A superb 2-0 win at Sutton Coldfield hoisted Workington Reds up to fifth in the Evo Stik Premier League – and set-up a huge clash at the weekend.

Reds will entertain Salford City, who won Friday night’s televised FA Cup-tie against Notts County, and who are just above the west Cumbrians in the table.

City are co-owned by Manchester United legends Phil and Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

It’s a game that the Reds management team will look forward to in a better frame of mind after the victory at Sutton Coldfield.

Manager Derek Townsley said: “We needed a performance after our three recent games and it was very pleasing to bring back the points. I have seen them play better football, but the artificial pitch probably didn’t help, and the thing that pleased me most was how well everyone worked so hard in the team.

“We keep going on about starting well and positively and we certainly got that with two good goals in the first 16 minutes.

“It was handy to have a two goal cushion but Sutton Coldfield had their moments and Jonny Jamieson did particularly well with a couple of outstanding saves.

“The fact that we were four good lads short from the squad speaks volumes for how well the team did on the day and I know everyone will be looking forward to the big game with Salford.”

Before then, however, Reds have another home game on Tuesday when they take-on Kendal in the Dootson Sports League Cup and unlikely to feature is defender Josh Calvert.

The young centre-half was forced to limp-off with a hamstring problem and will need time to recover if he’s to stand any chance of figuring against Salford.

Conor Tinnion and Gari Rowntree both missed Saturday’s game through suspension and Anthony Wright was missing because his partner had just given birth to a baby.

Gareth Arnison was absent due to illness.

Townsley said: “We will just take a head count on Tuesday and see who we have. It’s a Cup competition and we want to win it. Kendal will feel the same, coming from the League below.”

Reds gave a full debut to Rob McCartney on Saturday and he played the whole game, earning praise from his manager.

“I think he’s definitely one for the future. He has a lot of ability and certainly didn’t look out of place. We are pleased with how he’s been developing at the club.

“We also brought-on Kingsley Grandison late on for his League debut with us and I thought he played his part, fitting in well,” said Townsley.