Chairboys defender Chris Westwood believes that Wycombe's defensive improvements since the turn of the year are largely down to the more attacking approach that the team has applied in recent weeks.

After conceding nine goals in their final two fixtures of 2009, the Blues have let in just seven in their last five games; not bad considering that this included clashes against all of the league's top three sides.

Yet although the 32-year-old is glad that there is currently a better harmony at the back for Wanderers, he is adamant that taking the fight to the opposition across the pitch has been even more important.

"It obviously helps if you can get an understanding along the back line and with your keeper, but I think we're going in the right way; we're going out to attack teams and that's helped us defensively," he told Chairboys Player.

"The gaffer [Gary Waddock] has got us playing a style of football that seems to suit the lads and we've gone out and imposed our game on other teams and it's made them change - they've changed formation to match us."

Following the signing of Adam Hinshelwood at the beginning of the month, the Blues' back four selection has certainly become more regular - with Westwood having partnered the former Aldershot man at the heart of defence in every game since - and the centre back admits that there has been an immediate comprehension between them.

"I don't know what it is - I seem to get it with most players I've played with along my career - but we just seem to get that understanding straight away.

"It obviously helps because it helps him settle in and it helps us as a defensive unit."

Along with the strengthening of this relationship, Westwood himself has blossomed as a player under boss Gary Waddock, and the man from Dudley is delighted that his persistence and hard work have been enough to earn him a prolonged run in the side.

"It [playing on a Saturday] is obviously what you train for every day and it's hard when you're not in the team; you train all week and then there's no sort of prize at the end," he said.

"But I was patient and luckily enough the gaffer seems to like the way I play and what I do, so long may that continue."