In-form Montpellier (Cheltenham) head to Southside Star on Saturday looking to knock another top flight side out of the Cheltenham Football League’s premier cup competition.

Last season they overcame FC Lakeside’s reserves and Bishop’s Cleeve A on their way to the last four of the Senior Charities Cup, a run that was made all the more impressive because it was their first ever season.

And some season it was too because they romped to the Division Three title, winning 21 of their 24 games and losing just the one.

They have continued that excellent form this time around and although they have played just the seven games in Division Two, they are unbeaten – they’ve won six and drawn one – and are well-placed to win back-to-back titles.

Manager Mike Hackett is understandably delighted with the way things are going and there is certainly no shortage of confidence around the club.

“The way we’re playing at the moment, I fancy our chances against any team,” Hackett said.

“We’re always looking to improve and we want to win every competition we’re in.”

The only setback came last month when they were beaten 2-1 by Longlevens 4ths in the County Minor Cup (North).

“We should have been 3-0 up at half-time but we didn’t take our chances,” said Hackett. “On any other day it was a game we’d have won.”

Montpellier were offered the chance to play in Division One of the Cheltenham League this season, an opportunity the club declined, but Hackett admitted if they were given the chance to play in the Premier Division in 2023/24 it is certainly something they would consider.

“We want to go as high as we can,” he said. “We want to be playing alongside the likes of Bishop’s Cleeve and Cheltenham Saracens. I know that’s a long way off but that’s the aim.”

And while the club’s flagship team are flying, their newly formed reserves are going great guns too.

They are top of Division Three and Hackett said: “They made a bit of an iffy start but they’ve settled down and they’re going well now.”

The reserves host Division One side Bredon Reserves in the Senior Charities Cup on Saturday.

The first team, meanwhile, warmed up for Saturday’s cup tie with a 10-0 demolition of Bishop’s Cleeve B in Division Two last weekend.

Southside Star, who are mid-table in the Premier Division, have won four and lost five of their league games this season.