In-form Stratton United made it six wins in a row in Division Two of the Stroud League with a 4-0 win at Upton St Leonards on Saturday.

The goals were shared around with one apiece for captain Russell Beacham, Macauley Messenger, Kai Morris and substitute Ayden Clarke.

The win leaves the Cirencester club in third spot, level on points with second-placed Abbeymead Rovers and a point behind leaders Brockworth Albion Rovers, who they host in five days’ time.

Both Abbeymead and Stratton have played one game fewer than Brockworth and Stratton manager Luke Palmer said: "We've raised our game this season, we've found different ways to win games."

Stratton won one and drew two of their opening four games and Palmer continued: "We've had to dig deep at times. We've been behind at half-time in games but found ways to win.

"Everybody is working hard for each other, it can't all be pretty football."

Stratton were playing in Division Three last season, finishing second behind Longlevens 4^ths after winning 19 of their 24 games.

It was their second successive promotion and the current campaign has been a continuation of the form they have shown over the past couple of years.

"I'd love to keep it going," added Palmer, who describes Beacham as "a great leader".

"I don't see why we can't get promotion to the next level but finishing in the top four would still be brilliant." 

And it’s not just the club’s flagship team who are flying high because the reserves are also chasing their third successive promotion.

Last season’s Division 5S title winners are third in Division 4S after winning five and drawing two of their opening eight games.

They won 7-2 at Horsley United Reserves at the weekend, a result which leaves them four points behind leaders Cam Everside Wanderers and two adrift of Charfield Reserves.

Stratton’s first team could go top for the first time this season if they win at the weekend although they will almost certainly need Abbeymead to drop points as the Gloucester club’s goal difference is 31 to Stratton’s 23.

"Brockworth will be tough, they're going well," admitted Palmer, who will be 35 on Friday.

Abbeymead, who were 5-0 winners at Kingswood a couple of days ago, host sixth-placed Sherston Town on Saturday.