BLACKROD Town manager Phil Bell's decision to change his team formation in a bid to stem defensive lapses paid immediate dividends.

Bell switched to a 5-4-1 line-up with leading scorer Mark Height the sole striker and was repaid with a 4-1 win at Thornton Cleveleys.

Sam Grundy finished off a slick passing movement to earn the lead before Height added a second.

Height then pounced on a mistake by the home keeper to score the third and, after Cleveleys grabbed a consolation, Chris Tonge scored a fourth.

Town reserves beat high flying Charnock Richard 2-0 with goals from Carl McKnight and Andy Morris.