Tooting & Mitcham United boss Frank Wilson took his charges to Barnsley for their opening pre-season friendly, and returned with more than one reason to be happy.

Leon Lalor-Dell and Jordan Wilson scored the goals in a 2-1 win over the Barnsley U21s at Oakwell, but the trip was about more than the game or result.

It also served its purpose as an early exercise in team bonding as well as giving the Terrors a glimpse of life at a Championship club.

Wilson said: “Barnsley proved to be a very worthwhile trip – it was not just about winning the game, we’re not going to get carried away with pre-season, but putting in a performance and getting the game-time is important.

“It ticked all the boxes. It was a good experience for some of the players on trial as well as the existing players because not many of them would have played at Oakwell before.

“It was a nice experience in terms of team bonding – to have that time together, stay overnight, visiting the home ground and playing against a quality academy side.”

He added: “Barnsley have a really good set up – it’s quite nice, from the staff to the first team, that it is all mostly home-grown – some of them have been there since they were young kids.

“They don’t have a big budget and they nurture all their home-grown players and you get a real sense of that at Oakwell - it’s an old ground and they have a lot of pride in their youth system.

“It is nice to play against an academy side who are hungry and who will get opportunities to play further up in the first team.

“And it was good for our lads to rub shoulders with full-time players and see how the other side lives so to speak.”

Meanwhile, Wilson has signed four new names as his preparations for the Ryman Division South opener on August 13 at home to Herne Bay draws ever-closer.

He said: “We’ve signed Danny Bassett – a centre forward from Godalming who played with Staines Town under Marcus Gayle.

“He’s a very exciting prospect with good experience, and he has been very impressive in pre-season. We’re excited by him, but a new player has a lot to do.

“Myles Henry has joined as a winger from Hampton. I don’t think he got too many first team opportunities last year and he wanted to play consistently so we invited him in and he has done exceptionally well.”

The pair are joined by former Godalming skipper Charlie Hutton at right back and goalkeeper Kyle Merson.

Wilson said: “Charlie is 27 years old and has played a lot of games at this level and above.

“He is a very assured full back, which is something we felt we needed now we have pushed Jordan Wilson further into midfield.

“Kyle Merson has been brought in to rival Paul Smith. He has a lot of Ryman Premier experience. I’ve watched him in the past and he has always been a number one goalkeeper wherever he’s been. “He is an excellent GK, and someone to keep Matt on his toes – they are battling for that number one spot at the moment.”

Tooting host a Barnet XI on Tuesday at Imperials Fields.