One of the big positives for me in the restructure of grassroots football is the increase in the number of big derby games we are going to have between our top teams this season.

Last season we had two Falmouth-Helston and Wendron-Porthleven games in the South West Peninsula League, and, rather annoyingly but understandably, they were played on the same day each time, given the desire for the most local games to be played on Boxing Day and Good Friday.

But with all four sides being shunted into the same division, it means that this season we will be treated to 12 matches, as opposed to just four.

It also means the big derbies are split across the season, rather than just the two holiday fixtures.

In addition, it means that only the Boxing Day games (Wendron v Falmouth and Helston v Porthleven) will clash, which is excellent news for the avid local groundhopper, or a reporter such as myself.

The first of the ‘derby dozen’ took place last night, as Helston Athletic took on Wendron United for the first time since 2011.

We then get Porthleven versus Wendron next Wednesday, before the Blues visit Falmouth Town in two weeks’ time.

What a treat!

There are, of course, so many other positives to these local games than just the two teams simply playing each other.

More local derbies will undoubtedly have a positive knock-on effect on attendances.

Falmouth had one of their highest attendances in years on the opening day when 253 turned up to watch them play Mousehole.

They will have put more money into the club’s coffers than they would have done had they played, say, Cullompton Rangers or any other Devon side, which is always a plus.

And we haven’t even mentioned the likely boost in atmosphere.

It is all set up to be an exciting season, for sure.