Sidmouth Town manager Josh Stunnell admits that anything other than a top-half finish would feel like a failure.
Stunnell, who replaced Paddy Thomas over the summer, has had a fine start to life at the helm of the Vikings, leading them to fourth place with 12 points after eight games.
History, however, is not on his side, with the Manstone Lane club finishing 13th, 15th and 14th in their last three seasons, but Stunnell feels there is plenty of potential for improvement.
"The objective for me, with the players I have, would have to be a top-half finish – I wouldn't want any less. Any less and I would feel like I had failed," said former Seaton Town boss Stunnell, whose side play Alphington on Saturday.
"We have made a promising start but the annoying thing is that we have conceded a few silly goals and there are some games we have thrown away."
Sidmouth thrashed Exwick Villa 5-1 on Saturday thanks to doubles from Ben Howard and Mark Pavey and one from Josh French.
Callum Hoare did briefly level, but it was to no avail for Villa, who travel to Newton Abbot Spurs on Saturday.
Stunnell believes that a batch of new additions have contributed to their improved performances.
The likes of French, Howard, Charlie Ledge and Dale O'Donoghue have come in, but Stunnell also praised the change in mentality.
"On the field, we have made a few additions and we are looking like a decent young side at the minute," he continued.
"I think people are buying into what we are trying to do too. We are getting the most out of the existing players and obviously we have brought in some extra quality too.
"We could still do with tightening up at the back but we have got goals throughout the side and that is good."Teignmouth head to Liverton United having thrashed Spurs 4-0 last time out.
Adam Dyson hit two, with Ryan Bush and Hayden Roe also netting.St Martins manager Lee Annunziata says his side's lack of fear is behind their solid start.
The Saints find themselves in mid-table following their 3-1 win over Plymstock United at the weekend, which came courtesy of goals from Luke Skinner, Dan Norman and Dylan Dare.
They travel to Exeter University on Saturday – a difficult place for any team, according to Annunziata.
"I have played at a higher standard and so have a couple of the lads and there is a difference," he said.
"But it doesn't scare us, and that win on Saturday gives us even more confidence. It is all about getting that confidence and not fearing anybody."
"The University is never an easy place to go," he went on. "It is wide and open and always windy. There isn't a great atmosphere either and it isn't my favourite place to play football but, because of that they do win a lot of games at home."
The Students continued their fine start with a 4-1 victory over Liverton, with goals coming from Tom Male, Jack Jones, Tom Faktor and Myles Blenkinsop.Crediton United head to Brixham knowing that their away form must improve.
Brixham won 6-0 on Saturday against Axminster Town, who travel to Galmpton next.
And Kirton joint-player manager Perry Carpenter knows their opponents will provide a stern test for them.
"We were aware when they came into this league that they were a good side," he said. "We are aware of their strengths. I saw that Dan Rankin scored five for them at the weekend, so we know what a good player he is.
"We will not take them for granted, especially away from home. We know our away form has got to improve, so we will be very focused for it."
Elsewhere, Alphington beat Okehampton Argyle 3-0 with goals from Sean Adderley, Ryan Leverton and Ryan Moody.
Okey host a Budleigh Salterton side looking to bounce back from a 7-1 thrashing at leaders Galmpton, with a consolation from Jack Greenslade.
