IN HIS post-match debrief Town boss Martin Ling said he had stumbled upon the diamond 4-4-2 that he employed to such great success against Chesterfield.

The absence of Raphael Branco necessitated the change in formation, as 3-5-2 was no longer possible with only two fit and available centre-backs.

It was not just in defence where absentees forced Ling’s hand. With Yaser Kasim and Drissa Traore out injured the holding role fell to the much-maligned Anton Rodgers. He excelled.

After just 15 minutes it was clear that by luck or judgement Ling had won the tactical battle with his opposite number Dean Saunders. However let us be clear, Town did not dominate this game.

Their success came from utilising their available resources.

The front six players were perfectly suited to springing attacks from deep that they caused the Spireites so much damage with. Ben Gladwin, Louis Thompson and Fabien Robert are all players that break lines with the ball at their feet, but they are also technically gifted enough to pick a pass too.

When Town were on the front foot those three were able to rotate and keep the ball moving with purpose and drag the Chesterfield defence around with runs on and off the ball.

The first two goals came from the right as either ball movement or player movement created at overload against the home side’s left-back. Bradley Barry, who had an excellent game, created both but could not have done so without Gladwin’s initial vision or Thompson’s willing running.

Rodgers is often guilty over overcomplicating matters, but this time he kept it simple and the team saw the benefits.

A lot of what he did was unseen, pressing in front of defence, acting as the second man closing down, or giving the ball to the midfield three in front of him. It was unselfish work and he deserved the praise given by his manager afterwards.

The back was also asked to do less playing out, sensible given the conditions. It reduced the pressure on the inexperienced full-backs and technical centre-backs. This was smart, rather than pretty football.