A CHANGE of personnel and a different shape to the team saw Bracknell Town return to winning ways in stunning style on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

They triumphed 6-1 against FC Romania at Cheshunt, a week after crashing 7-2 at Ware in another part of Hertfordshire.

It was their first Bostik League victory following a run of five draws and two defeats.

"Obviously, it was very pleasing after last week's disappointment," said manager Geoff Warner.

"We had seven players unavailable for one reason or another, but sometimes you throw a team together and it comes off like it did. Those who came in did well.

"It was quite a young team but the older ones, Adam Cornell and Matt Day, showed some good leadership qualities.

"From one to 11, everyone played well."

Warner added: "For the first time, we didn't play with any wingers. We played a diamond shape in midfield and it worked.

"We brought Seb (Bowerman) in off the wing and played him in a No. 10 role.

"He was very effective because sometimes when he is out wide, he gets isolated a bit and doesn't see enough of the ball, but in that central role, he's on the ball all the time.

"It meant midfield players Ashleigh Artwell and Kensley Maloney were able to get forward all the time. Both scored, so that was pleasing as well."

Artwell set up the first goal for Cornell and scored the second himself, both coming in the opening 10 minutes.

Warner continued: "We just battered them for the first 35 minutes, we were so good.

"We got two goals early on and built on that. It was a nice pitch that suited us, as we were able to move the ball around well.

"There were some really good combination play and scored some excellent goals.

"The front two (Cornell and Liam Ferdinand) were a threat the whole game.

"We were five up at half-time and we created as many chances in the second half as we did in the first, but were not as clinical with our finishing."

The Robins manager commented: "It is good to go into Christmas on the back of a good win. We are back in third place and hopefully, we can kick on from now."

This was Bracknell's last game of a highly successful 2018, as they are without a fixture until Tuesday, New Year's Day, when they host Westfield at Larges Lane (3pm).

Their opponents turned down a request to play the game this Saturday.

Carl Davies is unlikely to return due to his foot injury, while left-back Ryan Parsons remains suspended.

Parsons has indicated he wants to stay at Larges Lane despite interest from league rival Egham Town.

Kane Fitzgerald, who came off the bench to set up the sixth goal scored by Ferdinand, has also joined Hellenic League side Windsor, while Dan Read, having recovered from injury, has signed on similar terms with Binfield and made his debut in their 4-0 win at Holmer Green on Saturday.

Fellow striker Gavin James is also fit again and was a used substitute against Romania.