Coach Lee Bamber said Andy Todd’s influence had already been felt at the club as Armadale kicked-off their All Flags State Premier League season with a 5-1 thrashing of Balcatta at Alfred Skeet Reserve.

Former Blackburn Rovers captain and ex-Perth Glory defender Todd signed for Armadale this week but was a sideline observer yesterday as he is yet to receive international clearance.

But Bamber had little doubt the 2009-10 Glory player of the year’s arrival had been a factor in his side’s positive performance.

“Just having him around (made the team) look like they matured ten years,” Bamber said.

“He is a massive asset for the club. His experience is just invaluable. We know his best years are past him but just the experience he’s got and what he can pass on to our younger group… is just fantastic.”

Despite the big win, Bamber was keeping his feet on the ground.

“We’re not going to get carried away but it’s a fantastic start,” he said.

“It’s the first time we have won an opening game of the season in nine years.”

Balcatta Coach Saul Contera was left unimpressed with his squad’s attitude and performance.

“I didn’t think we were up to scratch,” he said.

“We made too many errors, if you look at the goals, Armadale didn’t create any of those goals. We gave away five goals today.”

The game started slowly but the tempo picked up after the opening goal on the half hour when Armadale’s Jack Salter tapped in a low cross.

Then, just before the break, Ravi Kuppusamy ran on to a through ball and slipped his shot past Alex Dunn to extend the lead.

Less then a minute later Balcatta snatched one back through Ashley Rosindale’s penalty. But when Salter doubled his tally in the second half, Armadale were on their way.

Kuppusamy scored his second from the penalty spot after Balcatta’s Ben Say had kicked at an Armadale player behind play and was shown red.

Salter failed to convert another Armadale penalty as Dunn pulled off a great block but when the ball finally fell to Darren Francis, he drove home to complete the win.

Armadale 5 (19. Jack SALTER 30, 54’ Ravi KUPPUSAMY 42, 66’ 9. Darren FRANCIS)
Balcatta 1 (11. Ashley ROSINDALE (pen) 43’)

Saturday March 16, 2013
Alfred Skeet Reserve
Kick Off: 3PM
Crowd Approx.: 400

Armadale: GK 1. Cyril SHARROCK, 13. Sam LOVELESS, 3. Jackson BEALEY, 6.Nathan COSTELLA, 14. Mitch CASTRILLI, 8. Louie BLAKE, 9. Darren FRANCIS, (18. Brandon CATCHPOLE 86’) 19. Jack SALTER, 11. Mark PEERS, 10. Rhys LOXLEY, 7. Ravi KUPPUSAMY

Substitutes not used: 15. Billy QUINCROFT, 16. Callum POTTON, 18. Brandon CATCHPOLE, RGK Alex TAYLOR

Yellow Cards: 10. Rhys LOXLEY 20’ GK 1. Cyril SHARROCK 21’ 14. Mitch CASTRILLI 68’
Red Cards:

Balcatta: GK 1. Alex DUNN, 7. Michael ASPIN, 13. John MIGAS, 12 Simon ELTONBOTT, 2. Ben SAY, 15. Chris THACKRAY, (3. Jarrad SMITH) 6. Bajo SAVIC, 8. Jason BARRERA, 10. Mustafa ATAK, (5. Adam TONG 63’) 14. Adam BACHILLER, 11. Ashley ROSINDALE

Substitutes not used: RGK Daniel PASARELLI, 17. Jackson TURNER

Yellow Cards: 3. Jarrad SMITH 52 Ben SAY 75’ 11. Ashley ROSINDALE 81’
Red Cards: . Ben SAY 78’