JAMES Wood was quick to sing John Macey's praises after the Poppies coach initiated a match-winning tactical masterstroke.

Manager Wood admitted he could take "no credit" for the change of tactics that resulted in Poppies cruising to a 2-0 victory at Brading Town on Saturday.

It was a half-time suggestion from Macey that turned Poppies' fortunes, as second-half goals from strikers Leigh Phillips and Gareth Barnes proved enough to claim maximum points.

"We're quite lucky this year to have John Macey, an ex-professional goalkeeper, and he's been invaluable to me," Wood told the Daily Echo.

"We weren't getting a lot of joy in certain areas, it was one of those games where it was direct down the middle.

"So John brought up a few tactical changes and we tucked the wide players in and let them join more centrally.

"And it worked - he was spot on with it."

Wood revealed that Macey initially joined the Victoria Park club this season to help out with coaching but has become more and more involved.

"It's fantastic for me because of his experience," said Wood.

"He gets on very well with the players and he's a great character to have around.

"I'm a young manager and need someone to bounce ideas off and someone like him is absolutely invaluable. Long may it continue."

Wood was also pleased to keep a clean sheet, having been forced to bring in Micky Toy and Max Crow at left and right-back.

The Poppies boss also praised his goalkeeper Stewart Kearn, who produced a crucial save to keep his side in front at 1-0.

Poppies: Kearn, Crow, Cherrett, Dibba, M Toy, Sanderson, Dancer, White, Smith, Barnes, Phillips (C Toy 80). Unused subs: Morrell, Merritt, Wood.