Cirencester Town Ladies captain Libby Messenger revealed this season so far has been an “extra special one” with the team having a 100% record in all competitions.
Messenger led Cirencester to promotion from Division Two of the Gloucestershire County Women’s Football League last season with a run of eight wins securing the rise up the pyramid.
A run that has continued into the new campaign with 10 wins from 10 in league action and progression in both the County Cup and the Gordon Perrett League Cup.
“We’ve all come together as a very strong family on and off the pitch,” said Messenger.
“I think this year it has just really clicked for us. We’ve got such a good group of girls and Dan (Ray).
“We finally reached the stage where we all know each other so well and also want to do it for our teammates and not just ourselves so I think that’s what gives us that extra edge.”
Attention is firmly on Sunday’s last 16 League Cup tie against Stoke Lane Athletic Women with Messenger clear in her aims.
“Every game we go in with full concentration and understand what we need to achieve,” said the Cirencester skipper.
“We go in with a positive mindset and want to win.”
Messenger has more than played her part in the winning streak with five goals to her name alongside forwards Jodie Bailey and Eve Timbrell who have 15 and 10 goals respectively.
Winning silverware is the dream for Messenger who has been involved at Cirencester Town from an early age owing to her mother’s involvement in the ladies team and in her words a “football influencing family”.
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That dream was nearly realised in April earlier this year with a 6-2 loss to Bitton Ladies in the League Cup final.
The experience and learnings taken from that Sunday afternoon in April has only further lit the fire in the players.
“We’ve had a very good season but keeping everyone focused and keeping the eye on the end result and again motivation, keeping the girls motivated and hungry for that win,” added Messenger.
However, this season’s form has come as something as a surprise after stepping up to Division One of the Gloucestershire league.
“We thought it was going to be quite a big step up,” admitted Messenger.
“We went into the season positive just trying to work as a team and our expectations have been exceeded.
“We’ve done well and I’m really proud of the team. The winning streak gives us even more hunger and better ourselves further.”
And as each game passes by, Messenger’s dreams come closer to being a reality in the remaining months of the campaign.
“My goal is to keep our winning streak right to the end of the season and win some silverware”, said Messenger.
