IT is still only early days.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is how Port Saints coach Darrell Pascoe reflected on his team's undefeated start to the Football Mid North Coast Premier League in 2019.
After five rounds, Saints occupy the second rung of the ladder underneath Port United ahead of this Saturday's clash with Camden Haven.
Pascoe knows Saints' real challenge will come in the second half of the season so it was important for them to hit the ground running.
And so far they have.
"We've had a favourable draw as far as home games are concerned," Pascoe said.
"It means the back half will be particularly challenging on the road so it's good to have the points in the bank."
Despite being four rungs below them on the ladder, Pascoe knows the Redbacks will pose plenty of questions for his side.
"The job is still ahead of us," he said.
We've had a favourable draw as far as home games are concerned.
- Port Saints coach Darrell Pascoe
"I watched them in round one against United, but they have been getting better and better by all reports and some of the boys talk about them being quality."
"The competition is that close that if you string two or three wins in a row you can move up the table pretty quick."
Forward Patty Hamilton has recovered from a bout of concussion that saw him taken to hospital last Saturday, although a niggling foot injury may see him miss the match.
"He seems to have gotten through that head knock okay," Pascoe said.
"It'll be a challenging match."
Redbacks co-coach Riley Papas knew at the start of the year having to play three of last season's top four sides in the first four rounds was going to be a battle.
When you throw in a youthful, inexperienced Premier League first grade roster and they were unsure what to expect.
"More than half the side are under 20 and four of those made their first grade debuts in round one," the coach said.
We could see the talent in the ranks but knew coaching them a style of football that got results was important.
- Camden Haven Redbacks co-coach Riley Pappas
"(But) we saw the opportunity to create a few upsets early on."
And they have done that so far, with an opening round 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Port United the only blemish on an otherwise competitive opening month.
Camden Haven have a convincing 3-1 win, a narrow 2-1 loss and an entertaining 4-3 victory last week against Taree to show for their first four matches.
"From the very first training session, we could see the talent in the ranks but knew coaching them a style of football that got results was important," he said.
