THE resurgence of St Cleer after 13 seasons in the Duchy League has to be the story of the 2019-20 campaign.
St Cleer joined the East Cornwall League in the 1995-96 season before dropping out at the end of the 2005-06 campaign after three bad seasons.
Thirteen seasons in the Duchy League ended when, following the emergence of the St Piran League, St Cleer took the opportunity to return to the fold and rejoin the East Cornwall League and, following a difficult start, ended the season in seventh place
after losing only one of their next eight league games.
More importantly, they had a terrific run in the Cornwall Senior Cup – beating St Piran League teams St Agnes (6-2), Morwenstow (4-2) and South West Peninsula League outfit Godolphin Atlantic (3-2), before going out 4-0 at St Blazey in the fourth round.
The village club has always been in the shadow of their big-time neighbours Liskeard Athletic.
Only three kilometres down the road but with superb off-field support, the club has always been a part of a vibrant village.
They also have a terrific set-up at the St Cleer Parish Playing Fields – ideally suited for senior football, which is not lost on the players and supporters.
Club chairman Jon Colenzo said: ‘Following a very successful season in the Duchy League, we all felt the squad was capable of playing at a higher level so we applied for promotion into the East Cornwall League, knowing our facilities were already up to scratch for senior football.
‘A very good start to our first season back in senior football ensued, where we finished in seventh place at the time of the lockdown.
‘This included a remarkable 5-1 victory at runaway leaders Mount Gould – the Plymouth club’s only defeat of the season.
‘Having played most of the top sides and yet to play five of the bottom sides home or away, there were plenty of points available had we continued.
‘And led by top scorer Zak Peel with 20 goals for St Cleer, we proved to be an entertaining team to watch.
‘We were pleased to have been able to welcome several of our last season’s under-16s into both of our senior squads, with four of them stepping into the first team with ease.’
Colenzo added: ‘We had a very good run in the Senior Cup, beating two St Piran League sides before defeating SWPL outfit Godolphin in the third round.
‘We were slightly disappointed to have gone out to St Blazey in the fourth round, knowing we didn’t really turn up on the day.
‘My thanks go to manager Aaron Saunders, assistant Adrian Dennis, and a fantastic squad of players, supporters and sponsors.
‘And we can push on further and look for another promotion.’
by Dave Potham