Beard: We will learn from mistakes (From Surrey Comet)

Beard: We will learn from mistakes

9:47am Tuesday 24th August 2010 in

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Mark Beard reckons Monday night’s slump at Wealdstone could be the making of his side as Tooting look to make an impact on the Ryman Premier this season.

The Terrors were cast aside 3-0, just two days after opening their campaign with a thrilling 4-3 win over Hendon.

Even worse, Tooting had Saturday’s hat-trick hero Kienan Mason-Hughes sent off, but Beard insisted on still taking the positives.

He said: “We have gone from one extreme to the other and the Wealdstone game has really bought us back down to earth.

“But in the long run I think this could do us the world of good.

“You learn a lot more about a side in a losing game and it is all about how we respond.

“I found out a lot about the players on Monday night, and a lot of it was not good.

“Against Hendon they let us play our football and it was a nice game to watch.

“But Wealdstone did not give us any space and we really struggled.

“A lot of the sides in this division are like that and I am glad to have got that lesson out of the way early.”

Despite conceding six goals in the opening two games, the Tooting boss has refused to slam his defence.

Instead, Beard says the whole line-up needs to take responsibility.

He added: “To be honest I think my two centre-halfs have had good games.

“The problem we have is that crosses are not being blocked and players are not tracking back.

“As soon as they get that into their heads things will get better.”

The Terrors face Cray Wanderers on Friday night before hosting Sutton United on Bank Holiday Monday, a clash Beard is relishing.

He added: “Sutton will be a great game.

“It is a local derby and everybody will want to do well.

“They are the favourites for this league and we have to make sure we are ready for them.”

Tooting & Mitcham’s next three matches: Aug 27 Cray Wanderers (a), 30 Sutton United (h), Sep 4 Canvey Island (a )