Flexibility is the key to our progress says Ford

Banbury United boss Mike Ford feels flexibility will be the key factor to his side's progress this season.
Jack Self gave Banbury United the lead at St Neots TownJack Self gave Banbury United the lead at St Neots Town
Jack Self gave Banbury United the lead at St Neots Town

The Puritans boss changed his line-up – and his formation – for Tuesday’s Evo-Stik Southern League trip to St Neots Town and that paid off as his side went sixth in the premier division.

And it was just what was required following Saturday’s disappointing Buildbase FA Trophy exit at the hands of Bishops Cleeve.

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But United had to recover from conceding an early goal to produce only their second win from a losing position under Ford. And George Jeacock’s second half brace couldn’t have come at a better time for the on-loan Oxford United striker who was taken off on Saturday.

Ford said: “I’m delighted for the players, they’ve come here on the back of a disappointing result, not a disappointing display on Saturday, and everyone has contributed to the win.

“I looked at the players available and what we needed to win the game. The system allowed Eddie Odhiambo and Jack Self more freedom and it’s no coincidence they both scored. I do like that shape, there is plenty of flexibility in it.

“George Nash isn’t in there just to do a defensive job, Darius Browne got into the game as it wore on and Conor McDonagh led the line well before George Jeacock came on and got two goals.

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“It was a good night’s work and three more points. I looked at my defensive options and Andy Gunn was probably unfortunate to miss out but we still haven’t kept a clean sheet.

“It was a frantic start, we tried to win the ball high up the pitch but then played at 100mph and kept giving it back to them. After their goal we dominated the first half, they couldn’t cope with us and we defended when we had to.”