Tooting boss Mark Beard insists there is no reason for Terrors fans to be alarmed after the Stripes continued their pre-season slump at the weekend.

Beard’s side were held to a 1-1 draw at Ryman North side Harlow Town, their fourth successive game without a win.

But the Tooting manager remains adamant things are moving in the right direction.

Beard said: “At this stage it is all about identifying the mistakes and rectifying them.

“Pre-season games are strange because they are played at a very different pace to Ryman League games and that has caught us out a bit.

“In a few of our friendlies we have looked off the pace but once we have got into the games we have looked the better side, and that was the case again on Saturday.

“But I am still pretty satisfied with how things have gone and I think the fans should feel the same.”

Phil Williams scored the Tooting goal on Saturday, and was partnered in attack by new loan signing Kiernan Hughes-Mason, who arrives from Millwall.

And Beard reckons the addition of the 18-year-old, who last season enjoyed a loan spell at Cheltenham, is another boost at Imperial Fields.

He added: “Kiernan has got great ability and fantastic pace.

“With him, Williams and Jason Henry going forward that will trouble any side, and then we have the know-how of Rob Haworth to throw in as well.

“That gives us plenty of options and bodes well.”

With one pre-season game to go, Beard will look to finalise his starting line-up ahead of the clash with Whitehawk on Saturday.

And the former AFC Wimbledon player admitted honing the squad has been his toughest task.

Beard added: “Obviously it has not been easy because of the sheer numbers we have had.

“It has been hard but I still think the players have gelled well and there is a good spirit in the camp.

“Hopefully we can put in a good performance this weekend and then everyone can look forward to the start of the season.”

Tooting’s next three matches: Aug 14 Whitehawk (F, h), 21 Hendon (h), 23 Wealdstone (a)