This weekend saw the start of the girls Trophy Event competitions for the non-competitive age groups and the 3rd round of the Boys League Cup competition. Lots of teams in action again on a jam-packed Saturday & Sunday!

SATURDAY - GIRLS

Under 10 Panthers started their cup run with an impressive 4-0 win as they hosted Leafield Lightening. The visitors made it difficult for the girls but we managed to score our first goal just before half time from a strike by Ariana low to the goalie’s left after a low cross on the right from Tino. Early in the second half Avneet struck a fabulous free kick to make it 2-0. Further goals from Tino wrapped up a well-deserved win.

Under 12 Panthers faced top of the league team Vision Vipers. Harper was in goal for the first half, saving a penalty amongst numerous great saves. Jah'Dae joined the Panthers on her debut, showcasing her fantastic footwork at times. With Orna in goal for the second half, the Panthers came back stronger, resulting in a fantastic lobbed goal scored by Mankirat. The final scoreline certainly did not reflect how well the Panthers played, a big improvement on the last time they faced Vision.

Under 13 Panthers secured a point in a hard fought 2-2 draw at home against Coventrians. The Panthers went 1-0 down midway through the first half but got on level terms just before half time when a Panthers corner was put into their own net by the visitors. Coventrians then ran up the other end and drew a foul in the area that resulted in a penalty, but the spot kick was saved by Charu in goal. A few minutes into the second half and the Panthers found themselves 2-1 down after a strong shot from just inside the area. The Panthers didn’t stop battling and scored a fully deserved equaliser midway through the second half after the Coventrians were penalised for a backpass with Charu scoring from the resulting free kick. 2-2 final score.

The Under 9 Panthers played an internal friendly against the Under 10s from our Wildcats programme. This was the first time the girls had played 7v7 and on a bigger pitch. The girls started very strongly with several attempts at goal. There were some fantastic turns and passing between the midfield and strikers. As the match wore on the older Wildcats girls were able to gain the upper hand, and get past the Panthers defence. Elizabeth scored a well deserved goal - well done to all the girls for their perseverance, especially with no substitutes, and adapting to the new format.

SATURDAY - BOYS

Under 7 Lions played Coventry Sphinx in an away game and clinched the result in an exciting match. The boys were narrowly up at half time through excellent play by the whole team. Strong defence by Sam and his strong clearances/passes from the Lions half to the opponent’s box assisted in a couple of goals. Aaron and Harnam put in a good shift and covered a lot of ground helping the team. There was also exceptional effort by Lions goalkeeper, Balraj, awarded Player of the match. Goals were provided by Aarush (2) and Harnam (1).

Under 7 Tigers faced Bedworth Utd. The team endured a challenging game and played well without any substitutes. Although the boys had many opportunities, they were unable to capitalize, ultimately missing out by the odd goal. Player of the match went to Kurren who scored a top bins goal following a pull back from Jibril.

Under 7 Pumas were away to Rugby Borough FC. It was a closely fought match and, despite taking the lead, the Pumas conceded a couple of easy goals in quick succession, meaning the game ended in a close defeat. However, it was the team’s best performance of the season - all the boys played brilliantly and it was a solid, cohesive performance.

Under 8 Lions faced off to Coventry Sphinx. Early goal from Giaan gave the Lions a lead, but they were pegged back until Fakhir put GNP back in front. The boys were unfortunate not to score another with Sahib having a goal ruled out. Rivan had a disciplined game in defence and Rajan was full of running and trickery on the left wing. Sehaj kept GNP in front with another great performance in goal. Player of the match Sehaj.

Under 8 Pumas were at home against Copsewood Hurricanes. From the beginning the Pumas were on the offence and Harvey opened the scoring with a composed finish to give the Pumas the lead. The Pumas were hungry for more goals and Musa obliged, scoring 2 goals in the space of 10 minutes. The opposition did get a goal back just before the break. The 2nd half started the same and POTM Musa scored again with a volley into the corner of the net giving him his hat trick. Unfortunately, with 2 own goals and a quick counter attack the scores were suddenly level. However, Musa got his 4th of the gane 5 minutes before the whistle which sealed the result in a hard-fought game. The Pumas showed resilience and a real will to succeed in a performance to be proud of!

Under 8 Tigers were up against it having conceded early against Hillmorton Clarets. Arveer had some great attempts including an audacious half volley which just didn’t quite hit the target. Performance highlight was Salman who worked hard and looked solid earning him his Player of the Match. Many goals conceded but the boys remained in high spirits with the scoreline only telling half of the story.

Under 8 Jaguars played against Lillington juniors. The opposition played on the offensive from kick off and after a flurry of goals GNP were able to score a few goals in reply. Unfortunately, the Jaguars weren't at their best today, however they can take learning to look into how to improve and bounce back.

GNP Tigers U11s were up against a strong Leek Wootton side. It was a tough game. Going a few goals down, GNP had plans of their own and fought back well showing some good character. Some fine finishing by Uday Sandhu and a Penalty by Prabh Dhillon. Player of the match was awarded to Josiah in his debut game for GNP. Held the ball up well, won the penalty and played well throughout the game!

SUNDAY - BOYS

Under 9 Lions played Alvis Juniors and came out on top. It was close at half time. Excellent play by the whole team, from the goalkeeper all way through to the striker. The team has gelled nicely in recent weeks, with players understanding their positions and the link-up play between the boys is very good now. Goals by Anopa (2) and Majid (4) but excellent contributions from the whole team!

Under 9 Tigers played away against Dunlop Juniors in what turned out to be a great game with the home side coming out on top. Tigers created several clear chances throughout the game with some good passing moves from the back. The only goal for Tigers came from Kyan who tapped in after some great work from Sohan who rounded the keeper. Sohan, Dharam, Jai and Kyan all came close to adding to the scoring but it just wasn't our day. Defensively again we looked strong with Birat and Hans forming a good partnership. Player of the match was Hans with his excellent defending and positivity bringing the ball out of defence.

Under 10 Lions visited Athletic Utd. The Lions started well and were playing some good football, without creating too many clear-cut chances. Athletic took the lead with a goal against the run of the play. The Lions kept their tempo high and scored a left foot screamer through Athrv to go in all square. The good football continued in the 2nd half and the Lions took the lead with their 2nd goal, through an own goal, after a free kick by Sehaj. The Lions then had a goal disallowed from a refereeing goal-line decision. Athletic scored a couple of goals to leave the Lions chasing the equaliser. In the last few seconds, the Lions were awarded a free kick, a great strike from Sehaj, which the goalie appeared to fumble over the line, but unfortunately the goal was again not given. The Lions can hold their heads up high and will go again next week!

Under 10 Pumas vs Mount Nod (away). A difficult away game for the in-form Pumas where they dominated periods of play, but the the final touch just wasn’t there today. Pumas conceded two goals through defensive errors to fall behind. Not the outcome they wanted but a great challenge to reset focus for the team during what has been a superb season to date.

GNP Under 10 Tigers were at home to Bedworth United. First game back after a few blank weeks. Tigers started off brightly but the rustiness told and some great chances were missed. Bedworth scored first and were clinical to build a good lead in the first half. Second half the Tigers tried but gaps were left at the back and Bedworth further increased their lead. Tigers get one consolation back with a goal from Ricky but a disappointing day overall.

Under 11s Pumas had an away game against league newcomers Attleborough Spartans. The Pumas squad has been hit hard with sickness but managed to form a squad for the away trip. Attleborough were in complete control in the first half taking a narrow lead into the half time break. The injury list got worse for the Pumas with goalkeeper Pravir Walia having to come off at half time, reducing the Pumas down to the bare 9. A better 2nd half performance from the Pumas but another injury to Ryan Lully decimated the Pumas to 8 players which proved a bridge too far. Pumas going down to a heavy reverse.

Under 12 Lions hosted unbeaten league leaders Whitley Juniors in a battle of the in-form teams in Div E. Whitley started sharply and showed why they have a 100% record with some intricate football epitomised by their wing play and crossing. This led to the opening goal which was tapped in following one of many Whitley raids down the right. After that the Lions stood firm with Prabhvir & Jasraj stubborn in central defence. In the 2nd half GNP were limited to counter attacks again but defended heroically at times and were backed up by a tremendous all-round goalkeeping display by PotM Tyler! Whitley added one goal in the 2nd half - it was slightly fortunate as the wind carried an intended cross over Tyler's head and into the back of the net. Well done Lions for a fighting performance against a strong side!

A reshuffled Under 12 Tigers were in friendly action vs Rugby Borough Colts and it was a disappointing day with a loss of the robust defensive shape on display last week and a disjointed attacking display overall. Rugby came away with a deserved win with a goal in each half. PotM Otis kept the score down to 2 with some good handling in difficult conditions.

Under 13s faced Cov Jag in the 3rd round of the League Cup and it was always going to be a big challenge against a solid team. Tigers had a good start first half and put pressure on Cov Jag but found themselves down by 1 goal at the break. Second half started the same but things went a little sour in the last 20mins as the Tigers conceded a flurry of goals late on as the Jag pressure told.