GNP Under 9 Panthers earned a fantastic away result against Sutton United, despite travelling with a slightly depleted squad. What the team lacked in numbers, they more than made up for with teamwork, determination, and discipline. The Panthers started strongly, with Siya producing a well-deserved first-half hat-trick. Her excellent corner also set up Mihar for a solid finish, giving the team great momentum going into the break. The second half saw the girls digging deep as tired legs began to show, but their commitment never dipped. Jaye marshalled the defence brilliantly, making some outstanding tackles and maintaining superb concentration. Shreya pulled off several crucial saves, pairing them with calm and accurate distribution. Jackie brought relentless energy, and Jasmine remained fully committed from start to finish. Siya and Mihar added further goals in the 2nd half before Siya switched to defence to help relieve pressure as Sutton began to push harder with their fresher legs. Overall, it was a disciplined defensive display — the Panthers kept their shape superbly and used this foundation to build attacks and create chances. A brilliant team performance from a group who worked for each other from first whistle to last.

The GNP Under 11 Panthers faced a challenging away fixture this week, travelling with just nine players and no substitutes against a well-stocked Alvechurch side. The Panthers started brightly, with Elizabeth driving forward in the opening minute and striking a strong effort on target, only to be denied by the keeper. However, a few early defensive lapses allowed Alvechurch to take a soft lead, and much of the first half was played deep in Panthers territory. Poppy was outstanding in goal, producing a remarkable triple save as the ball rebounded back to her three times in ten seconds. When Alvechurch won a free kick, she again rose to the challenge, tipping a powerful high strike over the bar with confidence. The second half saw Alvechurch tighten their organisation and deliver slick passing that resulted in two further goals. Despite the cold, rain and growing fatigue, the Panthers showed real resilience. A sweeping move from Jodh to Rhea, followed by a long defensive clearance from Lily, set up Khloe for a solid attempt that was unlucky not to find the net. After more defensive battles, Alvechurch added two late goals to seal the result. The Panthers left tired but unbroken, showing real spirit throughout. Player of the Match: Poppy

SATURDAY – BOYS

Under 7 Tigers took on Dallas Burston Knights. Unfortunately a few of the Tigers missed the game through illness. Those present, played some lovely football. After the first half we held a narrow lead and seemed to be the stronger team, having missed a few more chances to score. The 2nd half was more physical from the Knights and we were awarded a few free kicks, one of which we scored from. An unmarked player led to a goal from the Knights, and they scored a well placed 2nd from outside the box. Joban took home Player of the Match for an incredible performance. He was strong on the ball, determined, showed some great footwork to beat players, and stayed mentally strong even when we weren't winning. Not only that, he scored all 4 goals in a well contested draw. The boys can be proud of their performance, time in the opposition's box, and numerous attempts at goal.

Under 8 Tigers v Coventrians Jaguar Youth. This week the team faced daunting opposition in a skilful team that had played eval games in higher tiers. Undeterred, the boys came out the blocks at full speed and thanks to some great passing moves and a free kick routine they made up on the spot, they soon found themselves with a commanding lead that they would hold until the end of the game. The team played with an impressive intensity throughout the game especially Naod, who ran the length of the wing pretty much non stop for 30 minutes, creating some golden opportunities with his passes through the middle. The boys are still at such an early stage in their football experience and yet the improvements in ability and understanding of their positions and the game week on week are impressive and something they should all take great pride in. Rhys, Akram and Milkias provided the goals but everyone was unlucky not to add to their tally as they created chance after chance. Go Tigers!!

Under 10 Lions had an early start in Warwick on a cold, rainy and wet morning to face Warwick Colts. The conditions didn't help as Warwick found the net on multiple occasions. The Lions kept trying. Sehaj with a fantastic long kick, found Sahib up front who expertly beat the keeper in a one on one. A quick goal from Warwick right after half time had us chasing the whole game. Sahib scored another to narrow the lead. Warwick managed to get a couple more to put the game out of the Lions reach. However the boys battled and fought managing to push forward. We had some good moments today, but were slower to pass and missed chances. Not our finest display but showed moments of good play. Big shoutout to Wahid for being Player of the match and giving it his all out there.

SUNDAY – BOYS

The Under 17s were away to Kenilworth Town Blues after a couple of weeks off. The reverse fixture was frustrating, finishing 3-3 after we took a 2 goal lead. But since then, the team has really gelled, so nothing less than 3 points would suffice. We started the game slowly and almost seemed rusty in moments. Wardens implemented a very high man for man press, and we began with a lack of composure. Early doors, goalkeeper Lewis does brilliantly to snuff out a 1V1 as they broke through, bravely committing to a challenge to prevent them from taking an early lead. We struggled to get a control on play in the first half hour or so. But the deadlock was soon broken, Lewis with a huge goal kick, which was misjudged by their CB; Skipper Archie B latched on to the ball before calmly slotting away a tidy finish over the keeper. We go into the second half 1-0 up. Kenilworth continue their high press, but some solid defending from our back line helped to snuff out any danger. Jacob, Jatin, Arjun, Eben, Zaid and Gurvi have all been excellent in the back line recently, to the point at which we can rotate and swap players at the back with little to no disruption. Kenilworth managed to equalise through a corner, with an interesting decision from the ref to allow the goal to stand, even after a blatant swipe was taken at Archie W as he was defending the front post. Shortly after, the skipper gets his second of the game after a brilliant ball by Dylan put him one on one with the keeper. Not many people would bet against Archie missing the target when through on goal, and rightly so- 2-1 GNP. We continued to stay solid, and substitutes all put in some brilliant work. Sai caused problems out-wide, Karam with some excellent composure and passing in the middle and Ethan W working hard to chase down any loose ball. We ground it out and brought home the 3 points. It is brilliant to see how strong we are becoming, we show fight, desire and solidarity. I would argue that at the start of the season, we may have let a game like that go the other way, so this game really magnifies the development of this squad. We now have a good opportunity to continue this good run of form and climb the table.

The flying Under 14 Tigers hosted Chapelfields Colts expecting a tough challenge, and the Colts did not disappoint. The game started at a frenetic pace with both teams pushing hard for the opener and some seriously strong challenges on both sides. Chapelfields took the lead on 14 mins when GNP’s left side was opened up, and they knocked home the rebound after a save from stand-in keeper Saavun. 8 mins later, GNP’s high press forced an equaliser; Dylan, who started the game like an express train, dispossessed the left back and crossed into Muhamadou, who cut inside and lashed home with his left foot. 1-1 at half time and GNP gaining the upper hand. Half time message was for the boys to keep the intensity high and wait for the visitors to tire so we could capitalise late on. 2nd half saw the possession and territorial advantage with GNP but it was a counter-attack which gave them the decisive goal. Ehan picked the ball up deep on 47 mins and found Muhamadou inside his own half; he then went on a stupendous run which took him past the whole defence before slotting past the keeper calmly for 2-1 – Amazing goal!! Chapelfields were deflated and GNP, as planned, took over in the final quarter of the game. Chances came and went before Dylan swung in a dangerous free kick to the far post, where the defender nodded into his own net. Just a minute later, Ayden struck the crossbar from outside the box with a great shot, the ball rebounded to the edge of the box, where Ehan connected with a sweet volley past the keeper. Final score 4-1 as GNP move onto the maximum 27 points from their opening 9 games. PotM; Oscar (pictured) for a fine performance across 3 different positions.

Under 14 Lions visited Attleborough Sports keen for revenge after a painful late loss on the opening day of the season, but with a depleted squad due to injuries and illness. The lack of energy in the warm-up was a worry, so Coach warned the boys they would need to up their attitude as soon as the game kicked off. GNP started under pressure, but managed to nick the first goal with their first attack of the game. Emmanuel won the ball, drove into the box and fired him confidently. Sadly the lead lasted only a minute as a big gap on the right of defence allowed Attleborough in to score past the advancing stand-in keeper Reon. As the 1st half progressed GNP made a tactical switch, removing a winger and adding another player into centre midfield, and this nullified much of the home team’s threat, giving GNP much greater control. This pattern continued into the 2nd half, with GNP spurning a few clear cut chances, but it was another tactical switch which led to the critical moments. Sahib, who had been playing as striker, dropped into the 2nd midfield slot. From the deeper position, he had greater influence. His long range shot was saved by the keeper, but Mohammed was on the spot to calmly finish off the rebound. Just a few minutes later, a searching through ball found Mohammed on the right wing; he advanced and eventually found a cut back pass to the edge of the area, where Sahib arrived with perfect timing to slot home a perfect finish in the bottom corner – superb goal!! At 1-3 up, GNP needed to solidify with several boys showing signs of tiring. Attleborough weren’t finished and got a goal back when the attacker lobbed Reon and the goal was given by the ref despite a freak bounce appearing to prevent the ball crossing the line! GNP held firm for the final 5 minutes with limited drama to pull off a superb victory against the odds. Well done to all the boys for digging in, but Sahib took PotM honours due to his work rate upfront, and his influential role in the 2 key goals after slotting into midfield!

GNP Under 12 Pumas hosted Southam Utd. The Pumas started strong and took early control of the game. The 1st corner of the game from Jaiden with Faris’s shot on target was punched clear by the Southam keeper, Ziyyad tested the opposition with another strike on goal before finally breaking the deadlock. His composed finish in the 15th minute made it 1–0. Momentum stayed with the Pumas, and Lekan doubled the lead soon after with a brilliant solo run and finish to make it 2–0. A defensive slip from Sam allowed the opposition to pull one back at 2–1, but a well-saved free kick from just outside the box steadied things. The response was immediate: Lekan produced another moment of individual brilliance to restore the cushion at 3–1 by the 23rd minute. The second half continued in the same dominant fashion. Jaiden got himself on the scoresheet after the break, finishing confidently from a Lekan assist to make it 4–1. Soon after, Shivan’s well-placed corner found Lekan, who completed his hat-trick for 5–1. The opposition snatched another goal back for 5–2, but Kian rounded off the performance after linking up with Jaiden, sealing the match at 6–3. Another strong team performance securing a well deserved victory.

Under 12 Tigers

Under 12 Lions were home to FC Maine Athletes. Lions started well on the front foot carving out some good chances. They were particularly unlucky not to score, with some last ditch defending and the woodwork keeping the scores level. They were undone by a set piece with some lax marking giving Maine the important first goal. Another mistake presenting an easy chance and Maine doubled their lead. Despite having no subs, Lions played good football and continued to create chances but unable to get past Maine's stubborn defence and goalkeeper. The lack of subs ultimately told as the Lions began to tire. This understandably led to mistakes and few indecisions, allowing Maine to counter attack and further extend their deserved lead without a reply from the Lions. Player of the match was Athrv for battling hard and his tireless running throughout.

Under 10 Tigers were up against Vision Allstars. The Tigers had a good couple of chances to score with Arveer and Rajan attacking early doors. Vision grabbed a couple of quick goals but the Tigers kept playing their game which was some of the best football they’ve played all season. Ollie again delivered a sterling performance with some fine saves, reacting quickly to the many shots headed his way. Adam’s passing out from the back was incredible and the best he’s played for the team. His leadership also was commendable earning him the Player of the Match. Rivan continued his fine attacking play, driving the ball forward when he had a chance. Before half time the Tigers managed to concede another but this didn’t dampen their mood. Felix on debut played excellently in defence looking very calm and assured under the relentless pressure. In the second half a brilliant move from Ollie to Adam who passed to Arveer who then waited to draw in the opposition before delivering a killer pass for Rajan to score brought confidence back into the team. This then allowed Tyrae to find his stride, being involved in some decent link up play. On other days Veer and Sahib may have put away the chances they got but it wasn’t meant to be. Overall a very pleasing a performance and the Tigers can take much heart from the way they played. Although a tough start to the season, they continue to show resilience and performances becoming increasingly positive.

The Under 9 Lions had a home match on the 3G against Racing Club Warwick. The boys started on the back foot with a goal scored by the opposition within the first ten minutes of the game. The boys maintained their composure and pulled a goal back scored by Harvey, followed by another goal from Anwar. To this point in the game, both teams were equal in possession of the ball. However, the half time team talks brought a fire from Racing Club, which the Lions were unable to match, and that saw the gap in the scoreline increase in Warwick’s favour. The 2nd half for GNP became increasingly defensive but the boys never gave up and bounced back after each knock. Well done to the boys for the good game they played, including Neal, Sam and Harnam for creating opportunities and Balraj for continued strength in goal!

Under 9 GNP Tigers vs Meriden Lions. Meriden Lions started strongly, dominating the early exchanges with sharp passing and constant attacking pressure. Despite this, the Tigers stayed composed and a clinical finish from Gurshaan, assissted by Arjun, saw the teams level going into the break. In the second quarter, Arjun produced some crucial defensive blocks while Kurren pulled off a number of brilliant saves to keep the Tigers in the game. A well-taken goal from Bishoy saw the Tigers into half time trailing by a goal, with a well contested third quarter seeing neither team score. The final quarter saw a flurry of goals from both sides with Arthur firing a superb effort into the top corner and Yotam combining smartly with Gurshaan for another tidy finish for the Tigers. Despite their determination and moments of quality, the Tigers ultimately fell short to a strong Meriden side. Player of the Match: Kurren, whose outstanding saves kept the Tigers competitive throughout.