It is taking confidence into tomorrow's national football league match against Waitakere United in Auckland.
Having picked up draws against Auckland City and Tasman United in two of its first three games, captain Conor O'Keeffe felt big improvements had been made.
Back for his second season with the side, the Irishman knew what to expect from Waitakere, the team Southern got its first points off with a draw last year.
``Waitakere are a strong, physical side,'' he said.
``Probably the most similar to an Irish side, because they're big, physical and they go pretty direct.
``So we know what to expect. It's going to be a difficult task going away from home.
``But I think if we set up right, we go with a game plan and, like you saw against Auckland [City], we stick to our plan, we can definitely come away with a result.
``Obviously, we're still looking for our first win of the season.
``So that's the main aim but if we come away with some points away from home it's always a success.''
The 24-year-old defender said strides had been taken both on and off the field at Southern.
However, a big difference this year was the familiarity with New Zealand and the league, which he did not have last year.
He said knowing the other clubs and grounds was a major help.
Likewise the pre-season had been less of a rush this year.
Last season the team's Irish players arrived just two weeks prior to the first competition game, which made things challenging early on.
Tomorrow, the side is still without Roland Bala, Stephen Last and Garbhan Coughlan, all of whom picked up injuries two weeks ago.
Ben Wade has also joined the injury list, having broken his arm during last week's match.
O'Keeffe said the side was coping with the injuries well though and that they gave other players a chance to perform.
He was enjoying captaining the side, while also making the most of the lifestyle and coaching opportunities the South provided.
``Still enjoying Dunedin, it's a great lifestyle.
``Definitely looking to stay on for another while and continuing to enjoy playing football with Southern.
``Hopefully, a positive season this year, a lot more positive than last season.
``I've got no real desire to leave yet, just enjoying the job and enjoying playing football at the moment, so long may it continue.''
- National Football League, Trusts Arena, tomorrow, 2pm.
- Southern United - Tom Stevens, Conor O’Keeffe, Thomas Connor, Kristian Gibson, Danny Ledwith, Omar Guardiola, Jared Grove, Danny Furlong, Aidan Barbour-Ryan, Andrew Ridden, Liam Little, Cody Brook, Michael Hogan, Sam Carmichael, Hamish Cotter.
- Waitakere United (from) - Nino Lacagnina, Stewart MacKay, Julyan Collett, Jordan Hearn, Yuki Ohtsuka, Andre Estay, Eder Franchini Pasten, Keegan Linderboom, Fabian Istefo, Ryan Cain, David Parkinson, Jake Butler, Tom Shaw, Josh Dijkstra, Dylan Manickum, Godwin Darkwa, Liam Anderson.
