CFL 2019/20: Peerless set to become first 'small club' in 61 years to lift trophy

On Sunday afternoon, Peerless SC beat George Telegraph comfortably to virtually put one hand on their maiden Calcutta Football League (CFL) Premier A trophy, edging out Kolkata giants East Bengal.

Should they win the title, Peerless will become the first so-called ‘small club’ in the Kolkata maidan to lift the trophy in 61 years. A ‘small club’ is any club in the Kolkata maidan outside the three behemoths, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. The last instance of a club outside the Big 3 winning the CFL title was when Easter Railway FC finished on top of the league back in 1958.

Peerless, however, have to wait before they are able to actually get their hands on the elusive trophy, at least until East Bengal play their last match of the league.

This season’s competition has witnessed an epic title race, with Peerless, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. Even George Telegraph was in the race at one point. However, heading into Sunday, when the title-deciding matches were scheduled to be played, it was Peerless and East Bengal who were tied on top with equal points with the former sitting on top by virtue of better goal difference.

On Sunday, Peerless, the deserving champions, did their job by beating George 2-0, courtesy a superb brace by East Bengal and Bagan reject Ansumana Kromah. The Red and Golds’ final match against Customs, on the other hand, was abandoned due to poor playing conditions because of incessant rainfall. But Peerless’ 2-0 win means they will have to beat Customs by seven goals to finish on top.

Should Peerless go on to lift the title, it will be a major boost for many small clubs in Kolkata. These small clubs face many obstacles through the season, the officials work tirelessly to arrange for funds to run the clubs. If Peerless win, it will inspire these clubs to build good squads with local players mostly. In short, it will be good for Kolkata football, Bengal football and ultimately, Indian football.