Delighted Workington Reds boss Derek Townsley paid tribute to his side who secured their Evo-Stik premier division play-off berth in style on Saturday.

Retiring defender Kyle May was among the goal heroes as Reds beat Buxton 5-0.

And Borough Park erupted as the news everyone was waiting for came through that Salford had beaten Stourbridge to help Reds on their way.

Reds now head to Blyth Spartans on Tuesday night for the first round of the play-offs and Townsley was ecstatic for his players and the fans.

"The boys have been superb this season and I'm pleased that they've got something to show for their efforts," he said. 

"It's all down to them and I'm delighted for them. It would have been criminal if we'd left today with nothing to show for our efforts."

Reds fulfilled their part of the bargain as they came out all guns blazing against Buxton and were 4-0 up halfway through the first half.

Townsley said their start was key to the victory and added that he was delighted that May was among the scorers.

He added: "I've banged on all season about getting out of the traps and getting to grips early on with the game and they certainly did that today and all credit to them.

"How fitting for Kyle to score and a credit to him. It was a great delivery and Kyle as we know is very aggressive he goes and attacks things and he's got his reward there.

"We had a good tempo to our play and the lads got about their business and we were really ruthless in front of goal."

Reds tailed off slightly in the second half but then picked up to get their fifth goal, before having an anxious wait to see how both Ashton United and Stourbridge had fared in their respective games.

With all teams needing a win to collect their berth, Ashton won their clash with Sutton Coldfield 1-0 but then came the news that Salford City had beaten Stourbridge 2-1 and Reds were assured of a place.

Townsley added: "Unless we won here it didn't really matter what happened elsewhere so I was focused on our lads  and getting over the line.

"But towards the end of the game we were aware of scores elsewhere. Thankfully again we were five up by that point so we were just hoping."

With three wins in a week, Reds are flying high again and can hopefully continue their form at Blyth.

"The wins have done our confidence the world of good so lets hope the lads are still full of confidence going into Tuesday night," added Townsley.

"Anything can happen in these type of games. It will be settled on the night so in many ways played very much like a cup tie.

"Last season Curzon Ashton came from fifth to win so let's hope that omen continues for us."