Ricky Marheineke has led St Ives Town to the highest league position in their history . . . but he insists staying there will be an even tougher task.

The Saints sit proudly at the Southern League Division One (Central) summit after grinding out two valuable home victories in recent days despite suffering a spate of injuries.

Boss Marheineke has heaped praise on his backroom team, his playing squad and the fantastic Ives supporters, but he is anxious to ensure all feet remain firmly on the ground.

Marheineke said: “It’s an honour to be involved in a little piece of history for the club. I’m lucky to have a terrific coaching staff around me and a group of players who have bought into the way we want to do things.

“The lads have consistently given their all for the cause and have been rewarded by some very good results.

“But I’m particularly pleased for the fans. They are right up there with the best in non-league football and they deserve some success to enjoy.

“But no-one should get carried away. It is nothing more than a good start to the season at this stage and 26 difficult games still lie ahead.

“Getting to the top of the table is the easy part and staying there is a different challenge altogether. We need to focus on continuing to hit our targets by working hard to win games.”

Saints climbed to the summit when Harry O’Malley’s header earned a 1-0 success over Hanwell Town at ProEdge Westwood Road 10 days ago.

They preserved their pole position when holding on for a 2-1 home success against bottom side North Greenford last Saturday. O’Malley opened the scoring after 50 seconds and their advantage was quickly doubled by Chae Simons.

The visitors halved their arrears in the second half before seeing a stoppage-time strike ruled out for offside.

Marheineke was able to hand a first taste of senior football to two of the club’s first batch of scholars in those games. Wideman Sam Davidson appeared as a substitute in both matches while striker Charlie McManus was introduced against North Greenford.

Next up for the table-toppers is a trip to Potters Bar tomorrow when they have four regular players sidelined.

Long-term absentee Jack Higgs, captain Luke Knight and frontman Stuart Eason are all injured while Ben Seymour-Shove completes a three-game ban.

But wideman Phil Draycott has shaken off an Achilles problem and striker Danny Watson has been cleared to continue playing with awaiting abdominal surgery.

Marheineke added: “I don’t know too much about Potters Bar to be honest.

“They were a decent side last season, but they’re under different management this season and have picked up some good results.

“We expect a tough test in every game and it is up to us to perform in the way we know we can.”