FAIRFORD boss Paul Braithwaite was happy his tactical switch paid off as Alex Webb’s hattrick gave his side a comfortable win away against Old Woodstock Town.

Fairford led 1-0 courtesy of Webb’s first half goal but were under pressure early in the second half as Woodstock searched for an equaliser.

Braithwaite decided to switch to a 3-4-3 to put more pressure on the host’s defence. The switch had an immediate impact with Fairford forcing a free-kick from which Henry Traas delivered for Webb to get his second.

By the time Sean McKeon put in Webb for his match-ball clincher Braithwaite’s side were firmly in control.

Speaking to the Adver after the game Braithwaite reflected positively on the end of season fixture and his tactical switch.

“It was pretty routine, kind of what I was hoping for. It was funny game to start with, I expected it played in a calm manner,” he said.

“It started quite lively, a few quite meaty challenges from them, and a few bits off the ball, we spoke before about finishing the game without yellow cards, suspensions and injuries, we kept our heads down and got on with it.

“At 1-0 at half-time they came flying out the blocks and had a good 10 minute spell where they had a lot of possession. We switched to 3-4-3 to take control again, and it changed the nature of the game.

“I felt it was better put three up and pin them back, and we took control, it is nice (when a tactical switch works) but I would expect the lads to do what’s asked of them.”

Braithwaite said before the game that he was going to use the fixture as a chance to try out some players who had not been in the starting XI recently and he thought the guys who came in stepped up and had praise for his three-goal striker Webb.

“Colin Curtis did well, Billy Lowry did too, he fell off last 15-20 as reserve football is different to this level, in general the way he conducted himself was good.

“Alex Webb’s hat-trick was a nice way to end the season for him.”