Only a handful of fixtures went ahead on the final weekend of 2025. But all 4 competitive fixtures ended in GNP victories - The headline came from our Under 14 Tigers who have been brilliant all season, but hit new heights, knocking out top tier opposition in the Bedworth Nursing Cup to reach the quarter-finals! Our Under 12 Panthers edged out Kenilworth Wardens late on to bounce back in the league. Well done to all our teams for an amazing 1st half of the season – lot’s to look forward to in the 2nd half of the season! We wish all our members and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

SATURDAY – GIRLS

GNP Panthers Under 12s made the short trip to Kenilworth Wardens on Saturday morning on a muddy & heavily sloped pitch. GNP started well and were competing strongly, kicking downhill in the 1st half. Maya won a loose ball and threaded through to Faith who dragged her shot just wide. Annabelle was first to every ball in defence and proving a real rock to get past. 5 minutes before the break the Panthers deservedly broke the deadlock when Suvreet broke well down the right wing and her powerfully hit cross shot beat the keeper at the near post. HT: Kenilworth 0-1 GNP. The 2nd period was going to be a battle with Kenilworth kicking down the slope and it was they who equalised 5 minutes into the 2nd period with a powerful shot which Tino nearly kept out, getting a hand to a powerful drive. 1-1 with 25 to play, it was a backs-to-the-wall job but those Panthers refused to buckle. Kenilworth, with the wind in their sails after their goal, attacked at will and but for a miraculous save from Tino, diving low to turn a powerful shot away, the Kestrels would have been in front. Then, with 10 minutes to play, Avneet got away from her marker on the right wing and sent in a lovely flighted cross which Suvreet met, chesting down well and finishing from close range to send the Panthers in front. Kenilworth never gave up and kept coming but the panthers were not to be denied, winning loose balls and blocks and tackles and still managing to counter attack on the Kestrels. GNP held out for a welcome 2-1 away win and bouncing back nicely after a couple of defeats to go into the Xmas holiday with 3 points!

GNP Under 9 Panthers (pictured) came out firing in their final game of 2025 against Coventry Godiva Lionesses, setting the tone from the very first minute. Early intensity and sharp pressing paid off, with Siya opening the scoring in the first couple of minutes and Panthers immediately asserting control. Sustained pressure and purposeful play continued throughout the half, and the conviction shown across the pitch was rewarded with additional goals from Siya and Mihar. Panthers headed into the break with a deserved lead, built on good teamwork. The second half picked up where the first left off, with Panthers maintaining momentum and composure. Three more goals followed, with Jaye and Shreya finding the net alongside Mihar’s second of the match. Organised defending ensured Godiva were kept at bay throughout. It was a true team performance, with every player contributing—creating chances, finishing, and defending resolutely when needed. A commanding performance and a fantastic way to close out 2025

SATURDAY – BOYS

GNP Under 10 Jaguars returned to winning ways with a thrilling victory over SBitC Ospreys in an exciting and hard-fought encounter. The Jaguars made a strong start and took the lead in the first half through Agam, who finished confidently to put his side ahead. SBitC responded before the break, finding an equaliser to ensure the teams went into half time level after a competitive opening period. The 2nd half saw GNP Jaguars step up their intensity. Agam struck again to restore the lead before goals from Reggie and Jake put the Jaguars in a commanding position. However, the opposition mounted a comeback with two quick attacks that resulted in goals, setting up a tense final phase of the match. Despite heavy pressure as the Ospreys pushed for an equaliser, the Jaguars showed great composure and resilience. They continued to attack, with both Jake and James going close to adding a fifth goal to seal the game. It was a well-deserved and important victory for the boys after a couple of difficult weeks where results had not gone their way, showing excellent character and teamwork throughout. Player of the Match: Dhanveer, for his outstanding role in supporting the team and contributing selflessly on the day.

SUNDAY – BOYS

Under 14 Tigers faced Division A opponents in their rescheduled Bedworth Nursing Cup 1st round tie. Bedworth outfit, Jet Blades kindly hosted us after GNP’s home ground was ruled out on Thursday. The boys started the game sharply, with pressure on the Jet Blades goal and belied the relative league standings of the 2 teams. The pressing was fierce and the ball retention was tidy from everyone, giving GNP the edge. A through ball to Muhamadou saw him round the keeper just outside the box, but the keeper caught him as he passed, causing him to stumble, and allowed the retreating defender to block MD’s off-balance shot. The referee pulled things back for a free kick and hearts were in mouths as it appeared the Blades goalkeeper may receive his marching orders for denying the clear goalscoring opportunity. However, after a long conversation with the opposition coach and goalkeeper, no further action was taken! The ensuing free kick was well taken by Oscar and Ayden was sharp to react on the rebound after the keeper’s save. However, a seemingly certain goal was denied when the keeper made a miraculous save from Ayden’s follow up. GNP, though, were not to be denied. On 15 mins, Muhamadou pressed a back pass and robbed the keeper in his 6 yard box before tapping the ball in for a deserved 1-0 lead. The hosts best effort in the 1st half came from a corner with the centre back heading just past the far post. A minute before the break, GNP added a crucial second goal. Substitute Ehan and Muhamadou combined up front, but the move broke down; Oscar however, stepped in sharply for the loose ball outside the box, and struck an absolute rocket into the top corner, which the keeper could not reach, despite his best effort – a magnificent goal! The 2nd half became a little tetchy and scrappy with the referee blowing up regularly for minor infringements which completely ruined the flow of the game. Jet Blades gradually gained territorial advantage as a tiring GNP midfield stood off. But thankfully they struggled to create many clear chances with the back 3 of Enoch, Iklil and skipper Harshaan resolute in their defending and Wiktor punching clear any dangerous crosses. Cinar, at wing back, delivered his best performance of the season, handling several dangerous opponents and distributing smartly out wide. Despite the referee bizarrely adding 6 minutes of injury time, GNP saw out the game safely and progressed into the quarter final draw. This maintains a 100% win record over the 1st half of the season for the Tigers! Well done to the boys – lots to look forward to in the new year, hopefully including a push for some silverware!