NEWENT Town Women co-manager Beth Smith says enjoyment and togetherness have been at the heart of her side’s perfect start to the new season.

The Dafs have won all four of their opening Gloucestershire County Women’s Football League Division Two matches, putting them top of the table after building on an impressive debut campaign.

Newent finished third last season after the team was formed by six friends who wanted to create an environment where players could enjoy their football.

Smith told Severn Sport: “I’m not sure if any of us had any real expectations to finish third when we started it up.

“It’s six friends all wanting the same thing in terms of wanting to play football, enjoy our football mostly again. That was the biggest driver for us.”

Newent strengthened during the summer, with former Gloucester City trio Kate Ambrey, Frankie O’Neil and Alisha Kantorowicz among those arriving, alongside former Tuffley Rovers players Ellen Knight, Meg Hamblett and Emily Hawley.

Smith believes the way the existing squad welcomed the new arrivals has been crucial to their winning start.

She told Severn Sport: “We want the girls to be enjoying their football.

“I think in terms of what we’ve won, four out of our first four games, that’s been fundamental to the group we’ve got and the cohesion that we’ve got in the group.”

There has also been a change in the dugout, with Will Pattison joining Smith as co-manager during the summer.

Smith praised Pattison as a “great right-hand man”, saying their different coaching styles gave players opportunities to continue learning and improving each week.

Newent will look to preserve their perfect league record when they welcome Mangotsfield United Women Reserves to Wildsmith Meadow on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.