MAT WARD believes South Park's team spirit can help to establish the club in Ryman League Division One South.
The Reigate side have made the ideal start to life in the division after stepping up from the Combined Counties League Premier Division, winning both of their opening two matches.
The results have put them top of the table, but Ward insists they will not get carried away, adding that they have already seen in two games the jump up in standard.
"We know that we have to work really hard at this level," he said.
"It is a different level and a lot harder, because you are playing at a quicker pace and you get tired a lot quicker."
But the 25-year-old is confident that Park have the necessary ingredients within the squad to compete and prosper at Ryman League level, even if they have not played there before.
Many of the squad have been at the club for several years as they have risen through the ranks, with Ward having played for Park since their days in the Crawley & District League.
And he says the bond between the players could prove a huge factor this season.
"We have a good team spirit here," he said.
"We have had that in recent seasons and we have kept that with only a couple of new faces this year.
"We may not have played at this level before, but we know we are a good footballing side and we can battle when we need to."
Park also have the benefit of two prolific goalscorers in their team in Chris Smith and Kieran Lavery, while Ward popped up with a goal himself in the 3-1 win against Walton Casuals on Tuesday.
And he says that there is a confidence within the team that they can thrive in step four of the non-league pyramid.
"We have bags of goals in us," he said.
"We have the two lads up front and options to come off the bench and confidence is high at the moment.
"That is reflected in how we are playing and hopefully we can continue to pick up points."
South Park host Surrey rivals Whyteleafe on Saturday, before travelling to Tooting & Mitcham United on Tuesday.
