Our Under 14s teams led the way this weekend with 3 league wins from 3 games. The Panthers girls did it the hard way, coming back from 2 down to take a big away win. The relentless Tigers boys made it 10 league wins from 10 at Cov Phoenix to bolster their current dominance of their division. Whilst the Lions boys made it 2 wins from 2 with 10 goals in their big home victory over Coventry Utd.

SATURDAY – GIRLS

Under 14 Panthers were away to Kingshurst Pavilions. Panthers were slow to start and rightly conceded due to lack of effort in the midfield. Panthers were awarded a penalty and Lizzy stepped up hitting the post unluckily! Panthers managed to find their stride as they headed into half time 1-0 down. A team talk to focus the girls then took place. All to no avail it seemed as they went 2-0 down shortly after the restart. They then however concentrated on attacking the opposition goal kicks and this paid dividends. Mankirat managed to grab a couple of quick goals from exactly this. Opposition now tiring with no subs, were very much on the back foot and the Panthers knew it. They then went in hard on the opposition with the defence not letting any chances through. The midfield was motoring and now very much operating in top gear. The wingers were sniffing their chance from their goal kicks and Lizzy took full advantage. She scored the third and was instrumental in their fourth goal which went down as an own goal. All in all, a fantastic match which highlighted the girls belief in coming back from anything, even when they are 2-0 down!

GNP Under 12 Panthers entertained 2nd placed Lutterworth on Saturday morning and, in a hotly contested first half, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock after 15 minutes. The Panthers didn't let their heads drop and continued to fight for every loose ball and played some nice stuff. Shortly before the break, Faith beat her marker and thundered a shot from the angle that clattered the post. HT 0-1. Second half is a story then of the Panthers taking injuries; Faith limping off 5 minutes into the 2nd period, shortly followed by Sheena, who had already been impacted with a knee injury but came back on. Patience too limped off later in the game and Annabelle, who was carrying an injury into the match, also being withdrawn. Lutterworth seized control of the match scoring 3 more times. A late consolation goal almost came for the Panthers through Avneet but her side-footed shot struck the post and came back to a waiting Lutterworth defender who cleared. When it's not your day, it just isn't. But some bright moments for the Panthers, and some much needed minutes for a team that’s been blighted by games called off, affecting continuity. Panthers 0-4 Lutterworth

Under 9 Panthers travelled to Kingshurst for an away fixture played on a muddy pitch in cold conditions. The Panthers showed real determination from the outset and demonstrated plenty of promise in the first half, creating a couple of good chances. Despite a strong defensive performance, they conceded shortly before the half-time break. In the second half, the team continued to work hard, showing great stamina and creating further opportunities. Although the Panthers narrowly lost the game, they rallied well throughout and displayed clear signs of improvement, making it a positive and encouraging performance overall.

SATURDAY – BOYS

Under 7 Tigers took on Christ The King Blue away and played a superb game. Tigers had good pressure and control of the game from the start which led to an early goal from Marsels. Yunus, Tobias and Marsels had some lovely link ups demonstrating effective team play and the Tigers had a good few shots at goal. Uday kept watchful cover at the back. Rehmat made a great save with an outstretched boot on the one occasion the defence was breached. Tobias saw an opportunity with dribbling on a quick kick in and passing to Marsels who got his second goal. Tobias took the third goal with a long shot which landed bottom right. The 2nd quarter got off to a fiery start with Joban getting a goal in the first 30 seconds as he calmly sidestepped the goal keeper and finished the job. Joban carried on in style and made a cross to Rehmat who converted. CTK started to apply some pressure and the Tigers made a few defensive errors but they kept their clean sheet. In the 3rd quarter Joban set up David who nicked the post with his shot. This was the story for David for a few attempts until he got his goal from his sheer determination, continuing to put himself in the right place at the right time. In the final quarter Tobias made an outstanding save. Uday was relentless down the wing and determined to get a goal. David gave him an opportunity with a great cross, but it was the Tigers' pressure on the CTK goalkeeper that got Uday his goal. Player of the Match went to David who showed relentless energy, team play, and continued to make good decisions which helped lead to his goal.

Under 7 Lions were away against Rugby Borough Pumas, a team who had lost only one game this season. The Pumas started strongly with a couple of goals in the first 5 minutes. The lack of recent match time was evident as the Lions conceded a third shortly after. The Lions regrouped and started to find their rhythm. Gian carried the ball in midfield, finding Aarav, who found the back of the net from some distance. Just before half time, the Pumas scored again. The second half of the match was more competitive. The Lions doubled their efforts, remembering their individual and collective responsibilities. Gian put some great crosses and through balls in from midfield. Jeevan leading the line was unfortunate not to find the back of the net today, his determination excellent. Lucas, Shivaay, and Aathi showed great energy and enthusiasm during the entirety of the game. The Pumas did score a goal in the 2nd half, this was their only goal of the second half following two excellent performances in goal from Gian and in particular Aarav with a stunning save. The final part of play involved Jeevan and Gian, Jeevan battled to bring the ball forward, it broke free to Gian, who found himself one on one and finished. The Lions will be satisfied with their match and season performance going into the winter break.

Under 8 Tigers vs Coventrians Jaguar Youth. The boys final league game of the season 1 campaign was a rematch against Cov Jag and everyone knew the boys would need to be on form to get a result versus a very physical side. The boys started with enthusiasm but took some time to adapt to the long, wet grass, stunting the play and leaving their passing and moving style ineffective on the day. The pitch conditions led to a more congested game that played to the home team’s more physical style. However, the boys held their own and kept the game close up until the last quarter when a mix up in defence gave the Jaguars the first breathing space of the game. One that, despite some battling perfomances, the tigers struggled to close and unfortunately the game ended in a loss. It’s a shame the boys couldn't end the 1st half of the season with a positive result, but we will put it down as a minor blip and we know they'll come back strong in the new year. Looking over the season to date, the boys have developed so much as a team and individuals – long may it continue. A big thank you to the boys for all their hard work in training and the matches.

The Under 10 Pumas hosted Central Ajax in a competitive and evenly matched fixture. The game began with both sides enjoying spells of possession and creating chances. Ajax broke the deadlock and soon added a second, but the Pumas remained resilient and continued to press forward. A perfectly weighted through ball found Yash, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to pull one back. In the second half, the Pumas raised the tempo in search of an equaliser, and their efforts were rewarded when Nirvair finished confidently from inside the box. The opposition regained the lead and added another goal, though the Pumas created several chances that could have levelled the scoreline. A whipped corner from Archie eventually found the net, but it came a little too late to change the outcome. Despite the result, it was a strong performance, full of grit and determination from the Pumas. Player of the Match goes to Yash for an excellent display up front.

GNP Under 10 Jaguars suffered a defeat against Khalsa in a challenging encounter. Khalsa took early control of the match, scoring twice to put the Jaguars under pressure. The Jaguars responded well, showing resilience and character, as Reggie and Jake both found the net to bring the score level before the break. Despite the fightback, momentum was hard to sustain. Early in the second half, the Jaguars were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty, but the effort was sent wide, proving to be a turning point in the game. Khalsa capitalised soon after, adding several more goals before full time. Defensively, the Jaguars struggled to contain Khalsa’s attacks on the day, which ultimately decided the outcome despite moments of promise going forward.

Under 10 Lions played away against Sky Blues Ospreys. With bouts of sickness flying around, the boys weren't at 100%. The game started well with the boys moving well, passing the ball and getting in front of goal. The Lions held possession keeping play in the opposition’s half. Chance after chance the boys were denied. Our defensive line was strong keeping Sky Blues at bay, but momentary lapses allowed them to break through to get onto the scoresheet followed by another before half time. A few changes to get fresh legs onto the pitch still wasn't enough to capitalise on the chances the Lions created. Sky Blues continued to extend their lead and the Lions’ energy was spent. However they continued to chase down the ball, narrowly missing further opportunities. The scoreline didn't reflect the boys’ efforts or the chances they created. Manroop was awarded PotM for applying consistent pressure, putting in the tackles to win the ball. Not our game this week Lions. We will learn, grow and come back stronger!

Under 13 Tigers racked up a cricket score in a one-sided Mid Warwickshire cup affair against lower division Sporting Rugby Vikings. Goals galore on the day coming from Prabh (7), Josiah (6), Deepak (6), Muhamadou (4), Harjun (3), Arnav & Rajan

SUNDAY - BOYS

The Under 17s hosted Hillmorton in a windy affair at Finham. We started slowly and didn’t manage to get a good run of play going, before Hillmorton unexpectedly hit a rocket into the top corner. The wind was not helping us, and we struggled to adapt to the longer grass and soft conditions. Not long after their first, Hillmorton pounced on a rebound to go 2 up. We then started to switch on and began to dominate the game. After a bit of scrappy play in their box, Arjun manages to put away his first goal for the club, well deserved after some impressive performances of late. Archie W, after his debut for the seniors yesterday, hit a tidy finish into the roof of the net to make it level. Hillmorton didn’t stop there, and managed to squeeze in another to go 3-2 up at HT. We went out into the second half with some more fight and desire and totally dominated. We worked hard and pressed everything, and it paid off. Skipper Archie B with a nice finish to level it. On another day we leave with 3 points, but some real positives to take. Unbeaten in 5 games, so can’t complain.

Under 14 Lions (pictured) hosted Coventry United White off the back of a battling away win last time out. Reon stepped in as stand-in keeper again and did a fine job once again. It only took 2 minutes to break the deadlock, with Mohammed returning a clearance with interest to score over the keeper. Mario added a 2nd in the top corner, when teed up by Emmanuel. Despite the 2-0 half time lead, coaches felt there was a lot more to come from the team. They responded in style with Jasraj and Player of the Match, Aaron, setting the tone by controlling central midfield. They combined for Aaron to smash in a lethal shot from 20 yards to make it 3. The visitors grabbed a goal of their own with a lob over the keeper, but GNP put their foot straight back on the pedal with Ashwin grabbing 2 goals in quick succession, the first set up by a delicious through ball from Jasraj. The final 11 minutes saw a procession with 5 well taken goals added by GNP through Reon, Emmanuel, Aaron (again), Sahib and Rikhil. Final score 10-1. Well done Lions!

Under 14 Tigers made it the perfect 10 league wins to start the season, with a solid, if unspectacular 2-0 away win on a pudding of a pitch at Coventry Phoenix Blaze. A flying start saw Muhamadou cross from the right, with Ayden rising at the far post to head home clinically. Harshaan, Iklil and Enoch handled any threat from Phoenix with confidence, with PotM Harshaan, in particular, carrying the ball out of defence with purpose and solid distribution. On 27 minutes Muhamadou and Ayden combined in similar style, with a searing run down the wing ending in a low Muhamadou cross which was diverted in off the far post by Ayden. 2nd half saw a fast GNP start with the Phoenix keeper continuing to make some very good saves and a flurry of dangerous corners whipped in by Oscar, but none could find the clean Tigers connection required to extend the lead. The boys escaped on one occasion when an innocuous Phoenix goal was ruled out for offside but were never under threat otherwise. The game finished 0-2, and the Tigers now head into two exciting cup games either side of the Xmas break, next week against Division A Jet Blades in the Bedworth Nursing Cup!

Under 13 Pumas were entertaining Bedworth Eagles. A dominant performance by the Pumas who were in control from start to finish against a team who are pointless in the league at the bottom of the table. GNP missed a number of chances before getting their first goal of game through Armaan, further goals from Nathan hitting 4, Arun hitting 3, a double from Baaj, 1 from Evan, and captain JJ scoring his first ever goal for the Pumas! GNP winning comfortably 12-0. Stand in goal keepers today were barely tested in a one-sided
affair.

Under 12 Jaguars ended their first calendar year as a team in style with a deserved 5–3 away win against Hillmorton Lions, despite having only nine players and no substitutes after a five-week break. The Jaguars started strongly and took the lead through Arjun after good work down the right. Two quick Hillmorton goals briefly turned the game around, but Rayhaan equalised before half time on his debut to make it 2–2. After conceding again early in the second half, the Jaguars produced their best spell of the season. Arjun scored a superb second, Ahmed added a brilliant solo goal, and Victor finished off a slick team move to seal the victory. Strong performances across the pitch saw tired legs carry the team over the line. Player of the Match went to debutant Rayhaan for a calm, hardworking display capped with a goal.

Under 12 Pumas away vs Coventry Saracens. The match began evenly, with both sides competing well, until a moment of brilliance from Lekan gave the Pumas the lead. A brief lapse in concentration soon allowed Saracens to equalise. The Pumas continued to create chances, playing some attractive football, and were rewarded when a well-struck shot from outside the penalty area restored their advantage, sending them into half-time 2–1 ahead. The second half saw the Pumas take full control. Lekan added two more goals, both showcasing excellent individual skill. The game was largely played in the Saracens’ half, with sustained pressure and neat passing, and Ziyaad extended the lead to 5–1. A defensive error late on allowed Saracens to pull a goal back, but it was only a consolation as the Pumas ran out deserved 5–2 winners.

Under 12 Lions were up against Coventry Sphinx Yellow. It was a tough game on paper and that proved to be the case on the pitch. In the first half, The Lions were competitive for the first 20 minutes. We conceded one goal and two more quickly followed, trailing 0-3 at half time. 2nd half, the Lions found it tough going. A very well drilled Sphinx team, passing and moving the ball very well. We conceded 5 further goals and kept trying to the final whistle, but hands up, we just came up against a very good team. Joint man of the match went to Veeran and Athrv. Both showing the right attitude and making a difference on the pitch.

Under 12 Tigers fell to heavy defeat against a table-topping Coventry Copsewood Spartans team.

Under 11 Tigers went down to a tough loss away to Rugby Borough Tigers at a blustery Kilsby Lane. 2 goals from Harry and a super solo goal from Robert. PotM went to Dharam for showing huge improvement in his pressing and interceptions in midfield.

Under 10 Tigers were hosting Leamington Brakes. The Tigers started off the brighter with the defensive duo of Rivan and Adam stalling any attack. Rajan opened the scoring with a shot which went through everyone and managed to end up in the goal. Brakes then hit back but Tigers were straight back into it with a brilliant hit by Tyrae which struck the underside of the crossbar and dropped over the line. Into the second half the Brakes equalised. Tigers though were undeterred and kept playing their attacking game. Rajan got fouled outside of the box and took a brilliant free kick to score. Felix and Adam were rock solid once more at the back clearing any danger with Rivan also playing a vital role in carrying the ball forward from defence. Ollie got voted Player of the Match for his excellent finger-tip saves and his pinpoint distribution. Sahib and Veer unlucky once more with the opportunities presented. Patryk battled hard up and down the wing. With the Tigers taking a slender lead with 10 minutes left, Arveer saw an opportunity from his own half to lob the keeper with an audacious attempt which he duly pulled off! It’s been a tough first half of the season for the boys, but to get their first win before the break is just what they needed. The resilience, the smiles and the team spirit said it all. Well done Tigers, a win you thoroughly deserved.

The Under 9 Tigers put in a spirited performance but were edged out by a strong Daventry Lionesses side. It was a competitive game throughout, with the Lionesses taking a narrow lead into half time. Just after the restart, the Tigers struck back when Yahya equalised, latching onto a perfectly weighted long ball played through by Arjun. In the second half the Lionesses had a strong attacking presence supported by some good passing. The Tigers were kept in the contest thanks to a superb debut performance from Louis, in goal, who made a number of fantastic saves and was deservedly awarded Player of the Match. Despite the Tigers’ efforts, the Lionesses added further goals as the game went on, and the match finished in their favour. An improved team performance this week saw a better passing display with plenty to build on for the Tigers.

Under 9 Pumas played away to Christ The King. It was a really close match, with the home team having the lion’s share of possession. Midfielder Eshaanvir got hurt under a heavy tackle early on, which set the mood for the game. It was an even contest, until the Pumas broke the deadlock when Guransh played a long ball from defence to Hugh who ran through and slotted the ball home. The opposition went on the attack, and the boys were holding strong. Jodhbeer was brilliant in goal and Guransh was fantastic in defence. Unfortunately, the game went on a little longer than expected and the opposition scored two goals in the last two minutes. It was a brilliant performance; we certainly didn’t deserve to lose. However, recent performances have been impressive and this bodes well for the season 2 campaign.

GNP Under 9 Lions fell to a narrow defeat against Exhall Lionesses. The Lionesses had a strong desire to win, a ferocity which contributed to GNP not performing at their best throughout the game. Exhall duly earned their victory by building a lead. A breakthrough the Exhall defence provided Rohan with the opportunity to score a goal for GNP Lions, however it was too little, too late for the boys to draw even.