The Coventry & Warwickshire Youth League took its half term break this weekend, leaving a small number of games being played in the other two leagues our team compete in.

SATURDAY – GIRLS

Under 10 Panthers Girls Hillfield AFC Pumas in freezing, wet, boggy conditions, and they were brilliant considering. A solid first half saw some great passing up the pitch, to offer Aish a final run with a shot and great first goal. Tough battles saw Roop breakaway, surprising the opposition defence, scoring the second goal of the game. The second half offered Hillfield the opportunity to break through and score a goal after several attempts were thwarted by our defensive trio. A final play saw another speedy breakaway and assist from Anaiya to Aish who scored her 2nd goal and saw the Panthers to another well deserved victory.

GNP Under 8 Panthers (pictured) played at home in wet and soggy conditions against a well-organised Arden Forest Girls. Despite the weather, the girls showed great commitment and energy throughout. Siya played well, scoring a brilliant and well-deserved hat-trick. The whole team battled hard, showing resilience in defence and creativity in attack. Their teamwork and determination were clear to see. The fantastic support from family and friends kept spirits high and was much appreciated. A great effort from all the girls—well done!

Under 13 Panthers were up against Leamington Lions Girls. It was a steady start by both teams before Leamington broke the deadlock. Orna pulled off some good saves and the deficit was only 2 goals heading into half time. The Panthers pushed forward with more of an attacking formation seeking a goal, but this left them more open at the back. Leamington scored 2 more against the run of play. The Panthers kept going and Anayah scored a fantastic solo effort to make it 4-1. Panthers pressed forward again but Leamington were just too strong all over the pitch and scored 2 more to win 6-1 in the end.

SATURDAY – BOYS

Under 9 Lions travelled to Lawford United for a rematch. This time the boys demonstrated a significantly improved performance from the previous encounter. From the blow of the first whistle, the Lions were determined, applying consistent pressure, taking the lead with goals from Nikhil, Sahib and Ksawery. Lawford managed to get one but the Lions ended the first half with a comfortable lead. The Lions continued the second as they did the first. Veer added to the Lions lead with a brace as did Sahib. Lawford added to their tally, but it wasn't enough to stop the Lions. This performance reflects the team's dedication and hard work in training, allowing them to create multiple opportunities. New signing Wahid made his mark in defence as did Arjun and Manroop, showing great teamwork. PotM awarded to Manroop for a strong performance! A well-deserved win for the Lions!

The Under 9 Pumas played at home against Rugby Borough Lions in an exciting match. The game kicked off at a high tempo, with both teams sharing possession evenly. The Pumas earned a free kick just outside the box, and Harvey capitalized on a deflection inside the area, tapping the ball in for the opening goal. Ife made some fantastic saves, while the defense remained solid to see out the first half. In the second half, the Pumas continued to push for a second goal. Kandes made a brilliant run through midfield, finishing with a well-placed shot into the net—a much-deserved goal for his attacking efforts throughout the game. Although the opposition managed to score a late goal, the Pumas held strong, maintaining discipline to see the game out against a tough opposition. Player of the Match went to Kandes for his outstanding performance, where he created multiple chances and played a crucial role in the team’s attacking display. A well-deserved result for the effort the Pumas showed.

Under 9 Jaguars played against Hillmorton Hawks. The opposition opened the scoring quite quickly in the first half however the Jaguars pressed on with efforts from Raylan and Angad. Angad’s shot hit the crossbar which was unlucky not to go in. Second half the rain was pouring and the pitch conditions worsened however they boys kept pressing, however on two occasions, the opposition counter attacked and scored. After a few changes, some good play between Agam and Raylan, he was able to get a goal back. Jaguars kept attacking and getting the shots on target, however the Hillmorton goalie made some exceptional saves to keep their noses in front. Late on in the second half the opposition scored another to seal the victory for them. Jaguars tried very hard and were unlucky not to get a result out of this in difficult conditions

SUNDAY – BOYS

Under 9 Tigers were up against Coventrians Jaguar Youth in a friendly. Previous encounter had seen Cov Jag win and both teams were in attack mode. Jacob made some wonderful saves to keep the Tigers in it. A brilliant delivery from Rajan saw Arveer score a half volley. Arveer was involved in the second goal with a wonderful assist for Eesa to slot it home. The first half saw Josiah hit the crossbar twice and Rajan continued his great form by seeing the goalkeeper was off his line and squeezed it into the far corner. Arveer and Eesa scored another before Cov Jag got one back heading into half time. Josiah was determined to score and on the 3rd attempt of shooting on goal consecutively, finally slotted one in. Ollie set Arveer up wonderfully to allow him to get his hat-trick. Cov Jag pulled one back but it was a little too late. They also then had a penalty awarded which was then fantastically saved by Jacob. This along with his fingertip saves and safe hands earned him the Player of the Match. The Tigers put on a dominant performance, winning comfortably which sets them up nicely for the upcoming Trophy Event matches