Cheltenham Town boss Michael Duff was delighted with his side and how they adapted to a new system as the Robins thrashed Arsenal Under-21s 6-2 in the Checkatrade Trophy to seal a first home victory of the season in 90 minutes.
A stunning free-kick from Chris Clements, a brace from Jacob Maddox, a header from Will Boyle and goals from Kelsey Mooney and Ryan Broom late on helped seal an emphatic first victory for Duff as manager.
“We created a lot of chances, scored six goals - if that doesn’t give them confidence, then hopefully lots of people have put their hands up today,” said Duff.
“We tried a different shape, something we’ve been working on for a while and there was some good football played with some good performances. Hopefully we can kick on from this now.
“I’m confident, like I said on Saturday and I’m no different now to what I was on Saturday – I firmly believe in what me and the staff do and I firmly believe in the players that we have got.”
The Robins switched to 3-5-2 and reaped the rewards at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium, despite the fact Arsenal Under-21s played 83 minutes a man down after Robbie Burton was sent off early on.
“I’m pleased that we did it, rather than thinking what if, and the players did show that they can deliver in that shape,” Duff added.
“If you keep doing the same thing and expecting different results, then it’s the first sign of madness. We had to look at different things because what we were doing wasn’t working.
“The application and attitude was excellent from one to 11 really. Nobody devalued the competition tonight, it was an opportunity to impress and I think certain people did and that was the most pleasing aspect.”