SPARE a thought for our sportsmen over the Christmas period, who will have to go easy on the sherry and turkey ahead of some crucial festive fixtures.

While spectators lean against railings across the county, glad of a rest after the 20-yard walk from their cars, our favourite teams will be providing our entertainment.

For a bit of fun (ie please don't take it too seriously), here are sports editor Matt Dixon's predictions for the games that matter in our area.

Good luck to all our teams!

Boxing Day (11am)

Helston Athletic v Falmouth Town - Neither team is in great form but home advantage could be just enough.

Helston Ath, 2 Falmouth Town 1

Wendron Utd v Porthleven - Port can't buy a win away from home, but they haven't got far to travel for this one.

Wendron Utd 2, Porthleven 3

Illogan RBL v Penryn Athletic - Illogan ran runaway leaders Sticker close on Saturday, while Penryn have been shipping goals on the road

Illogan 2, Penryn 2

(2.30pm)

Falmouth RFC v Penryn RFC - Penryn's injury problems have been well-documented, while Falmouth have been unstoppable at home

Falmouth 27, Penryn 12

New Year's Eve (12pm)

Penryn Ath v Penzance - Penryn are tough to beat at home, while Penzance are enduring a difficult season. It won't get any better here.

Penryn Ath 4, Penzance 0

(3pm)

Helston Ath v Saltash - Saltash are flying in the league, while Helston might have half an eye on Monday's cup match

Helston Ath 1, Saltash 3

Monday, January 2 (2pm)

Helston Ath v Tiverton Town - Depending on how the Blues' squad copes with a busy Christmas period, they'll be desperate for a place in the last eight of the League Cup and Tiverton will be arriving at Kellaway Park off the back of a the tough assignment at Bodmin two days earlier

Helston Ath 3, Tiverton Town 2

Porthleven v Sticker (3pm) - Port have excelled at home and could capitalise on Sticker's weariness from their cup match with Exmouth on Saturday

Porthleven 1, Sticker 1