. In the 2nd half though, Nathan scored another solo goal taking on the the Lillington defence which turned out to be the winner. Keeper Josh made some great saves to keep GNP in the game, along with some determined defending by Gabriel. It was a fabulous match with both teams giving their all. A great start to 2022 for the Lions. Well done!

GNP Under 16s lost 4-2 @ home to Coventry Sphinx. Disappointing individual errors again leading to opposing team goals.