More home grass fixtures were called off this week with pitches still waterlogged. However quite a few games still went ahead, with many of our teams now in Spring Trophy Event campaigns.

SATURDAY - GIRLS

Under 9 Panthers played their best match of the season so far against CCC Girls. Great teamwork, communication and relentless attacking meant there were many attempts at goal from Roop, Jodh, Rhea and Aish and a couple of long range shots from defence from Lily which almost made it in! The Panthers managed to get only one goal in the first half from Jodh. CCC came back on the attack and equalised with a near post effort. Lily was imperious at the back to limit CCC to half chances only. The 2nd half saw even more attempts at goal, with Jodh scoring a 2nd half hat trick. Poppy and then Anya shared GK duties and worked hard in goal and also outfield. A solid victory this week.

Under 10 Panthers Away in Trophy Event group stage at Redditch Borough Lionesses - Final score Redditch 2 - 0 GNP. The result saw Redditch leapfrog GNP at the top of the table, but GNP remain in 2nd with 1 fixture remaining.

SATURDAY - BOYS

The Under 7s Pumas played their Spring Trophy Event round robin against Leamington Brakes and Coventry Phoenix. GNP won their first match and then lost the second - despite having all the play and hitting the post twice, the boys conceded an unlucky goal on the counter attack. However, we are very proud of the boys and every single one of them was immense.

Under 8 Jaguars played against Cov Phoenix Blaze, Jaguars started well but a lapse in concentration meant they went behind. The opposition took advantage and scored another prior to half time to double their lead. In the 2nd half the boys tried and but weren't able to capitalise until Agam scored with the final kick of the game. Good effort by the boys , unlucky not to get more but lots of takeaways for the boys to work on.

Under 8 Pumas visited Alvis Eagles. The Pumas started strong and were in the opposition half but could not find the back of the net. Unfortunately they got caught out twice on the counter attack. Following this the Pumas struck back with 2 goals from Harvey to level the scores at half time. Sunny (PotM) showed a strong midfield display with his passing and dribbling and was instrumental in the Pumas relentless attacking, but again they could not find the target when it mattered, and conceded another 2 quick goals. A decent enough performance from GNP but it wasnt to be at the final whistle.

Under 8 Lions faced Hillmorton Juniors Blue. Hillmorton were a strong, disciplined side and started off with real menace. Unfortunately the Lions were out of the game by half time. Although the Lions didn't score, credit should go to the boys for preventing any further goals being conceded in the second half which was a significant improvement.

Under 11 Tigers were playing away to Leek Wootton. After a promising start, Tigers led the game at half time. Leek Wootton woke up after the break and really piled on the pressure and found themselves a last minute winner. Player of the match was GNP goalkeeper Jenson. He was applauded throughout the game by also the opposition managers and parents, making some fabulous saves to deny the opposition.

SUNDAY - BOYS

Under 9 Tigers played away against Brinklow Juniors in their first Spring trophy match with only 6 players available to play. Tigers were made to defend superbly for first 5 mins, then went on the front foot and raced into a clear lead with Sohan opening the scoring from a tight angle, then setting up Kyan with a precise cross. Kyan then added a third after a keeper error. Brinklow pegged one back before HT. 2nd period started the same as the first, Tigers weathered the storm and then won a pen with Kyan's strike handled on the line. Unfortunately the resultant spot kick skimmed the outside of the post. Backs against the wall GNP continued to defend tirelessly, Birat, as stand in keeper, made some excellent one on one saves but couldn't stop Brinklow snatching a draw. Super effort from the lads and parents MoM went to Kyan but could easily have gone to any of the brave 6!

Under 9 Lions lost 7-5 against Christ The King Rovers Red in their first Trophy Event game. It turned out to be a game of two halves against a very good higher tier team. First half all the boys were amazing in building a good lead. Second half saw a total collapse with the boys heads dropping as CTK came back into the game. Things to learn from todays performance against opponents at a higher level. GNP goals were scored by Anopa (3) and Majid (2)

GNP Under 10 Lions were up against Kenilworth Sporting Juniors in Trophy Event Action. GNP started brightly and took the game to Kenilworth, taking the lead through Athrv. Kenilworth then equalised and Sehaj scored to restore the lead going into half time. GNP pressed hard in the 2nd half, with 5 further goals, with a brace for Aaron, a further goal for Sehaj and 2 for Mason. Kenilworth got a 2nd goal but in the end, it was a convincing win for GNP, playing with no subs for most of the game. Man of the match was awarded to Veeran Nat, for a confident and commanding performance from the back.

Athletic United vs Under 10 Pumas. The first Trophy event game for the Pumas against a higher tier team. The first half Pumas started off slow but grew as the game went on. Pumas conceded two early goals but started to gain momentum, having chances to score with Lekan getting the first for the Pumas - a great individual effort from outside the box which beat the keeper. The 2nd half Pumas again started off slow which allowed Athletic to score two further goals. Pumas head didn’t drop they continued to create opportunities to score, eventually getting the second through Shivan - a smartly worked goal which Shivan slotted away nicely. Pumas continued to press, but unfortunately were unable to convert their chances.

Under 13 Tigers were away to FC Wasps in league action and eventually went down to a heavy defeat. The boys stayed in the game first half and were only 1-0 down at the break. But the 2nd half saw GNP switch off and then heads dropped which led to a number of goals from Wasps. Next weekend's visit to Dunlop is now a huge crunch game in a battle to help avoid relegation.