JAMES McKeown believes Grimsby Town are better equipped for a promotion push than 12 months ago – both on and off the field.
The young goalkeeper preserved yet another clean sheet for his side with a superb second-half penalty save in the 2-0 win over Tamworth.
That result, combined with Newport's 3-2 defeat at Kidderminster, moved Town back to the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier table.
At the same point last season, the Mariners were sitting in 15th spot, after what the 23-year-old admits was a 'rubbish' start to the campaign.
Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's men did go on to enjoy a remarkable run of results that saw them climb to a height of sixth before ultimately falling out of the play-off picture.
Back then, McKeown felt as though Town were always playing catch-up – something that they do not have to worry about this time around.
He told the Telegraph: "It makes a massive difference being up near the top of the table and not having to play catch-up like we did last year.
"There are a few teams up there this year that are going to have a chance, so you don't want to be focusing on catching them up one at a time like we were last season.
"Our start was rubbish last year, it's as simple as that – we needed that good run to get us in contention.
"Our end of the season wasn't that bad but it was the start that killed us – but this time it's different.
"The point at Ebbsfleet last week wasn't a bad result this season, but if we'd have been playing catch-up it would have been.
"So being top of the league does take a bit of pressure off you in that respect – obviously you're there to be shot at and if gives your opposition a lift to come and play you. You put the pressure on yourself when you cross that white line – you've got to enjoy it.
"Say we got to the play-off final or the FA Trophy final – you've got to be able to deal with it and thrive under it. We've not got to the top of the league and then not just slid back down, so it shows that, as team, we enjoy that pressure and thrive under it."
Another contrast to last season that McKeown points to is the dressing room.
He admits the current squad does feel more close-knit and says that will play a big part in any success they are to have this season.
And he should know – the stopper was part of the Peterborough United squad that won two successive promotions between 2007 and 2009.
He added: "It's a brilliant dressing room at the minute. There's a lot of lads that are of a similar age and even the older ones like Dis (Craig Disley) are like kids which makes a big difference.
"Without being disrespectful of the team we had last year, it does feel better this time. When I was at Peterborough, we got promoted a few years on the spin and the dressing room does play a big part.
"People can underestimate it massively, but when you are together on the pitch, you do want to help your mate out more on it and I think that's been the key for us."
