RYAN Downing scored twice as Bobby Hopkinson’s first game in charge of the Camels ended in victory at Trefrew Park.

The hosts led inside six minutes through Shae Cardiff and doubled their lead five minutes before half-time through Downing who also got the last, that after 16-year-old debutant Joseph Parr had made it three.

Hopkinson has the task of replacing legendary boss Reg Hambly who retired in the summer after 34 seasons in charge, but having kept much of the squad together, look in good shape.

St Day arrived having survived in their first-ever Step Six campaign and had a dangerous strike partnership of Rob Wearne and Kyle Marks, although they were well marshalled throughout.

The opening goal arrived with a superb team goal as after right-back Sam Watts found Parr out on the right, he sent in a peach of a cross that Cardiff tapped home from close range.

Camelford were the better side without really troubling the home defence before Downing made it 2-0 after being played in by Cardiff.

Just before the break it could have been three, but Kenley Dyson’s shot struck the bar.

St Day were improved after the restart but were 3-0 down before the hour as Downing held the ball up before playing in Parr who found the bottom corner.

Downing missed a couple of chances to extend the lead, but eventually did in superb fashion.

Sub Josh Harris seized on a poor kick by the keeper, and set up Downing to fire past into an open net from 40 yards.

CAMELFORD: Josh Colwill; Sam Watts, Dan Hocking, Tom Crowe, Tom Cowling (capt); Kenley Dyson, Ross Beare, Jacob Ham; Joseph Parr, Ryan Downing, Shae Cardiff. Subs: Bailee Deignan, Josh Harris, Josh Caddy, Olly Taylor, Bobby Hopkinson.

Camels’ man-of-the-match: Ross Beare.