Paul Robinson is hoping the current learning curve at AFC Wimbledon soon becomes a straight run at points.
The experienced centre-back believes there is enough about the current squad at Kingsmeadow to carve out a win at capital neighbours Charlton, but admits the League One new boys are still finding their feet.
Dons lost by the odd goal in five at home to Sheffield United last Saturday.
The defeat was typical of the current step-forward, one-back for AFC, and it's all down to a higher level of skill and thinking against some of the lower league giants, according to Robinson.
"It's us adapting to life at this level and we know we're going to come up against sharper strikers in this position and about us adapting to make sure that were more alert to the danger and anticipate it a lot more," he explained.
"We're learning as a team on how to play cohesively and adapting.
"It's about realising that it's those small little differences that make a big difference. We'll keep on learning and improving which will hopefully reflect itself in performances."
Like Sheffield United, Charlton have the air of a big team fallen on tough times.
Robinson says reputations count for nothing when the deposed Championship side faces up to a team playing League Two last term.
"It's a challenge and that's what it is," he said.
"It's about us accepting that mantle and knowing that it's eleven v eleven, and it's about the performance to get the result."
