Wendron United's Underlane ground venue for Senior Cup Final

Having played Falmouth Town two years ago in a Senior Cup Final, at St Austell, Wendron United supporters will know what a special atmosphere will be generated, by the Falmouth Marine Band and the F Troop. It is likely to be very noisy.

The Cornwall County Intermediate Cup Final kicks off on Sunday, May 12 at 12 noon, and will feature St Piran’s League West teams Hayle 1st and Mousehole FC 2nd, followed by the Senior Cup Final, between Falmouth Town and AFC St Austell at 4pm.

Wendron club president Joss Bray said: "We would like to thank the Cornwall FA for the opportunity to showcase our wonderful facilities, which are second to none in the county.

"In a rural community, despite their recent success, Wendron United do not attract large attendances, so I can’t wait to see what it will be like when we are packed to the rafters and all areas are occupied.

"Despite the very recent wet weather I am sure all will appreciate the fine condition of the pitch, prepared by our groundsman Peter Selley and his able assistant Peter Thorne, who spend so many hours, working on our pitches.

"Wendron would like to thank their sponsors, club volunteers, players and committee for all their help and hope all will enjoy this special day. Special thanks to Simon, the rep for Fleet Linemarker, for ensuring our line marker is in sparkling condition."

In the last five years Falmouth Town have been very successful in the Senior Cup and have again reached the final.

They have had a brilliant run in the FA Vase and a successful season in the Western League, where they had a great battle with Helston Athletic for the league title, ultimately claimed by Athletic. 

Falmouth, along with Helston, have also been promoted to the Southern League after winning a play off match with Clevedon Town, by a 2-0 scoreline.

Sunday's opponents AFC St Austell have won the SWPL (West) after a great battle with Liskeard Athletic, in which Newquay AFC played a significant part, with recent wins over both teams.

AFC St Austell have reached the Senior Cup final with a 1-0 win over their nearest rivals Liskeard Athletic and will be looking to do the League and Cup double, so there is a great game in prospect.

"I hope we will all enjoy some competitive and exciting games and the spectators, whether loyal fans or neutrals, have a fantastic day," added Mr Bray. 

Only formed in 1986, Wendron United have progressed though the Falmouth/Helston League, the Combination League to the SWPL (Premier) West.

With five adult Saturday teams, veterans, ladies and youth teams, the club have made good use of its changing facilities, opened by Trevor Brooking in 2007.

How Wendron Club looked in 1988 before its football pitches (left) and in 2004 before its changing facilities (2007) and grandstand (2019) (Image: Wendron United)

The club must pay tribute to its members, both present and past. 

There are not many who achieve a long lasting legacy after their death but Sharon Wood, aged 44, is certainly one of them. A youth committee member she is remembered by the Sharon Wood Mini Soccer Tournament set up by her friend Roger Cleave, contributing large sums for cancer research.

"We must also pay tribute to Kevin Williamson , who sadly died aged 43 years, shortly before our first Senior Cup Semi-final with Saltash. Wendron was in Kevin's blood and he loved the club.

"An excellent administrator he embraced all parts of the club and his dream of floodlights has been fulfilled.

"Lastly a great supporter, coach and manager, John Clarke, recently died. He will be missed by everyone."

Mr Bray also recognised the continued hard work of Peter Thorne, awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2019 New Year's Honours, for his commitment, foresight, inspiration, opportunism and motivational skills over more than 30 years, which have taken Wendron to step 6 and the top league in Cornwall.