A standout run of eight wins in 10 games has lifted Cirencester into the play-off positions of the Hellenic League Premier Division for the first time this season.

Their 3-2 victory at home to Cinderford Town on Saturday has seen them jump up to fifth place in the 20-team division and manager John Brough is delighted.

They’ve lost just the once in that 10-game run and Brough said: “The challenge now is to keep going.

“We said when we started on this run that we wanted to try to get into the play-offs by Christmas, now it’s up to us to stay there.”

Brough, who was previously in charge of the club for four-and-half years before standing down at the end of the 2023/24 season, returned as manager at the end of August and has overseen a dramatic upturn in fortunes.

They lost his first game in charge – 4-2 at home to Fairford Town –  a result which left them with just two points from their opening six games, but they have lost just twice since, both times to Roman St Glass.

“The squad was already in a quite good place, I brought four players in and they’ve now got more confidence,” Brough said.

“We’ve found a way to win, I wouldn’t say we’ve played well every week but we’ve found a way to win games.

“We've gone from being near the bottom to being in the play-off positions, the lads deserve all the credit.”

One player who is certainly well in credit is striker Harlie Price who has scored 22 goals in 23 games in all competitions this season.

He joined the club at the start of the season and Brough said: “He’s a good footballer, he used to play for me at North Leigh.

“He’s also played for Pershore Town and Malvern Town, he’s having a real good season.

“He’s in his 30s but if he gets chances he scores and, the thing is, we’re supplying him which is credit to the other players. He’s a great asset for the club.”

Price missed the win over Cinderford because of suspension but he will be back for Saturday’s trip to Mangotsfield United, a team Cirencester have already beaten 2-0 this season.

That was the club’s second league win of the campaign, a campaign that began with last season’s manager James Mortimer-Jones being forced to step aside because of a bulging disc.

“I’m helping out where I can,” Mortimer-Jones said. “I’m still involved, I’ve done a bit of scouting but I’ve only just gone back to work.

“Broughy is a good manager, a good mate and a good bloke. The club are doing well at the moment, stability wise it makes sense for him to continue as manager for the rest of the season.”  

Cirencester have taken 33 points from 16 games since Brough's return to the club.