ST DOMINICK will feel disappointed that they did not achieve promotion from the East Cornwall Premier League to the St Piran League last season due to lockdown but feel confident of doing it this time around, writes Dave Potham.
Manager Simon Riddle said: "We have pretty much retained our squad that ended last season, which is great, and all the lads have had good minutes during the friendlies over the past few weeks.
"The only real change at this stage is Corey Freeman moving to the US for his scholarship, and he will only be available when he’s back (COVID restrictions permitting), but Jay Martin, who was previously with Callington and Tavistock, has moved back to the area after a couple of years away and he joins as player/coach.
"Off the pitch, lots of work has gone into the clubhouse, making both changing rooms and officials’ rooms larger and the provision of more toilet facilities."
St Dominick open their account with the visit of newcomers St Newlyn East on Saturday.
They are home again on Wednesday when Torpoint Athletic come to Lovells Park looking to repeat last season’s 3-2 opening-day win.
Looe Town, under new manager Duncan Sweeney, start their season with a visit to Plymouth Marjon, who they drew 0-0 with last term.
Next up is a trip to the Barbican Sports Field on Wednesday by St Cleer, who they didn’t meet last season.
St Cleer, who will be best remembered for their exploits in last season’s Cornwall Senior Cup, open their account at home to Padstow United, who they beat 5-1 and 8-0 last season.
Torpoint Athletic will have Callum Bays in charge after joint manager Jon Rosevear stood down for work reasons.
’Point’ have had a good pre-season and will look to improve on last season’s third place, but they face a difficult visit to St Minver, where they twice drew 1-1 in the 2019-20 campaign.
It doesn’t get any easier as they are off to St Dominick on Wednesday.