RICHIE Wellens was quick to praise his players’ tactical attention to detail in the aftermath of this afternoon’s three-goal victory over play-off rivals Colchester United at the Energy Check County Ground.

Wellens and his coaching staff identified United’s tendency to leave back-post areas vulnerable, a trait which became evident when Luke Woolfenden volleyed Town into a two-goal lead with four minutes remaining in the first half.

Coupled that with Canice Carroll’s earlier strike and Kyle Bennett’s second half goal, Town recorded their first 3-0 win at home this season – a sign that the feel-good factor is perhaps creeping back onto the terraces.

Wellens said: “We just changed things (before the first goal).

“I needed more energy from my outside midfielder in Canice (Carroll). I wanted him to get up the pitch, but also get into the other midfielder’s face and take the ball off of him.

“Jak (McCourt) went into the holding position because of his quality on the ball. It was good that we had four or five bodies in the box for the second goal.

“When it’s windy, you have to play diagonal balls. If you play straight, the ball just rolls out of play.

“The reason I played two full backs today was because (Courtney) Senior is one of the best players in the division in terms of one-on-ones – but we’ve got Kyle Knoyle at right-back.

“We knew both (Colchester) full backs were good going forward for them, but they concede too many chances to crosses at the back post.

“Luke Woolfenden’s effort and execution to get to that ball was fantastic.”

Atmosphere generated after Town’s first two goals couldn’t have been further from the vibes echoed around the County Ground in the game’s opening 39 minutes.

Chances were at a premium as both sets of defenders resolutely cut-out key passes.

But it was that very element that pleased Wellens most about today’s game, as he sung the praises of his side’s ability to grind out the game when under pressure. He added: “The way we grinded in the first half pleased me a lot, because it was poor at times.

“You’ve got to give Colchester a bit of credit, they play football in a way that can cause you problems.

“We were too direct (in the first half). Colchester in the first half were neat, tidy and everything stayed in.

“In the second half they went long, and balls went out – it was a game of two halves I suppose.

“The first goal came at the right time – most of the chances otherwise came to us.”