An action-packed weekend in spite of the bitterly cold weather and the threat of frozen pitches. The female Panthers teams all put in brave showings over the weekend, epitomised by fantastic comebacks from the Under 10 and Under 12 girls. On Sunday the Under 15 boys retained their unbeaten league record, salvaging a dramatic late draw whilst the Under 12 Lions clinched a crucial 3 points at the other end of the their respective Division to give them hope for the period ahead.

SATURDAY - GIRLS

The Under 9 Panthers had a fantastic game against Knowle Spitfires. The girls started the game with all guns blazing. Jodh, Lily and Elizabeth were taking no prisoners in the first half! The girls were on the attack and camped largely in the opposition's half. However the opposition did find a gap in our defence and managed to score but the girls spirit did not dampen. Jodh was formidable and ended just shy of a double Hat trick. The girls were amazing and a joy to watch, playing with so much confidence. Well done girls!

Under 10 Panthers travelled to Coundon Court with no subs. This fixture is always a tough encounter and today was no different. Our girls held firm to go into the break all level. A few minutes into the second half we lost a player, but shortly after took a well-deserved lead. The hosts rallied back and eventually took the lead. The spirit of the Panthers was evident as they continued to pepper the opposition goal and rightfully got the equaliser they deserved. Congratulations girls on a terrific effort!

Under 12 Panthers faced Kenilworth Wardens, who they had lost to heavily, early in the season. The Panthers showed a much stronger defence than their previous meeting with Avani and Ekham, then Harper giving a sterling performance in goal. There were 2 near misses by Mankirat and Isla with Mankirat hitting the bar early in the first half but ultimately we conceded a goal from a cross. The 2nd half saw the Wardens score their second but that's when the comeback began. Mankirat scored her first goal from a penalty and was finally rewarded with her second after a few attempts of running right through the defence of the Wardens. A well-deserved & tremendous draw for the improving Panthers against a team 2nd in the league!

Under 13 Panthers were away to Balsall & Berkswell Hornets. The game ended in a 6-2 defeat but the scoreline doesn’t reflect the balance of play. It was a well fought game in which the Panthers came unstuck due to a couple of defensive errors and a couple of moments of brilliance from the opposition striker. The Panthers never gave up and had goals from Bianca & Aniya to celebrate.

SATURDAY - BOYS

Absolutely the best football the Under 11 Tigers have played this season. The ball was passed around well and Tigers always looked dangerous. Going into half time level wasn’t reflective of the game, but the Tigers changed tactics and came out with a deserved result by the end. Sublime control and finish by Arjun Garchay to start the scoring. Great second goal by Zada. Then when the game was stuck for most of the second half with GNP trying everything to score. Shaan came up with a really good goal, topped off with a brilliant celebration too! Then finally a great finish by Aaron Dhaliwal. The players all celebrated as a team and it was great to see the hunger and excitement. Brilliant all round. Player of the match was Shaan.

The Under 8 Tigers were up against Cov Jag. The Tigers pressed early doors and Mohamed opened the scoring. Jovan looked assured in defence denying any quick comeback. Dara followed up with another goal and in-form Mohamed grabbed another 2 before half time to seal another hat trick. Heading into the 2nd half there was a brilliant link up between Varun and Arveer who grabbed his first. Arveer was then involved in a stupendous goal line clearance to deny the visitors what seemed a certain goal and was backed up by Kaydon pulling off a couple of great saves. Cov Jag managed to get one back before Eesa played in Varun who scored. In the dying minutes Arveer let a rocket go from just inside the opponents’ half for his second of the day and a deserved PotM award for his overall contribution. All in all a fantastic team performance by the Tigers.

The Under 8 Pumas were away to Hawkesmill Eagles & started strong with multiple chances on goal with one rattling the post. Hawkesmill were the first to score but Harvey brought things level with a great strike before half time. 2nd half the team showed great teamwork and played their roles perfectly. Harvey got a second from constant pressure on their defenders, and in full flight grabbed his hat trick to lead the Pumas to a 2 goal cushion. Hawkesmill did get a goal back near the end however the boys held things together to earn victory and a fine all round performance. Harvey PotM.

Under 8 Jaguars played away against Lillington Colts. The game started with the Lillington on the attack. GNP defended the ball really well however the opposition scored after a flurry of attacks. Jaguars started to create attacks of their own and were rewarded with a goal from Anshveer, his first for the club. Second half the team started strongly, including Agam scoring from a corner. The home team then started to counter attack and scored further goals to close off the game. Unlucky for the boys but they played well!

Under 8 Lions faced Alvis Junior Colts. Boys were competitive in the first half but Alvis ran away with the game in the second half with their aggression, passing and set pieces. Fakhir put in a great shift as usual. Player of the match was Sehaj whose bravery and saves kept Alvis from hitting double figures.

The Under 7 Tigers were away vs Southam Utd. At first it was quite evenly matched with similar attempts at goal, however the opposition opened up the scoring twice in succession. The boys pulled a goal back with Arvind scoring his first of a couple in the game. The 2nd half was more of the same with the opposition and the boys showed grit and determination with Gurshaan adding to the scoresheet, but the Tigers ran out of time to level up the score. PotM went to Arvind.

Under 7 Lions were edged out by Brinklow Juniors in an away game. GNP were in the lead at half time, but some defensive lapses led to the loss. Harnam put in a player of the match performance in the game and goals came from Samarbir (2) & Arjan (1).

Under 7 Pumas had a tough match away to Christ The King Red. We conceded a few early goals and never recovered, but the second half of the game was much more evenly matched, thanks to better pressing from our forward Dayal, and a few good saves (including a penalty save!) from our keeper Mavin.

SUNDAY - BOYS

Under 15s were at home today against AFC Coventry in a game representing the halfway mark of our season. With the game balanced evenly GNP took the lead in the 32nd minute after some individual brilliance from Zaid with his back to goal, chip over a defender and side foot finish. Two minutes later, a wayward pass enabled AFC Coventy to take advantage with their pacy forwards to equalise. Didn't take long for GNP to respond after a through ball from Raman for Zaid to break free who coolly slotted his second to go into half time 2-1 up. 2nd half turned into a different match with AFC Coventry dominating with an equaliser from a cross which went into the top corner. With a few minutes left, AFC took a deserved lead with GNP heading for our first defeat of the season. With two minutes to go, GNP earned a penalty, which was duly dispatched. Our toughest game of the season but well done to the boys for maintaining their undefeated record and showing character & resilience until the final whistle even when we were not at our best.

Under 13 Tigers faced Hartshill Sports Club. The opposition proved to be a very physical and aggressive team and unfortunately things often turned nasty! Despite this the boys played some wonderful football at times and tried to let their skills do the talking. An intense final 10mins with the score at 2-2 and GNP nearly snatched it with great 2 chances, but was not meant to be. 2 great 2nd half goals from Jaydon, with assists from Hawon and Inder.

Under 12 Lions hosted Southam United at a muddy Caludon Castle and picked up just their 2nd league win of the season with a 9-3 victory. In-form captain Jan picked up a 1st half hat trick after Harshaan opened the scoring before Ehan added the 5th before half time. Southam had attacks of their own and scored in both halves too. In the 2nd half Junior grabbed a tap-in goal before Ayomide took over with a hat trick of his own and the PotM award. Well done Lions!

Under 12 Tigers visited the best team in the age group and Div A Leaders Copsewood Titans and put in a spirited and organised performance for the first 45 to 50 minutes, generally holding firm against a talented and relentless attacking side. Unfortunately the last 10 minutes saw the team unable to hold out any further and they conceded 4 more goals to lose heavily. Lots of positives to take away including a terrific, committed performance from Enoch across 2 positions to earn PotM.

Under 11 Pumas hosted Mount Nod who started very strongly and were camped out in and around the Pumas penalty area with stand in goalkeeper Aiden O’Reilly making a couple of vital saves. Mount Nod took the lead and further extended their lead before Zach Moseley pulled one back for the Pumas, only for Mount Nod to add a further goal before the half time break. JJ stepped in to help his teammates out and play the 2nd half in goal, allowing Aiden outfield to score a vital goal and bring GNP right back into it. Aaron Dhaliwal then scored the equaliser with Zach hit his 2nd and the winning goal to give the Pumas their first victory since their Trophy Event campaign!

GNP Under 10 Tigers were at home vs Vision Jaguars. The Tigers were at it from the off and scored very early in the game through Ricky, soon followed by a second which was an unfortunate own goal for Vision. In the midst of some brilliant football in the 1st half, GNP increased their lead even further with goals from Jaskirat, Aman and the goal of the game from Shaan who dribbled from back to front and kept going before slotting home. 2nd half was a more even game but allowed the Coaches to try players in different positions. Great performance boys – well done!

GNP Under 10 Pumas hosted Weddington Sports in a well-matched affair. Pumas played very well having opportunities to score but unable to convert them to goals. Weddington ultimately came out on top due to their more clinical finishing, but overall it was a performance to be proud of from the team.

The Under 10 Lions came across a formidable Rugby Borough Juniors team. Rugby started the scoring early and raced into a 5 goal lead. Mason Bhadal and Aaron Marajh with a wonder strike managed to get on the score sheet but in the end the Lions were no match for a very good Rugby team who managed to get into double figures by the time full time whistle.

Under 9 Lions played away at Whitley Juniors and saw the pattern of a few recent games repeated. It was a competitive first half, but with no subs and one player on the pitch already with a fever, it was always going to be an uphill struggle, and the 2nd half proved as much, with Whitley extending a large lead. GNP’s goal came courtesy of Majid.

Under 9 Tigers played at home against Whitley Colts. Tigers were very competitive throughout against an opponent who they have struggled with this season. We created several good chances but it just wasn't our day, all round a great performance but the away side were just too strong