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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Luke Williams explains reasoning behind tactical switch in Notts County win

Notts County boss Luke Williams explained the reasoning behind the tactical change which saw Jodi Jones and Adam Chicksen swap positions midway through the first half during their win over Woking.

In what proved to be a difficult first period for the Magpies, the Notts head coach deemed it necessary for a change in tactics to break down the compact and resolute Cardinals defence.

The home side were able to turn on the style following the interval, with Sam Austin's brace and substitute Aaron Nemane's second goal of the campaign enough to close the gap to just a point to leaders Wrexham with two games of the season left to play.

READ MORE: Super Sam Austin and Notts County adapt and overcome to keep pressure on Wrexham

READ MORE: Junior Morias reflects on Notts County debut as Macaulay Langstaff exploits praised

But Notts' eventual ability to break through the Woking defence was largely down to the improved quality in the wide positions as the game progressed - both Jones and Chicksen were still unable to find Macaulay Langstaff inside the penalty area as the Notts number nine cut a frustrated figure during the contest.

However, when asked about the change in personnel, Williams explained his thinking behind the decision and how it can benefit his side moving forward with the play-offs looming.

"Because Jodi naturally is a dribbler and he wants to infield to try and affect the game, and we need to create the best chances in this team at this moment in time from the outside.

"So, Jodi can go on the outside even with his weaker foot because he doesn't have a weak foot really, he can go to the outside to create chances but he was reluctant - so then he goes on the left and he was very first action.

"He hit an incredible ball across the box like a rocket and into the zone which is the best place to put a ball and we almost score and it immediately gives us a completely different feel.

"In recent weeks when Adam Chicksen has played on the other side, I think he has done great - he made a brilliant run in the last home game and then slid the ball across the box perfectly from the right-hand side, so I have confidence that Chicks can play on the right.

"But I needed Jodi to play on the left because I wanted his left foot to be the tool and I wanted him to feel more comfortable to take the outside of the pitch."

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