Jamie Miley says Hartlepool United must take confidence from their perfect start while recognising there is still plenty of work ahead.

Pools travel to Sutton United on Saturday having opened their Enterprise National League campaign with successive victories and clean sheets against Barrow and Aldershot Town.

Sutton have matched that record, and Miley believes Pools must retain the focus and mentality that have underpinned their encouraging start.

“It’s the start we wanted, winning our first two games at home and away,” said Miley.

“There’s a lot of confidence within the group, but we can’t get too confident. We know there’s still a long way to go and plenty of work to do. 

“It’s about having that confidence while continuing to push ourselves because we’re only two games into the season.”

Miley believes the clean sheets have reflected the commitment of the entire team, with Pools demonstrating their ability to meet different challenges during the opening two weekends.

“The clean sheets are a credit to the whole team,” he explained. “Everyone has defended the box really well, whether that has been in open play or from set-pieces.

“The two victories have shown what this group is capable of. Barrow was a physical game with a lot of individual battles, and we had to stand up to that.

“The substitutes who came on were excellent as well. They will have been disappointed not to start, but they made a big impact and helped us win the game.

“It’s always difficult away from home in this league, but we found a way to win at Aldershot. We’re delighted with the first two results.”

Pools welcomed a number of new players during the summer, and Miley has been impressed by how quickly the squad has come together.

“It would be unfair to single anybody out because everyone has been excellent since coming in,” he added.

“They’ve brought character, a brilliant attitude and a willingness to work hard, as well as plenty of ability with the ball. The group is in a really good place.”

Competition for places has been evident throughout the squad, particularly in midfield, and Miley believes that is helping every player to improve.

“Competition is always healthy,” he said. “If you don’t have it, there’s a problem.

“It drives you on, and we push each other to get the best out of ourselves. When that happens, the team benefits.

“It’s a really healthy squad and a good place to be at the moment.”

The midfielder has also relished the opportunity to work with Clark and the Club’s coaching staff.

“The manager and the staff have been great since they came in, and we can learn a lot from all of them,” said Miley.

“The manager’s playing career speaks for itself, and we can learn a lot from his experience.

“We learn from him every day, and it’s the same with Lids and Clates. They’ve both had really good careers, so there is plenty of experience for us to draw upon. I’ve already learned a lot from them.”

Sutton began their campaign with victories over Woking and Altrincham, scoring four times without reply.

Miley expects another physical contest at the VMS, with the battle in central midfield likely to prove important.

“We know Sutton is always a difficult place to go, and Saturday will be another tough game away from home,” he said.

“It will be a battle in midfield, as it often is in this league, and we’ll need to approach it with the same mentality we’ve shown so far.

“We have to do our work on Sutton, but the main focus has to be on ourselves and what we do best as a group.

“We push each other every day in training, so we’re prepared for whatever we face on a Saturday. Hopefully, we can go there and come back with another three points.”

Pools will once again be backed by their travelling supporters, whose contribution Miley believes can make a significant difference.

“The support has been unbelievable,” he added.

“I think there were nearly 400 supporters at Aldershot, and we can’t thank them enough. We always hear them behind us, especially on these long away trips, and it’s a massive help. 

“When we’re at home, we want to make Victoria Park a fortress and a place teams don’t want to visit.

“Whether we’re at home or away, the support is massive and we always appreciate it.”