CIRENCESTER’S newest football team, The Pilgrims, have got off to a great start this season by topping the Cotswolds Churches League, with some very one-sided wins including 10-1, 8-1 and 8-0.

The unbeaten Pilgrims top the table from their nearest rivals Trinity & Quedgeley United.

The team, founded and run from Cirencester’s Baptist Church, is made up of local young lads who are keen to play and enjoy the spirit of the Churches League.

Martin Rigley, the team manager, said “The lads have played really well this season and I’ve been so impressed with their attitude.

“They even rein in the swearing during games, as they know it’s a church-sponsored team!

“It’s a pleasure to manage them and I’ve got so many players available now, that I don’t get a game myself.”

The Cirencester Pilgrims have been generously supported by Lord barbers in Cirencester – and they like the new shirts so much that many of them are wearing them off the field.

The team are through to the next round of the National Christian Trophy and were due to play Epsom Kings from Surrey at their Kingshill base on Saturday only for the game to be postponed due to frost.

The second round tie will now be played this Saturday at Kingshill.