BARNET midfielder Mark Byrne believes the team must defend set pieces better after the Bees lost 2-1 draw against AEL Limassol in their final pre-season game.
Former Fulham striker Orlando Sa gave the six-time Cypriot champions a first half lead with a near-post header after the Barnet defence failed to deal with a cross from the left flank.
The visitors extended their lead early in the second half through Tiago Targino before substitute Marciano Mengerink grabbed a late equaliser for the Bees with a thunderous strike from outside the box.
Byrne toook away some positives from the team's performance but feels the side must improve before the start of the season.
“We passed well but there are a few things we need to learn to take into the new season,” said the 24-year-old.
“We created a few chances but I think we are giving away too many sloppy set-pieces which we know we are going to come up a lot in this league, so I just think we need to prepare better for that and take that into Chester next Saturday.”
Byrne captained the side in place of absent player-manager Edgar Davids and the diminutive midfielder relished their opportunity to demonstrate his leadership credentials.
“It was good for me,” he said.
“I only got told before but it was good to take the captain’s armband.”
“I want to lead by example as well and I want to be a leader in the midfield so it was good without Edgar being here.”
Meanwhile, Barnet have announced the signings of Dutch striker Marciano Mengerink and Spanish duo Roberto Casabella and Luisma Villa subject to international clearance.
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