Newcomers Central Football Club are very much aware of the challenges ahead after jumping to the top of the Digicel Pro League standings.

Pro League action continues this evening with a double-header at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, in Marabella, where Police and Defence Force clash in an armed forces derby from six p.m. Two hours later, defending champions W Connection face North East Stars.

Tomorrow, the action shifts to Couva where there is another double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Central FC hunt three points in a five p.m. meeting with competitive but so far unlucky St Ann's Rangers. And at seven, T&TEC take on Caledonia AIA.

The Central FC "Sharks" lead the Pro League with a maximum six points from their first two games. North East Stars are second on five points, while W Connection, Police, Caledonia AIA and Defence Force have four each.

Central FC head coach, Graham Rix knows it will be difficult to stay at the top of the Pro League table.

"Obviously it's great to be on top, especially with a game in hand, but it does add to the pressure," Rix said. "Every team will want to be the first to beat us [in the League], so every game will be tough. But the players know this and are focused on our own performance, not that of the opposition.

"It's a bit of a cliché, but there are no easy games. Rangers took the lead against W Connection on Friday and they didn't fall behind until the 83rd minute. We treat every game the same and we will certainly respect every club that we play.

"We started our preparation way behind the other clubs. People told me that my players were rejects, but I don't believe that. I had no prior history to cloud my opinion, and every player was signed on merit."

Rix admitted, though, that some players needed work on their fitness, and praised team trainer/physiotherapist Lindsay Davis, also from England.

"You can instantly see talent in a player. The test is to see if they are hungry enough to get back into shape. A huge part of our success so far is a credit to our trainer, Lindsay."

DIGICEL PRO LEAGUE FIXTURES Today 6 p.m. - Police v Defence Force, Manny Ramjohn Stadium 8 p.m. - W Connection v North East Stars, Manny Ramjohn Stadium Tomorrow 5 p.m. - Central FC v St. Ann's Rangers, Ato Boldon Stadium 7 p.m. - T&TEC v Caledonia AIA, Ato Boldon Stadium