Wet weather put paid to several games at the weekend, but a core of our teams did manage to go ahead and play, some in very wet & blustery conditions! Sunday proved to be very special indeed with all three of our competitive boys teams in action earning big wins to move up their leagues!

SATURDAY - GIRLS

Under 11 Panthers hosted Leamington Lions and the Panthers were dominant from the kick off - it was one way traffic and end up with a clear lead at half time. It was the perfect game for Gurnaaj to make her debut in the midfield. The 2nd half was pretty much the same with Suvreet and Avneet both managing to grab a hat-trick each, with Kaleesha's persistent goal attempts resulted in her getting a goal as well. Another big achievement was keeping a clean sheet at the back where Sheena was rock solid - she could also have managed a goal for herself when she ran through the whole of the opposition team. Kia was always alert, making saves when called upon on. Overall, a massive performance for the Panthers with a very solid defensive display by the team.

SATURDAY - BOYS

Under 7 Tigers played at home to Brinklow. GNP dominated this match from kick off with the team applying pressure quickly. This proved too much for Brinklow leading to an early goal by Tobias. Rayan was strong in defence and both Sahib and Rhys challenged the Brinklow defence. The pressure continued with the team playing some astute football - they created many opportunities with dangerous balls being played into the Brinklow box by both Joban and Aron. This proved too much for Brinklow with goals from Tobias (6), Aron (5), Rhys (3) and Joban (1). The team's commitment and attitude is truly commendable. Each week they are getting better and better and it's fantastic to see the boys having fun. Keep up the hard work Tigers!

Under 9 Jaguars played against Sky Blues in the Community Phoenix, First half Jaguars had the upper hand taking the lead after forcing an own goal and then another quickly added by Agam. There were a few chances which got away and GNP were punished for this with the opposition clawing two goals back to tie things up. 2nd half, the boys struggled to compete with the pace of the opposition and a few mistakes took the game out of reach unfortunately as Sky Blues took advantage. A good effort by the boys. PoTM was Rajveer for some outstanding saves he made and his determination.

Under 9 Pumas played away against Wellesbourne Wanders in the return fixture from last week. In a carbon copy of last week's game, Wellesbourne struck early and doubled their lead not long after. The Pumas played great passing football and had numerous chances but unfortunately could not find the back of the net. The 2nd half Yash brought the Pumas back into contention with a superb strike. As the game progressed, the Pumas were trying their hardest to level the game but were caught on the break and conceded. Unfortunately the opposition scored again to put the game out of reach. Ife was PotM for his great saves and distribution.

The Under 9 Lions faced Vision Spartans in a challenging away match. Heavy rain before the game created a tough start for both teams. The 1st half saw both teams locked in a tight battle. The Lions displayed impressive efforts and determination, creating multiple chances with consistent pressing forward testing Vision's defence and keeper. With the rain stopping for the 2nd half, the Lions were re-energised. Their consistent pressing forward created numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Vision opened the scoring breaking through the Lions and finding the back of the net. As the game wore on, fatigue and a few minor injuries took their toll, a few lapses of concentration allowed Vision to capitalise and score a couple more. The Lions missed shots at crucial moments preventing them from closing the deficit. Nevertheless, the team deserves recognition for their commendable performance and unwavering spirit. Well done boys!

SUNDAY - BOYS

Under 14 Tigers vs Rugby Borough Pumas. Important game today for the Tigers and the recent winning run continued, in spite of the terrible weather. The boys were all over Rugby and scored within the first minute - they then maintained the pressure, playing some great football, whilst keeping it tight at the back and midfield. A few defensive issues did cost the team 3 goals but the boys kept composed and the game finished 7-3. Well done to Elrod, Hawon, Manveer for all scoring 2 each and Bilawal sealing the game. Well done to the boys, who move into 4th in the table after 4 games.

Under 13 Tigers (pictured) made the trek to Hartshill Sports Hammers and were welcomed with howling winds and the rain thrashing down sideways! The boys had the wind at their backs 1st half and took full advantage, territorially dominant & going 3-0 up within 20 minutes, with goals from Harshaan, Aaron D and the goal of the game from Saavun after being released with a fine pass by Arjun which he finished clinically in the bottom corner from his new wing back position! Substitutions and positional changes meant we lost a little balance and failed to add any more goals before half time. The team talk warned the boys of the 2nd half being a completely new challenge playing into the wind and so it proved, with Hartshill having their best spell of the game. This culminated in a spot kick being awarded for an unlucky GNP handball and Hartshill converted to close the gap. GNP then re-asserted their quality with PotM, Aarun S, leading from the back with some key interceptions, crunching tackles and quality distribution. The game was put out of reach when Saavun floated a wide free kick from the narrowest of angles over the keeper's head and into the back of the net! Final score 4-1 to GNP Tigers.

Under 13 Lions hosted Rugby Borough Juniors, with the game starting in driving rain. During that opening spell GNP conceded a simple goal to go behind. But then the Lions asserted real dominance on the game and took the lead following a fine low strike from Ayomide from the edge of the box. Ayo then floated in one of his trademark corners for centre back Ryan to arrive on cue and sidefoot the ball home on the volley. This was the 3rd identical goal from this pair in the last 4 games! The team then created clear chance after clear chance but most were spurned with erratic shooting when scoring seemed easier. GNP were denied a clear goal early in the 2nd period when a defender's handball on the line led to him being given a red card by the ref. Unfortunately the resulting spot kick was fired over the bar, keeping significant tension in the tie, tension which was magnified when Rugby had several goals rightly ruled out for offsides in the build up play. GNP also continued to go close, with Mohamed, Reon, Ayo, Mario and Jasraj all being denied by the goalkeeper. It was in injury time when the game was sealed after Ayomide smashed the ball into the back of the net from close range after several efforts were spurned. In the end, a fine 3-1 win for the Lions over a team who was much higher in the league table. PotM for Aahil for some good composure in midfield areas after coming on as sub.

Under 11 Pumas - no update

Under 9 Tigers were up against Coundon Court. Tigers soon opened up their account with a fabulous exchange between Josiah and Arveer before Arveer slotted home. Tigers extended their lead into a comfortable position with a couple of goals each from Josiah and Veer. Coundon grabbed a few goals in the second half as the Tigers moved to only having 1 defender but never really got close enough to challenge GNP. Jacob deserves a special mention as the goalkeeper for staying alert in challenging conditions. The Tigers were clinical towards the end closing the game out with Josiah completing his hat-trick earning him the Player of the Match. What has to go down as possibly the goal of season so far for the Tigers came from Rivan who is our regular defender. The ball landed to him just inside the oppositions half, no one closed him down and he saw an opportunity to have a shot. What a shot it was with the final kick of the game!