SWPL clubs are all set to play again

SOUTH West Peninsula League teams could enjoy some good derby days next month if plans for a cup competition get the green light at a committee meeting on Thursday.

Clubs have been asked if they want to play some competitive football when allowed now that the 2020-21 Peninsula League season has been cancelled.

With the 2021-22 season not due to start until August, proposals by the league to give players the chance to get back on the pitch earlier have been welcomed by the majority of the clubs and teams could be put together into local groups for four games before the competition moves on to a quarter-finals round.

Phil Hiscox, the secretary of the Peninsula League, said: “The majority of the clubs have indicated they wish to enter. There are a few clubs who have chosen not to but there are more than enough to make it worthwhile.

“Really, the only other thing we are waiting on, which the FA keep promising, is clarity on the return of spectators. There is a suggestion that may not be until Monday, April 12, but that’s still workable as long as it is no later than that.”

The group stages would put teams close to each other together to avoid lengthy journeys – so as long as they enter, there could be derby days for teams all over Devon and Cornwall to look forward to.

Each team will play each other twice in April and May, once at home and once away, with the group stages followed by a round of eight and then two semi-finals and a final.

Clubs would then have a month off in June before the start of their pre-seasons for what will hopefully be a back-to-normal Peninsula League season which is due to begin in August

Hiscox explained: “We are looking to make sure that everybody gets at least four games – two at home and two away – even if they lose those games.

“The group games would be as early in April as we are allowed to play, through to the May Day bank holiday weekend, and then the knockout stages would be in May.

“If you reach the final you could be playing as late as the bank holiday weekend at the end of May.

“Then the plan would be, go away for June and come back training in July.”

The last two Peninsula League seasons have been stopped and subsequently null and voided due to coronavirus, so some competitive football in April and May would be a huge bonus for players and supporters alike.