Workington Reds boss Dave Hewson gave all the credit to his players after their heroics in a 2-0 win against Ilkeston that ensured a third successive play-off finish.

Patience was the name of the game as Reds probed against an already-relegated Ilkeston side that scrapped for everything and posed a threat on the break.

And when the goals finally came, through Sam Joel and a downward header in a goalmouth scramble which several players claimed as their own, Hewson admitted he was thrilled they had got the job done.

“I’ve been through the ups and downs with them and we’ve never lost faith with them,” said the Reds boss.

“There have been some doubters. Yes, we’ve had our disappointments but that’s bound to happen and we have always bounced back.”

“I think it’s an absolutely outstanding achievement and I want all the credit to go to the players in that dressing room," Hewson added.

“I would like to think we’ve got the best of the local talent and it means a little bit more doesn’t it? I think you could see the pride and passion out there.

“It was very tense tonight in the first 45 minutes.

“You could sense it all around the ground.”

Reds still have a game to play on Saturday and, despite a place in the play-offs being secured, Hewson admitted he wants another three points to keep the good run of eight wins from nine games going and take momentum into the promotion scrap.

“We want to finish the season on the up. So let’s keep this run going,” he said.