DANNY Heale says he was guilty of keeping faith with players that didn’t deserve it last season.

The Gulls chief watched his side lose 2-1 in their opening pre-season match against East Thurrock United.

Heale was pleased with his side’s fitness levels, but says sentiment will not play a part when it comes to picking a team in the Isthmian North this time out.

“I thought we did OK,” he said. “We held our own but lost our way when we made some changes, including some trialists. They are two leagues above us but I was quite pleased.

“In terms of the squad, we will rotate more this year. I kept too much faith in boys who were out of form last year and it won’t be like that again. But I am happy with the squad.”

One player who continues to impress is Martin Tuohy, who returned to the club midway through last season and scored eight goals despite featuring mainly as a substitute.

The striker also netted on Saturday and Heale says Tuohy continues to impress, while he accepts he also has to make a decision on which goalkeeper to select.

“Tuohy is a top lad and knows how to score,” he said. “We are pleased to have him and we have strong attacking options. I would love to bed them all into the side.

“Josh Hutchinson (formerly of Redbridge) came in and did well, so there are decisions to be made.

“Connor (Gough) has been out for a year through injury and is rusty and we have Harry Palmer, who has come in. He has missed a few training sessions recently after his nan passed away but there are tough choices to be made.”