Tooting and Mitcham missed the chance to escape the Ryman Premier League relegation zone on Monday night, but Kenny Brown believes it will not be long before they clear it, writes Douglas Elder.

The Terrors boosted their survival hopes with a 3-1 win at fellow strugglers Aveley on Saturday but could not follow it up at Wealdstone 48 hours later, losing 2-0.

But they gave a good account of themselves against their play-off chasing opponents and manager Brown was not too downbeat.

“We were excellent, so we’re not too despondent,” he said.

“Wealdstone were probably the best team we’ve played since I have been here.

“Unfortunately, it’s the first time since I have been here that we haven’t been able to take our chances, so with a bit more luck, the result could have been different.

“We’ve played well in all our games except the two games against Leatherhead and Harrow Borough.

“Unfortunately, those teams are also in this relegation battle and those games are very important.”

In form striker Charlie Stimson scored Tooting’s first against Aveley on Saturday before Connor French added a second from the penalty spot after he was fouled.

French then set up Steve Ferguson for the third before Aveley nabbed a consolation.

On Monday, Wealdstone went ahead in the first half and added a second late on.

Tooting play Met Police on Friday night, and Brown does not mind having lots of games in such a short space.

“When you’re winning and playing well, you want to keep playing,” he added.

“If we beat Met Police, that would be six points from a possible nine, and if we average two points a game, we’ll definitely stay up.”

“We’re down at the bottom for a reason, so to get out of this position, winning our home games will be important.”