TOWN boss Phil Brown highlighted the importance of playing with a ‘round pegs in round holes’ structure after his side defeated Cambridge United 3-1 at the weekend.

A timely win for Town means they sit level on points with fellow playoff hopefuls Lincoln City and Exeter on 60 points in eighth place.

Brown opted to use the traditional 4-4-2 formation on Saturday, a major change to the 3-5-2 structure fans have been used to since the festive period.

And the change in style appeared to suit Brown’s men as they proved clinical against an in-form Cambridge side.

Brown said: “I looked at the stats and the team had been playing three at the back since Boxing Day, I know Ben Purkiss was just slightly out of position as was Matt Taylor and Rollin Menayese.

“It’s only five or 10 yards but it’s a difference in the mentality.

“But Ben’s at right back now and you could tell he was comfortable – passing the ball and doing the things that right backs do.

“Chris Hussey provided that balance. It was a recipe for success.

“But it’s down to hard work, you can’t just walk on a field expecting to win. We had to work hard to get the three points.”

The manager was also quick to praise his two forwards Luke Norris and Marc Richards.

Both managed to find a way past United keeper David Forde as Richards hit a second half brace to confirm the three points for the visiting side.

However there is concern for Norris, who rolled over on his ankle on what Brown described a ‘loose’ surface.

“He (Luke Norris) has gone over his ankle,” said Brown.

“It was a loose surface.

“My fingers are crossed and I’m praying for the best. But Luke is a big lad and Marc Richards is the same – rigorous, rugged and the type of player I wouldn’t want to play against.

“The pair of them have formed a decent partnership, that was there before I arrived.

“Behind them we’ve got Keshi Anderson and three or four others that are pushing them – so they’ve got to score goals and work hard to keep the shirts. And that’s that they did on Saturday.”