CAMELFORD assistant boss Dan Balsdon hailed a ‘really positive start’ as the Camels opened their SWPL Premier West season with a 4-0 thrashing of St Day at Trefrew Park on Saturday.

Balsdon, a club legend, who is on the new-look coaching staff alongside Josh Colwill and manager Bobby Hopkinson, saw the Blues knock in goals through Shae Cardiff, the returning Ryan Downing (2) and new signing Joseph Parr.

He told the Post: “It was really positive to be honest.

“We had a total disaster in midweek against St Blazey Reserves (4-0), but in the long run that was probably a good thing.

“On Saturday the warm-up was fantastic and it carried on into the game as we played really well and cut them open on numerous occasions.

“If it was a few games in it could easily have been six or seven. We showed great fitness levels and there was no drop-off either once the subs came on.

“In previous seasons we’ve not always had the right squad depth, but it’s great for Bobby to have plenty of options when everybody is available.”

Balsdon praised several individual efforts.

He continued: “Ross Beare was our man-of-the-match with his work-rate and commitment and the number of headers and tackles he won in the middle of the park, but there were a number of standouts.

“Joseph Parr was given an opportunity to start on the right with Cam Bidgood away and he was great, while at the other end, our back four were solid and didn’t give Rob Wearne and Kyle Marks – who I’m sure will score plenty of goals this season – a sniff.”

Camelford have this Saturday off before welcomg Sticker next week.

Balsdon concluded: “We’ll train on Tuesday and just go through a few bits and some of the finer details, but we’ll make sure we’re ready for Sticker.”