Dan Preston vows to learn from his mistakes
AFC Telford defender Dan Preston is adamant that he has learnt his lesson following two red cards received earlier this season.
And the young Bucks centre-back, who earned several plaudits for his impressive display against Tamworth on Saturday, is now focusing on holding down a place in Andy Sinton's team.
Preston was disciplined by the club after he was handed a four-match ban in September following his red card at home to Newport in September.
The dismissal had come in his first game back following a separate six-match ban imposed after he was sent off in Telford's 1-0 win away at Luton the previous month.
But he has impressed since his latest return to the side. Saturday's 0-0 draw at The Lamb Ground was his first league start since the Newport game, although he also made the starting Xl for Telford's FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay away at Nuneaton last month.
Preston turned in a solid performance in the latter as well, albeit giving away a last-minute penalty in extra-time.
Sinton has praised his young stopper's performances in both games and Preston said he is determined to learn from his earlier mistakes.
"It has been hard for me the last couple of months," said the 21-year old. "Getting sent off twice wasn't nice. But when I have played since, I think I have done alright. It is all about a learning curve for me."
When asked what he has learnt he said: "Just not losing my head. If things don't go my way, just relax.
"The gaffer has called me in a few times to say 'keep your head' and it's going alright.?Hopefully I can just stay in the team now."
Sinton added: "My initial reaction when he got sent off for the second time was probably the same as a lot of people's, but in the cold light of day he's a young boy, he's learning and he is going to make mistakes.
"But he is as honest as the day is long and if you want a dressing room that has got people that want to commit to the cause, Dan Preston is one of them."
