Formations and their merits have been a common talking point among Colchester United supporters all season.

So it was unsurprising perhaps that Tony Humes’ choice of tactics against Bristol City were a popular topic of discussion in the wake of their encouraging victory over the league leaders.

Having adopted 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system for the much of the season, Humes’ decision to revert to 4-4-2 for the visit of the Robins was as unexpected as it was bold.

But his choice of playing two forwards, recalling Macauley Bonne to play alongside Chris Porter, was largely welcomed by fans before kick-off.

And after seeing their side topple the promotion-chasing Robins, the U’s faithful left the Weston Homes Community Stadium feeling even more enthused.

Humes paid tribute to his players afterwards – but surely the U’s boss deserves just as much credit as his team for being bold enough to change his approach, especially against such tough opponents.

Indeed, his team selection and tactics offered evidence of his own bravery as a young manager.

“I’m learning all the time – we’re starting to learn different tactical things and who to put in at the right place, to get the best results,” said Humes afterwards.

In electing to switch to a different system, Humes undoubtedly disrupted the best laid plans of Bristol City, who were more than likely preparing for a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Crucially, Humes had analysed the manner of the Robins’ defeat at Sheffield United last weekend, where the Blades had adopted a similar approach with two in attack and decided to follow suit.

He had the enterprise to put his plans into practice and was duly rewarded.

The question now is, will Colchester adopt the same system against Doncaster Rovers, this weekend?

Much of the reason for the U’s sticking rigidly to the same tactics this season is due to their desire to adhere to a well established club philosophy, where all of their sides play the same way.

Time will tell whether or not the new forward partnership between Bonne and Chris Porter, which showed such promise last weekend, will be allowed to flourish again in the coming weeks.

But the success of using a different system shows not only that the U’s players are capable of adhering to their commands but that Humes is not too stubborn to adopt different tactics – if and when the time is right.