Almost a washout this week with pretty much all grass pitches called off as the Wet Winter continues. Still plenty of excitement, drama and GNP success in the 8 games that did go ahead!

SATURDAY – GIRLS

Under 14 Panthers were away to Sutton Coldfield. Game evenly poised before the Panthers started to press. Strikers had a couple of opportunities which they just couldn’t put away. Orna playing outfield due to an injured finger started a brilliant move as she ran down the right wing to cut a pass into Hannah in centre midfield, who crossed to Nimrut who did brilliantly, holding the ball up to pass into Mankirat, who dispatched from six yards. Sutton Coldfield then tried to get back into it before half time but stand-in keeper Rose snuffed out any chance of a goal. 2nd half saw the home team showing more energy and hunger to get an equaliser. The Panthers started to defend deeper and deeper and were pinned in their own box for a while, before being encouraged by attacking once more. A couple of late chances which went begging didn’t come back to haunt the Panthers as they moved into 3rd in the league.

GNP Under 11 Panthers visited Alvechurch Foundation. This match marked the Panthers’ first time back on the pitch following the incredibly sad and sudden passing of their much-loved manager and coach, Narinder Singh. Before kick-off, both teams and spectators came together for a one-minute applause in his honour. It was a powerful and deeply moving moment, reflecting just how much Narinder meant to the girls, their families, and the wider football community. His positivity, care, and unwavering support were hugely missed, but his spirit was clearly with the team throughout. From the first whistle, the match was evenly contested, with both sides playing at a high level. The Panthers were great on the 3G surface, showcasing excellent passing alongside fantastic communication. Every player was on their A-game. The breakthrough came from a moment of real quality as Anaiya delivered a brilliant pass across the box, allowing Roop to finish with a swiftly taken shot. Later in the half, Avneet capitalised on another opportunity to add a second. Alvechurch responded with a goal following a break in the Panthers’ defence, keeping the match finely balanced at half-time. The second half remained just as competitive. Elizabeth broke through to score what would have been a superb goal, only for it to be ruled offside. The opposition then edged ahead with another goal. Jodh was incredible in the centre, supported by Prema, Avneet and Khloe, with some superb passing and forward thrust. Poppy produced a couple of great saves to keep the Panthers in contention. Rhea provided constant support and sharp passing, while Lily and Anya were strong and composed in defence. A corner from Hope found Roop, who scored again, before further late goals and a final-minute opposition corner decided the game. Regardless of the result, this was a performance full of heart, determination, and togetherness. The Panthers gave everything, playing for each other — and playing for Narinder.

GNP Under 9 Panthers vs. Leamington Lions. Despite being down a few players and facing a persistent drizzle, the GNP Panthers turned in a masterclass performance this weekend. The depleted squad didn't let the damp conditions dampen their spirits, securing a dominant victory over the Leamington Lions. The foundation of the win was built at the back. Shreya and Tanaya were absolute rocks in defence. Not only did they shut down every Lions attack, but their distribution was top-tier, constantly turning defence into attack with precise passing throughout the match. The Panthers' attack was firing on all cylinders: ⁠Siya’s Sensational Start: Siya was in unstoppable form, netting a brilliant hat-trick. She set the tone with her opening goal: a thundering shot that rattled the crossbar, only for her to react faster than anyone else to bury the rebound. ⁠Teamwork Personified: Mihar scored a beautiful team goal, finishing off a slick passing move where the ball was slid perfectly into her path for an expert finish. ⁠Jaye Joins the Party: Jaye mirrored that excellence, showing great composure to dispatch her own chance into the back of the net after some brilliant build-up play. It was a performance defined by grit, teamwork, and clinical finishing. Even with a short bench, the Panthers proved that heart and hustle can overcome any obstacle (and any weather!). This team is playing with increased confidence and organisation right now - long may it continue!

SATURDAY – BOYS

Under 7 Lions were away this week to Hillmorton Lions. Both teams started brightly. There were some great individual battles on the pitch, brilliantly contested by all the boys. Lucas and Gian on the wings gave the opposition lots of problems and were unfortunate not to see their efforts rewarded with a team goal. The first goal came halfway through the first half, Aarav's delivery from a Lions corner was perfect, Jeevan instinctively flicked it in with a scorpion kick finish! Hillmorton applied pressure to get back into the game, and it didn't take long to find an equaliser just before half time. A fair reflection of a competitive first half. The second half was much the same, a fabulous battle. Aathi, Mikey, and Shivaay showed great energy all game, particularly travelling with the ball into the opposition's half. Towards the end of the game, Gian thought he scored the winner, sliding in to finish. However, the referee deemed the goalkeeper had the ball in two hands. With moments to go, Gian had an individual run starting from his own half, beating 2 players, and found the back of the net, sparking joyous scenes for the Lions. This meant a lot for them all. PotM was awarded to Lucas as he was also unlucky not to win it last week. This was due to how well he worked technically on the wing, his decision-making at the back, and his calmness on the ball. Pivotal to the overall team’s performance and result.

The Under 7 Tigers faced Christ The King (Blue). Last time out, the Tigers took an emphatic win – this latest meeting would turn out to be a very different affair. The Tigers took an early lead with a fine team goal penetrating CTK’s defence but were soon caught out at the back for an equaliser. However, the Tigers didn’t let it phase them, with goals from Rehmat, Marsels, Joban and Tobias taking the tally up to five. CTK kept fighting, showing plenty of flair and pressure to finish the first half a couple behind. The 2nd half saw CTK continue to push, using a 2-2 formation to overload the Tigers defence on several occasions. Goals kept coming from both teams with the game intensifying as much as the rain. With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Tigers were awarded a corner. Joban threw caution to the wind to attack and received a scrappy short play. He darted towards the byline and, on his non-dominant left foot, pulled a cross towards the back of the box where a well-positioned Uday had found himself in clear space to control and dispatch a considered shot for a last-minute winner. What a game, and what a finale!

GNP Under 8 Tigers vs Sporting Rugby Gladiators. The game started with the boys full of energy and pushing for a goal from the off. And it didn't take long before they took the lead. They followed up with some more great play as they looked for openings, but against a super-intense Gladiators side, any loose pass was pounced upon and despite the boys best efforts to recover the ball, the opposition took the lead. This pattern continued into the 2nd quarter, and as the hard press continued, the team seemed to take a step back, allowing increased chances for Rugby. In spite of some quality saves along the way, the Gladiators grew their lead. The GNP boys came out in the 2nd half determined to get back into the game and shore up the back, leading to a much tighter quarter. The team went into the last quarter with a go-for-broke attitude that could have paid dividends if implemented from the start. This led to some great goals from the team but the damage was already done and the Gladiators finished comfortably ahead. The team was missing Rayan today (Happy birthday!) and this meant some players playing out of their preferred positions but everyone gave 100%, whatever was asked of them. Goals came from Rhys, Taran, Naod and Lucas.

SUNDAY – BOYS

The Under 12 Lions were up against Bedworth United, in a home game played on the 3G at President Kennedy School. From kick off, GNP were on the front foot and the pressure told in the first 5 minutes when Jack collected a long pass from Athrv and he slotted past the keeper. GNP were creating some great openings and scored 2 further goals through Athrv and Jack with his 2nd. A sloppy pass out from the back did give Bedworth a goal late in the first half, so GNP went into half time 3-1 up. Bedworth came out attacking in the 2nd half and managed to create a few really good chances, but excellent goalkeeping and defending meant they could not add to their goal. GNP managed to extend their lead with a well taken 4th by Athrv, and then a brilliant move led to Alfie striking home for the 5th. A much-needed win for the Lions and some fantastic performances to secure a vital double over Bedworth. Player of the match went to Alfie, who played in a few different positions during the game, created 1 goal and scored another.

Under 10 Tigers hosted Vision Spartans. Tigers started off brighter, attacking early doors. Vision however started to find their feet and the Tigers lost their shape which allowed Vision to score a couple of goals before half time. It could’ve been more if it wasn’t for Ollie who pulled off a couple of magnificent saves. The second half came and the Tigers showed a little more spirit as they chased the game. A brilliant 1-2 passing move between Sahib and Rajan saw Sahib slot it home from 6 yards out. This then fired up the Tigers to seek another goal. Player of the Match Arveer controlled the midfield for the Tigers by showing hunger to make it happen. Higher and higher the Tigers pressed, more and more gaps appeared in the GNP defence and this was punished with Vision notching another. Tigers continued to press and managed to grab a goal back with an effort by Veer. With a few minutes to go, the Tigers had 2 golden opportunities to equalise but it wasn’t to be on the day.