GNP entered their 1st major cup final with some worrying team news. Defensive regulars Amrit & Hari were away on family holidays for the Easter break, whilst our 1 remaining backline specialist, Chandan, had been suffering with a high fever since the semi final victory over Coventrians. Not the best preparation for a Final showdown with regular rivals CTK Rovers.

Chandan showed great strength of character to show up & play despite clearly not being well. Mani & Jat moved Raman into the starting back 2 alongside Chandan, with Archie, Joe & Oli lining up across the midfield behind the in-form Harry Little.

GNP started with intent as instructed, pressing hard & high to win the ball back quickly. We were quicker all over the pitch, a theme which would continue for the entire match, regularly drawing fouls from late Rovers tackles. It was from one of these that Joe sustained an injury, forcing an early change: Jasgobind onto RM, with Archie switching into CM. 2 mins later Jasgobind was instrumental in the opening goal. Gurveer, Archie & Raman worked the ball smartly from a GNP goal kick into Jasgobind who found space on the right flank. He drove down the wing and pinged in a perfect pass to the far post where Oli timed his run to perfection and tapped in from 2 yards. The massive GNP support went wild! 0-1 GNP
Further changes were made midway through the 1st half with Luca & Ashraf joining the fray on the wings. From a CTK corner, Gurveer & Raman helped clear our lines. Ashraf picked up the loose ball & helped it fwd to Jasgobind (now playing CF). He broke through one tackle and carried into the opposing half before sliding in a well-timed through ball into the left channel. Ash had continued his run and took two good touches before neatly poking the ball at an angle past the onrushing keeper with the outside of his right boot. A fantastic breakaway goal which Ash celebrated in style by rushing over to his family! 0-2 GNP
GNP dominance continued to half time although Chandan had to be withdrawn permanently as his illness started to take its toll. Raman was superb in marshalling the CTK striker, and was supported brilliantly for the remainder of the game by goal hero Ash who dropped neatly into Chandan's role. HT CTK 0 - 2 GNP

The boys came in buoyant following a controlled 1st half, but were warned to expect a more determined Rovers in the 2nd period. They were asked by the coaches to prove again that they wanted this win more.

They did just that, with their firm grip on the game continuing. The boys showed some real match awareness, with several players curbing their natural attacking instincts to keep control of possession and getting themselves goal-side quickly when we did lose the ball.

Archie & Joe's quick feet and direct running caused CTK all sorts of problems, with blatant fouls appearing the only way of stopping them. The number of free kicks awarded to GNP was well into double figures by the 30 min mark. It was a matter of time before GNP extended their lead and it came when Archie beat 2 men again with his pace to gain space on the right flank. He intelligently lofted the ball into the box where Oli jumped to beat the keeper and bundle the ball in from 5 yards. 0-3
With the game now secure, it allowed Mani & Jat to rotate more positions. Luca returned to bring some pace as striker. More chances came & went but it was Luca who took the final glory. A rampant GNP outnumbered the Kings defence and Harry slid in a cute reverse pass which Luca took in his stride, skipping past the keeper and slotting home into the empty net with ease. His celebration said it all, wheeling away in delight as the GNP contingent erupted. 0-4

The final whistle blew and GNP were able to celebrate the culmination of an outstanding season with each other and their nearest & dearest, who had turned up in force for this great occasion. Joe lifted the trophy on behalf of the team and the boys each picked up their winners medals before the parents secured happy memories with the obligatory team & individual trophy pics.

A massive well done to all 13 players who have contributed to the excellent achievements this season. Hopefully this will be the 1st major trophy of many for this talented group!