Gary Rogers knows only too well that a great start is only that as Dundalk look to close the gap on the top on Friday night.
The league title holders racked up their third win in a row by beating UCD on Monday and next up are pace-setters Shamrock Rovers, who began the season with an impressive charge.
But, from personal experience, Dundalk netminder Rogers understands that's only the beginning of the battle as he prepares for Rovers' visit to Oriel Park in two days' time.
"I’ve experienced both sides," he said. "At Sligo Rovers a few years ago we won our first 10 of the season and we finished third, Pat’s won it.
"There's loads of examples. We won't worry too much yet, there's a long way to go.
"But equally we’ve had a good week. We’ve won three and if we win on Friday, it will be a good way to finish off the last few games.
“Any time we play Rovers it’s a big one. Now, at home, it’s an opportunity for us to go and get a good result.
"We’re looking forward to it. It’s an opportunity to get a win and close that gap."
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Dundalk's own start was not what they hoped for but they have bounced back from losses to St Pat's and Sligo and head coach Vinny Perth believes the Lilywhites are returning to their best form.
Rogers, 37, claims that he hasn't been worried about Rovers' fast start and that he hasn't been studying the league table and that gap - but it has been impossible to avoid all the same.
“I’ve been told what it is," he laughed. "Look, you don’t pay attention, I think we’re well aware they’re ahead but we’ve a game in hand.
"If we can go and beat them, it will be close. It’s early days, it’s 11 games into the season. There's a lot of football still to be played."
Dundalk had to show character once again to stage a comeback at UCD after falling behind.
It has been a feature of their season.
Rogers said: “It’s happened four or five times - it happened against UCD already this season.
"But we’ve come back and I suppose it shows the spirit that's there and the ability to come back each time. Obviously it’s a habit we’d like to shake.
"As long as we keep picking up the wins, we’re happy".
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